LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Dana McDonough upon the occasion of her
designation as the 2016 New York State Teacher of the Year

WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled; its
history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its educa-
tional professionals and the students they inspire; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of those outstanding
educational leaders whose dedication and achievements have been instru-
mental in developing character and academic excellence in the young
people of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dana
McDonough upon the occasion of her designation as the 2016 New York
State Teacher of the Year by the New York State Education Department;
and
WHEREAS, Dana McDonough, the 46th New York State Teacher of the Year,
has been teaching first or second grade in the Newburgh Enlarged City
School District for her entire career of 22 years; she currently teaches
second graders at Fostertown ETC Magnet School; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to her students, Dana McDonough encourages chil-
dren to recognize and take ownership of their own path of learning in
and out of the classroom; she works with the whole community around a
child, realizing that learning does not begin and end in the classroom;
she gives her students the tools they need to be lifelong learners; and
WHEREAS, Dana McDonough, a native of Newburgh, New York, was educated
in the city's public schools; she is a graduate of Mount Saint Mary
College, also in Newburgh, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Education (N-6), and a Master of Science degree in Education with a
Reading Specialization; and
WHEREAS, In addition, she holds a permanent New York State Certif-
ication in Elementary (N-6) Education; and
WHEREAS, Dana McDonough is the recipient of countless awards and acco-
lades, including the Dean's Award for Excellence for Teacher of the
Hudson Valley; she has also twice received the Teaching the Hudson
Valley Explore Award and has been published in the National Education
Association's NEA TODAY magazine; and
WHEREAS, A child-centered professional who values teaching and learn-
ing above all, Dana McDonough is an educator who readily shares her
knowledge and experience with her colleagues; and
WHEREAS, Dana McDonough's commitment to family involvement is evident
in all that she does as an educator; in addition to meeting with the
families of each of her incoming students, she has created programs to
provide tools for parents, enabling them to better support their chil-
dren through the curriculum; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Dana McDonough emails parents weekly with
updates about lessons and activities to nurture that essential partner-
ship; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Emmett, and their
two daughters, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and
rejoice in her achievements; and
WHEREAS, Educators like Dana McDonough provide a tremendous service to
the future of our State and Nation, inspiring generations of young
people in their educational journeys and ensuring their success in their
future years; and
WHEREAS, Dana McDonough has clearly had an enduring impact on the
youth of the Newburgh Enlarged City School District and the community at

large, and accordingly merits recognition and applause for many impres-
sive years of dedication to others; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those individuals who work to support our proud tradition of
public education by providing their skills and talents to our schools;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dana McDonough upon the occasion of her designation as the 2016
New York State Teacher of the Year; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dana McDonough.