Teacher of the Year

 

Chris Stein became the principal at Cairo-Durham Elementary School at the start of the 2018-2019 academic year.

Since taking over the school’s leadership reins, Stein understands that fire prevention isn’t just for adults. Having a firm grasp of fire safety measures — and what to do in the event of a fire — is also a critically important subject for children too.

In addition to placing a heavy emphasis on fire safety during October’s Fire Prevention Week, Stein makes sure that fire safety lessons are woven into the school’s academic curriculum year-round. This gives youngsters a much deeper appreciation for the importance of fire safety.

“Over the past several years, it’s been a pleasure working with Mr. Stein hands on with our elementary students,” said Cairo Fire Chief Raymond Feml. “He understands the vital importance of our program and goes above and beyond to show his support. He loves his students and their safety at home is just as prominent as it is in school.”

During Fire Prevention Week, the Oak Hill-Durham Volunteer Fire Company’s Fire Prevention and Life Safety Team coordinates several stations for children to participate in hands-on learning, including spraying fire hoses and crawling through “smoke” mazes. Stein accommodates whatever needs to be set up for the children to have the best experience possible. And that even extends to being part of the demonstrations!

During Fire Prevention Week in October 2019, Stein joined in Oak Hill-Durham Volunteer Fire Company’s grand finale with the Greene County Sheriff’s K-9, Havoc. Students not only saw how the sheriff’s German Shepherd works when he’s on the job, but also enjoyed watching their principal be the “bad guy” and get “attacked” by the powerful canine!

Besides being a good sport, Stein is adept at problem solving. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in March 2020, he made sure the virus didn’t sidetrack students’ Fire Prevention Education. With his assistance, handouts, videos and homework were sent to students electronically each month. He then personally delivered prizes to end-of-the-year drawing contest winners.

“I have worked with many principals over 10 years as a school administrator and to say Chris Stein is among the best is an understatement,” noted Douglas Morrissey, director, Pupil Personnel Services, Cairo Durham Central School District. “I have known few others who are as dedicated to improving the lives of students both in school and out as Chris.”

Studies show that most fires start unexpectedly and spread quickly. It’s therefore imperative that children have the fire safety skills they need before a fire occurs. Due to Stein’s exemplary leadership, desire to make health and safety a top priority, and adaptability through the COVlD-19 pandemic, students at Cairo-Durham Elementary School have the skills they need to protect themselves should they find themselves in harm’s way.

Past Award Recipients

2020	John Motchkavitz	Great Neck South High School
2018	Joel Fisher	Sherman Central School
2017	Elisa Futia	Edward J. Arthur Elementary School
2016	Michael Revenson	Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department
2015	Paul E. Ziring	Great Neck School District
2014	Michele Hood	Roscoe Central School
2013	Sandy Hickey	Mill Road Elementary School
2012	Paula Candella	Westmoreland Road Elementary School
2011	Daria M. Pascale	C.V. Starr Intermediate School
2010	Susan L.S. Brown	Germantown Central School District
2009	Gail Carrier	Holy Ghost Lutheran School
2008	Ann Chestnut	St. Mary’s School
2007	Fehmida Mohammedali	Al-Iman School, New York
2006	Tammy Hollenbeck
2005	Warren G. Schmidt
2004	Daria M. Pascale	C.V. Starr Intermediate School