Teachers Who Go Above and Beyond the Job

Teaching With Passion

Laura LeQuesne Filipiak wasn’t sure what grade she was going to end up teaching, but she ended up intensely drawn toward the younger children. “I love the social, emotional and behavioral stuff,” Filipiak told dnainfo.com of teaching young children. “I like helping these kids become good citizens. They grow so much here.” Dawn Manley, whose child is in Filipiak’s class, said, “There is a difference between someone who just shows up to work every day and someone who is passionate about what they do, and Mrs. Laura is one that goes above and beyond.” This teacher makes an impact on all her students, beyond basic lessons.

Building A Better Community

Johnson City High School teacher Joe Schieve of Chenango Forks focused on teaching, not grades. He recently received the 2016 Media Mentor Award from Ithaca College, which recognizes teachers and advisers who ignite a passion for media in their students. “I care about creating good people,” said Schieve to pressconnects.com. “People that want to give back to Johnson City. Johnson City gave so much to me, and I just want to be a part of a generation that gives back to Johnson City.” Scheive moved away from traditional lecture style of teaching and has a much more hands-on approach that includes many outings with his students.