Applied arts teacher Susan Muise was awarded the Pat Carlson Teacher of the Year award during a school-wide assembly on May 8 after years of teaching in a program that connects high school students with preschoolers.
Muise is the preschool teacher for the Tiny Titans program and also instructs early development classes for high school students. Through the program, high schoolers learn leadership skills, help plan lessons, lead activities and work directly with children, while preschoolers receive hands-on classroom experiences. Muise says that the balance takes effort, but it is what makes this recognition feel so meaningful.
“I feel very honored and I feel touched to have been considered and thought of,” Muise said. “There’s a lot of passion and a lot of work that goes into running this program and balancing high school and preschool learning, and it feels really, really nice to be recognized for that.”
Muise was not originally planning on attending the assembly, as she was dismissing preschoolers to their parents. Just a few minutes before the award ceremony, principal Sean Bevan told her that she had won, turning an ordinary school day into one of the most memorable moments of her teaching career.
“Receiving this award will always, forever, be something that’s memorable,” Muise said. “I can think of a million little stories I could share, but receiving this award was definitely top of the list.”
Sophomore AJ Soens has taken several early childhood classes with Muise, and believes that Muise deserved the award because of the care and support she provides her students on a daily basis.
“Ms. Muise deserved the Teacher of the Year award because she truly goes above and beyond,” Soens said. “She cares and helps everyone, from teachers to high schoolers to preschoolers, and it is plain and simple to see.”
Soens shared that Muise’s positive outlook is part of what makes her stand out.
“She always comes in with a happy face and always shows you support in anything you do,” Soens said. “She is always willing to help you or give advice and really is so amazing.”
Muise said one of the most unique parts of her job is working with both young children and teenagers. The balance between the two age groups makes the program a great fit for her.
“I really get the best of both worlds,” Muise said. “I like changing gears, and I really like the balance of working with high school students.”
In her classes, Muise ensures high school students are able to take responsibility in the preschool classroom. By working directly with the children, they can take risks and learn from the results of their lessons.
“The high school students really rise to the occasion,” Muise said. “They see moments where they’re not only in class, but they are needed. I count on them, and I need their help, and I need them to refer back to their training with me and everything that we talk about in class so that they can be successful in that moment.”
Soens appreciates how Muise provides more opportunity for independence and self-guided learning than other teachers.
“We are free to explore different styles of teaching in our class and encouraged to learn from our mistakes,” Soens said. “She supports us expressing ourselves and promotes individuality for the teachers and pre-schoolers.”
While Muise works closely with high school students, she said that teaching preschoolers is also rewarding because of their excitement and curiosity.
“My favorite part about teaching preschoolers is how excited they get when they finally understand something, or they get a joke,” Muise said. “Everything is so new to them.”
Beyond teaching lessons, Muise hopes students remember the way they felt while in her classroom.
“I hope they remember me as someone who made them feel good about their efforts and their progress,” Muise said. “Students don’t remember the lesson, they remember how you made them feel. I think that is a really important way to carry on with each day.”
Muise’s career in the program was shaped by the educators who came before her and worked alongside her. She student-taught at the school in 2010 and said that Candace Laughlin, who previously taught early childhood classes, was an important influence on her path. Muise also taught with former health and fitness teacher Jean Fedak in the program.
For Muise, the Teacher of the Year award is not just a recognition of her work, but also a reminder of the lasting relationships she has built with both high school students and the Tiny Titans. Muise said the response from those around her has made the award even more meaningful and heartwarming.
“I’ve been so touched with all the words of congratulations from my colleagues and from other teachers here,” Muise said. “The outpouring of support for being the recipient has been touching, and very, very sweet.”
