Forbes School teacher receives science educator award

>> The Connecticut Science Teacher Association recently announced that Diane Marya Hart, a teacher at the Forbes School in Torrington, has been selected to receive its Elementary School Science Teacher of the Year award, according to a press release.

An educator for 17 years, Hart teaches fifth grade science and language arts, runs the school’s annual science fair and prepares teams for the Paleo-Knowledge Bowl competition at the Peabody Museum.

She serves as Elementary Science Coordinator for the Torrington school district and contributes to a number of science enhancement activities for teachers.

In addition to offering science workshops to her colleagues, Hart has been a member of the State Science Assessment Committee for the past three years and has done yeoman service as a member of the Connecticut Science Teachers Association, serving as vice president and leading committees that organize state-wide teacher conferences.

Hart holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Foreign Languages from Roger Williams University. She earned her Master’s Degree and a sixth year certificate at Quinnipiac University.

In the release, Torrington Public Schools’ acting superintendent, Susan M. Lobomski, had high praise for Hart.

“(She was) instrumental in changing the culture of instruction at Forbes School,” she said.

Forbes Principal Joanne R. Creedon noted that Hart reaches out to all, from the academic stars to the reluctant pupil and cultivates the development of a sense of responsibility, decision making skills, and academic performance.

The award was presented at the CSTA Annual Awards Banquet, New Haven Lawn Club on May 3.