Burrillville School District tabs Lisa Ricci top teacher
BURRILLVILLE — Lisa Ricci, a Burrillville High School English language arts teacher, is the Burrillville School District’s 20172018 Outstanding Teacher of the Year, School Committee Mark Brizard announced at the committee’s meeting on Tuesday.
Ricci was one of four nominees reviewed by a selection committee for this year’s award. Each of the nominees were named Teachers of the Year at their respective schools and thereby eligible for the outstanding district teacher of the year award. The three other finalists were Monica Thompson, Steere Farm Elementary School; Jennifer Wilson, William L. Callahan School; and Mary Jane Boucher, Austin T. Levy School.
Ricci, a teacher at the high school since 1994, was recognized by the School Committee Tuesday with a plaque and a $500 check.
Ricci earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and
secondary education in 1993 and her Master’s degree in English in 2002. A Smithfield resident whose parents live in Lincoln, Ricci, 46, is the mother of two daughters, Siena, 17, and Malina, 15.
“For nearly 23 years, Miss Lisa Ricci has been inspiring the students of Burrillville in her English classes and the relationships she builds with her students. Her passion for all things literary and her great love of teaching shine through,” the selection committee said in announcing the honor.
“Miss Ricci is a shining example of what it means to be an outstanding teacher. She works tirelessly to strike a balance between building her students to rigorous standards and creating a nurturing environment within which those expectations can be met.”
“For her, teaching English is not just about getting her students to get through a required class – it’s about sharing her infinity for the written word and encouraging her students to their own patterns.”
“You were truly put on this earth to put a smile on your students’ faces and make English interesting,” said one of her students.
“I will forever hold you in my heart as the teacher who went above and beyond to know me on a personal level,” said another.
Another student said, “I owe most of my growth as a writer and a person to your writing class and to you who let me be free to express my skills.”
Ricci says she is extremely appreciative of the honor.
“I'm not one to look for recognition or to bask in spotlights of any kind, so although it's a bit awkward for me, I am allowing myself to take it all in because where teaching has always been my life's professional passion, it's very hard work on a lot of levels,” she says. “And it should be hard work if you care enough to do your best for your students.”
Ricci says she couldn’t do her job if it weren't for her students, colleagues, friends and family who continue to be her teachers, inspiration, levity and support each day.
“There is no teaching without the students. They breathe life into the school and keep us young. Different faces, different classes, different conversations, different experiences have shaped me into the instructor I am today,” she says. “I am in awe of my fellow teachers and friends who spend hours advocating for their students, correcting papers – sometimes at the expense of spending time with loved ones – and coming up with interesting lessons and assignments that encourage learning.”
She also credited her family who has supported her at each stage of her career.
“They've wiped away tears of exhaustion and frustration, and cheered me on as well. For that, and so much more, I'm forever grateful for their love and support,” she says.