Greg Ahlquist
Webster Teachers Association
Gregory Ahlquist has been teaching in the Webster Central School District for 12 years and is the winner of the district's Oak Tree Award for teaching. He teaches AP World History and AP European History. For the past 14 years, he has been an adjunct lecturer at SUNY Geneseo teaching Humanities, as well as History and Latin courses.
"New York's classrooms are filled with caring, dedicated teachers. Gregory stands out for his passion for teaching, his leadership in the community and his commitment to social justice," said NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi. "He is an inspiration to everyone in his school district, especially his students, and is an example for all of us to follow."
TA President Steven Turiano said, "he exemplifies everything that we feel makes Webster a wonderful teaching district." Viewing his role as a guide, Ahlquist works with his students to create an intellectual and creative space for them to understand not only history, but also how those patterns and trends shape today's world and events.
Ahlquist also partners with students and models active citizenship and a concern for social justice through several annual community events that help the hungry as well as raise money and awareness in the fight against leukemia. Ahlquist notes that all parts of his teaching and service are rooted in a growth mindset and his firm belief in the potential of all students to learn.
Finalists for 2013 State Teacher of the Year were: Neil Lange, a resource room teacher for grades 9-12 in the Buffalo Public Schools; Stephanie Muson, an 8th grade social studies teacher in Briarcliff Manor; Grace Barrett, an art teacher of grades 6 through 8 in Commack; and Julene Waffle, an English teacher of grades 11 and 12 in Morris.