Listener Story Of The Week-“Top Teacher” Bryan Sawyer

This week my listener story highlights Bryan Sawyer.  Mr. Sawyer is the special education teacher for 2^nd & 3^rd graders at Karigon Elementary School in the Clifton Park School District.  Bryan is one of the finalists for “Top Teacher,” a contest hosted by “Live, with Kelly”.  The top prize is $25,000 for the winners School District. 

Mr. Sawyer was nominated for his hard work and dedication to his special needs students.  He is also known for his passion to secure the materials needed to help his students succeed. 

Karin Miller, the parent who nominated Bryan says in her letter: “Mr. Sawyer is unlike any other teacher I have come across in all my years of parenting. He is not afraid to advocate for a child even when he knows he will be standing alone. He has plans to assist families with special needs children in getting our children integrated with their peers in our community.”

Karin’s twin sons have both been diagnosed on the autism spectrum.  She has worked with Mr. Sawyer and watched her sons become part of mainstream classes due to Mr. Sawyers dedication to these boys.  “His rewards are not as evident as a regular education teacher would experience. Most of his students do not have ability to tell him that he is doing a good job or even “I understand.”  His reward comes from seeing these children move forward,” Karin added in her letter. 

Now it’s up to us to help Bryan Sawyer win this contest and use the prize money to continue to help our local students.  Voting started on Friday and ends tomorrow, Monday April 30, 2012 at 3 pm.  You can read Karin Millers letter and vote for Mr. Sawyer here.  Only one vote per person per day, so share this story today!!  We can all vote twice!

Whatever the votes reveal, Mr. Sawyer has proven himself an amazing advocate for our children in the Capital Region.  Congratulations!!