GREENFIELD — Two Greenfield teachers have been recognized as 2023 Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award winners.

Deborah Richerson, a kindergarten teacher at Federal Street School, and Shannon Eaton, a sixth grade English language arts teacher at Greenfield Middle School, join more than 2,000 educators who have been honored across Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden counties since the Harold Grinspoon Foundation launched the awards program in 2003.

“I do feel pretty honored to be recognized,” said Eaton. “I definitely don’t do it alone. … I have [instructional assistants] and building monitors, and my administration has been really supportive.”

According to the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, teachers are chosen based on several criteria, including excellence in teaching practices; effectiveness and creativity; impact on students; support of and positive impact upon other teachers’ practices; participation in professional development; and evidence of going “above and beyond” in both the classroom and broader school community.

Speaking to the Greenfield School Committee recently, Eaton and Richerson both said the students are the reason they do it.

“I’m just very humbled to be working in Greenfield,” Richerson said. “I’m blessed to get to work with kids every day and with such wonderful families. The kids are amazing. I get to do what I love every day.”

It’s not truly “work” if you love what you do, she added.

Assistant Superintendent Karin Patenaude said both award winners, who received a flower bouquet and public recognition at this month’s School Committee meeting, had several nominations sent on their behalf.

“[Richerson] is an amazing kindergarten teacher who is a wonderful resource for other teachers,” Patenaude said, reading a nomination from one of Richerson’s colleagues. “She has a special touch for working with children who need extra love and extra patience. … Deb brings the fun to learning.”

Eaton was described by one colleague as a “true gem” at Greenfield Middle School, Patenaude relayed.

“[Eaton] creates a safe, positive, supportive classroom environment and is able to strike that extremely challenging balance of a rigorous academic environment with high expectations, while also helping students feel like things are fun and welcoming,” Patenaude read. “Shannon goes above and beyond to accommodate all students.”

Both award winners will be honored at a banquet at the Log Cabin in Holyoke on April 26. Recipients of the Grinspoon award will receive an engraved plaque and a $250 check, as well as tuition incentives offered by seven colleges in western Massachusetts.

Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne.

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