Peers honor town’s Teacher of the Year

Johnston Public Schools kicked off the 2015-16 academic year Wednesday morning as Superintendent Dr. Bernard DiLullo welcomed administrators, educators and staff during a unique Teacher Orientation Day ceremony that filled much of the Johnston High School auditorium.

DiLullo told talked about vision and noted: “We continue to make great strides with the focus on students and making learning a priority. I look forward to this year with pleasure and anticipation of more great things to come. I know – and appreciate – the excellent quality of our teachers, staff and administration, and I’m honored to work with each of you every day.”

The brief but impressive ceremony was highlighted by the announcement of Sarah Dyer Barnes Elementary’s Debra Turchetti-Ramm as Johnston Public Schools Teacher of the Year.

DiLullo said Ramm is “quite active in the educational community at large” and “has a long and extraordinary list of accomplishments.” The surprise announcement was greeted by a standing ovation as the honoree made her way onto the Johnston High Auditorium stage and received a bouquet of roses from DiLullo.

“This teacher is truly student centered,” DiLullo said. “She is introspective, collaborative and considered one of our teacher leaders. She is highly skilled at engaging all students in all aspects of learning. Bringing innovation and technology into the classroom, which enhanced the learning environment and supports students, is a hallmark of her instruction.”

Ramm, who graduated from Rhode Island College with a bachelor of arts degree in early childhood education/psychology and holds a certificate in elementary education, has been teaching in Johnston’s schools since 1997.

Among Ramm’s professional endeavors is serving as a board member/communications coordinator of Rhode Island ASCD and the Save The Bay Educational Committee.

She has been a National Board Certified Teacher since 2002, has been honored by the National Council for Geographic Education, and was named to Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers in 2005-06.

She also serves as a FUSE RI Fellow, claims membership in a number of organizations, and participates in programs such as EdUnderground, Titan Teacher, the Rhode Island Teachers and Technology Initiative, Innovation Powered by Technology and Verizon’s Thinkfinity program.

Ramm was selected for the 2014 Honeywell Education Space Academy at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala., and is a state finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.