By: Jeff Milgram
When he was in third grade at Princeton Day School, Kevin Modzelewski of Hopewell was a strong math and science student who simply "did not read fiction."
Two years later, Kevin continues to win math contests and chess tournaments, but he is just as proud of the fact that his poetry has twice been selected for a local anthology of poetry and prose by writers under 18.
What made the difference for Kevin?
His mother, Debbie Modzelewski, thinks the difference is Kevin’s third-grade teacher, Beverly Gallagher.
Using the story of her son, Kevin, Ms. Modzelewski nominated Ms. Gallagher to USA Today’s third annual All-USA Teacher Teams.
Ms. Modzelewski was convincing. Ms. Gallagher was named Thursday as one of 20 educators on the newspaper’s first team of outstanding teachers. She will receive a trophy and a check for $2,500 for her school today at USA Today’s headquarters in Arlington, Va.
"We honor these teachers for their vision, creativity and ability to inspire the best in their students," said USA Today Editor Karen Jurgenson in Thursday’s edition. "We recognize that their work changes society for the better, one student at a time."
The winners were selected from hundreds of nominees, the newspaper said.
Ms. Gallagher, a teacher for 18 years, the past nine at PDS, "inspires students to approach reading time with the enthusiasm of a trip to Walt Disney World," the newspaper said.
Ms. Modzelewski, who is a trustee at PDS, said Ms. Gallagher has taught her three oldest children.
"She treats every child as her own," Ms. Modzelewski said.
"Success stories about Bev’s influence abound, not just in my family, but in virtually every family she has touched," Ms. Modzelewski said.
Ms. Gallagher began the annual "Imagine the Possibilities" program that brings prominent writers, poets and artists to PDS, arranging presentations for students in all grades, workshops open to all teachers and classes that combine Lower School students with those from the Middle and Upper schools.
She also developed "Weaving Words," a summer workshop for teachers who want to improve their own writing skills.
Ms. Gallagher also "phones each pupil’s parents every two weeks or so to report the child’s tiny triumphs, new interests and great achievements," the newspaper said.
This isn’t the first honor for Ms. Gallagher. Last year, she was named the New Jersey nonpublic school teacher of the year.
"She’s uncomfortable with accolades," Ms. Modzelewski said of Ms. Gallagher. "She’s a little uncomfortable with all the attention, but she’s proud of what she’s done."
Ms. Gallagher was traveling to Arlington and was not available for comment Thursday.
