Staffordville Resident Sandra M. Bidwell Received Neag School of Education Alumni Society’s Outstanding School Educator Award

Sandra M. Bidwell has been selected to receive the Outstanding School Educator Award from the Neag School of Education Alumni Society of the University of Connecticut. Bidwell was recently recognized at the 16th Annual Awards Dinner of the Neag School of Education.

Bidwell is a reading recovery teacher and reading and writing instructional support teacher at Staffordville Elementary School, Staffordville, CT.She started her career as a mathematics teacher at Assumption Jr. High, Manchester, CT before transitioning to teaching reading and mathematics for Stafford Schools, where she has continued to teach since 1986.

“Mrs. Bidwell cares deeply about education and the progress and well-being of each and every child who is fortunate enough to learn from her.” said Peggy Felcetta, principal of Stafford School, “Her energetic approach and ability to analyze a problem and offer innovative solutions make her an educator frequently sought out as a member of many committees.”

“Mrs. Bidwell has a prodigious capacity to initiate, participate and take on responsibilities that improve her teaching, promote student learning and positively contribute to Stafford’s professional community.” added Michael J. Bednarz, director of Curriculum and Instruction at Stafford Public Schools.

Bidwell earned a master’s degree in education in 1987 and a sixth year degree in professional education and reading in 1991 from the Neag School. Being a reading specialist for two decades, Bidwell has published multiple articles on using drama to improve motivation, comprehension and fluency, particularly for disabled readers.

She actively serves as a beginning educator support team and teacher education and mentoring program mentor to numerous student teachers and beginning teachers. She also leads the district’s New Teacher Committee. 

When she’s not teaching in the classroom, Bidwell actively volunteers within the community, including leading the community group at Staffordville School Parent Teacher Organization to develop surveys on improving home/school communication.

Bidwell’s work earned her to present at the National Conference of the International Reading Association and an award from Connecticut Reading Association for Excellence in Teaching Reading in 2012. She was Stafford’s Teacher of the Year in 2011.

For more information about Neag School of Education or the Neag School Alumni Society Awards Dinner, visit www.education.uconn.edu.