Remember these Erie County teachers? See Volume 2 from 2006-2011

Updated Oct. 17, 2026, 1:41 p.m. ET

J.S. Wilson Middle School teacher Glenn McKnight with seventh-graders Alayeh Henneberry, left, and Katelynn Hart, both 12, in August 2006. J.S. Wilson operated out of the formal St. Andrews School while renovation plans were in negotiation.

These photos from 2006-2011 are the second in a series of galleries of Erie County teachers. Find the first at Remember these Erie County teachers? Volume 1 of our photo series. Watch for more from the Erie Times-News archive in the near future.

Ben Hager/Erie Times-News File Photo Klein School music teacher Sheryl May teaches her fourth-grade students in the auditorium at Rolling Ridge Elementary School in September 2006, when Klein School was closed because of flooding.

Klein School music teacher Sheryl May teaches her fourth-grade students in the auditorium at Rolling Ridge Elementary School in September 2006, when Klein School was closed because of flooding.

Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News File Photo Larisa Melodinskaia, dance teacher at the Neighborhood Art House, teaches students a dance using jump ropes in November 2006. At left is Angelica Torres, 10. At right is Monifah Bailor, 8. Back center is Joseph Torres, 9, and back, right is Johnathan Miller, 10.

Larisa Melodinskaia, dance teacher at the Neighborhood Art House, teaches students a dance using jump ropes in November 2006. At left is Angelica Torres, 10. At right is Monifah Bailor, 8. Back center is Joseph Torres, 9, and back, right is Johnathan Miller, 10.

Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News File Photo Maryann Makusi, lead teacher for the preschool1 classroom at the Erie County YMCA Early Learning University, won the 2006 Pennsylvania Child Care Association educator of the year award.

Maryann Makusi, lead teacher for the preschool1 classroom at the Erie County YMCA Early Learning University, won the 2006 Pennsylvania Child Care Association educator of the year award.

Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News File Photo Cathedral Preparatory School teacher Colleen Maxson cheers for one of her students who was swimming in a meet against McDowell in December 2006.

Cathedral Preparatory School teacher Colleen Maxson cheers for one of her students who was swimming in a meet against McDowell in December 2006.

Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File Photo Blessed Sacrament kindergarten teacher Kate Kapp talks with Anjelina, center, and Isabella Didion during the school's open house in January 2007. See years of photos from Blessed Sacrament School in Erie PA Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File Photo Austin Klenz, 9, a third-grader at St. Gregory's Catholic School, gets help with his spreadsheet from teacher Joan Bereb in January 2007.

Austin Klenz, 9, a third-grader at St. Gregory’s Catholic School, gets help with his spreadsheet from teacher Joan Bereb in January 2007.

Vivian Johnson/Erie Times-News File Photo Wiley Charter School fourth-grade student Kane Giglio, 10, reads a biography of Jim Brown's life as his teacher, Johanna Morth, holds up a paper mache depiction of Brown during a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Boys and Girls Club of Erie County in Erie on Jan. 18, 2007. Students gave presentations after a march from Wiley Charter School to the Boys and Girls Club of Erie.

Wiley Charter School fourth-grade student Kane Giglio, 10, reads a biography of Jim Brown’s life as his teacher, Johanna Morth, holds up a paper mache depiction of Brown during a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Boys and Girls Club of Erie County in Erie on Jan. 18, 2007. Students gave presentations after a march from Wiley Charter School to the Boys and Girls Club of Erie.

Carlos Delgado/Erie Times-News File Photo Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy academic decathlon team member Alexa Johnson, right, talks with teacher and coach Laura Nicolia on Jan. 25, 2007, about the math portion of an upcoming regional competition.

Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy academic decathlon team member Alexa Johnson, right, talks with teacher and coach Laura Nicolia on Jan. 25, 2007, about the math portion of an upcoming regional competition.

Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News File Photo Fairview decathlon students, from left, Andrew Bolla, Jake Batchelor and Chrysten Maydak in homeroom with their teacher Laurie Hitt in February 2007.

Fairview decathlon students, from left, Andrew Bolla, Jake Batchelor and Chrysten Maydak in homeroom with their teacher Laurie Hitt in February 2007.

Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File Photo Glenridge Montessori Executive Director and teacher Pam Green works with Ava Imig, 4, on a map of the world during a preschool/kindergarten class on March 1, 2007.

Glenridge Montessori Executive Director and teacher Pam Green works with Ava Imig, 4, on a map of the world during a preschool/kindergarten class on March 1, 2007.

Janet B. Campbell/Erie Times-News File Photo Wayne School teacher and PSSA test proctor T.J. Wieczorek, left, helps two students start a portion of their test March 16, 2007. Wayne School in Erie PA final decade in photos Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News File Photo Sonja Groenendaal, health career academics teacher at Central, teaches students some kickboxing moves during the school's Smoke-Free Convention in April 2007.

Sonja Groenendaal, health career academics teacher at Central, teaches students some kickboxing moves during the school’s Smoke-Free Convention in April 2007.

Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News File Photo Malyna Zboyvski, 6, a kindergarten student at Edinboro Elementary School, shows off her artwork in May 2007. Next to her is Lena Mitcho. Teacher Marie Troyer is at far left.

Malyna Zboyvski, 6, a kindergarten student at Edinboro Elementary School, shows off her artwork in May 2007. Next to her is Lena Mitcho. Teacher Marie Troyer is at far left.

Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File Photo

Iroquois High School’s Justin Brown shaves the head of Iroquois art teacher Mark Bowen on May 8, 2007. Iroquois student Victoria Boriety had been battling leukemia and traveled with her family to Pittsburgh several times per week for treatments. The head-shaving was part of the “Bald is Beautiful” campaign that raised money for Boriety. The campaign surpassed its second goal which was to reach $10,000.

Janet B. Campbell/Erie Times-News File Photo Central Tech commercial arts teacher Joe Koval emerges from a dunk tank after one of the students hit the target with a baseball in May 2007. The school raised more than $12,000 to help fund John Kanzius Research Foundation cancer research.

Central Tech commercial arts teacher Joe Koval emerges from a dunk tank after one of the students hit the target with a baseball in May 2007. The school raised more than $12,000 to help fund John Kanzius Research Foundation cancer research.

Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File Photo Strong Vincent High School Pete Bucarelli prepares his classroom on June 6, 2007, for the first day of 2007-08 school year. His 11th-grade American history students had their final June 5 and he had the next day to himself to clean his classroom and get a jump on preparing for the start of the next school year.

Strong Vincent High School Pete Bucarelli prepares his classroom on June 6, 2007, for the first day of 2007-08 school year. His 11th-grade American history students had their final June 5 and he had the next day to himself to clean his classroom and get a jump on preparing for the start of the next school year.

Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News File Photo Todd Strasenburgh, a gym teacher at Grover Cleveland Elementary School, in June 2007. See Erie PA's Grover Cleveland Elementary School in years of photos Vivian Johnson/Erie Times-News File Photo Sacred Heart Elementary seventh-grade teacher Sandra Hancock gathers her students for a group hug near the end of the school's last day in June 2007.

Sacred Heart Elementary seventh-grade teacher Sandra Hancock gathers her students for a group hug near the end of the school’s last day in June 2007.

Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File Photo Strong Vincent High School teacher Heather Ulmer instructs students during one of the school's summer enrichment programs in July 2007. The class was geared towards helping students do well on the PSAA tests.

Strong Vincent High School teacher Heather Ulmer instructs students during one of the school’s summer enrichment programs in July 2007. The class was geared towards helping students do well on the PSAA tests.

Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News File Photo Sarah Master, second-grade teacher at Belle Valley School, helps student Michael Hess, 7, get organized on the first day of school in August 2007.

Sarah Master, second-grade teacher at Belle Valley School, helps student Michael Hess, 7, get organized on the first day of school in August 2007.

Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News File Photo Our Lady of Peace kindergarten teacher Mary Zebrowski pins a name tag on Jasmine Meola, 5, in August 2007.

Our Lady of Peace kindergarten teacher Mary Zebrowski pins a name tag on Jasmine Meola, 5, in August 2007.

Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News File Photo Erika Bramblett, Central High School's new Spanish teacher, hangs posters in her classroom to get it ready for students in August 2007. It was Bramblett's first year teaching seven Spanish classes of approximately 10 to 15 students.

Erika Bramblett, Central High School’s new Spanish teacher, hangs posters in her classroom to get it ready for students in August 2007. It was Bramblett’s first year teaching seven Spanish classes of approximately 10 to 15 students.

Lauren M. Anderson/Erie Times-News File Photo Harbor Creek Junior High School teacher Patrick Bruce leads a seventh-grade life sciences class Aug. 31, 2007. Bruce decided to become a teacher after the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

Harbor Creek Junior High School teacher Patrick Bruce leads a seventh-grade life sciences class Aug. 31, 2007. Bruce decided to become a teacher after the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News File Photo JoAnna Connell kindergarten teacher Christine Santini gets her students ready to have their class pictures taken in September 2007.

JoAnna Connell kindergarten teacher Christine Santini gets her students ready to have their class pictures taken in September 2007.

Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News File Photo Joe Krol, graphic arts teacher at Central Tech High School, in September 2007.

Joe Krol, graphic arts teacher at Central Tech High School, in September 2007.

Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File Photo East High School teacher and Erie School District poet laureate Ron Hayes leads a freshman learning support English class in September 2007.

East High School teacher and Erie School District poet laureate Ron Hayes leads a freshman learning support English class in September 2007.

Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News File Photo North East High School teacher Suzanne Fairfield leads an AP Government class Sept. 13, 2007.

North East High School teacher Suzanne Fairfield leads an AP Government class Sept. 13, 2007.

Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News File Photo Iroquois Elementary School fourth-grade student Moss LeVan and her teacher, Kasey Smith, watch the flight of helium-filled balloons that were released in celebration of the opening of the new school in September 2007.

Iroquois Elementary School fourth-grade student Moss LeVan and her teacher, Kasey Smith, watch the flight of helium-filled balloons that were released in celebration of the opening of the new school in September 2007.

Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File PhotoMusic teacher Dana Gilmore conducts a group of about 70 fourth- and fifth-graders during a choir class at McKinley Elementary School on Oct. 3, 2007. The class was trying to raise $18,000 for 40 students to travel to Philadelphia to be a part of an 800-voice choir to be featured in the Macy’s Day Parade on Thanksgiving Day.

2025: McKinley Elementary students arrive for first day of school in Erie

Lauren M. Anderson/Erie Times-News File Photo St. Boniface Elementary school teacher Lea Ann Marchand helps second-grader Eric Fulton, 7, with an assignment Oct. 16, 2007.

St. Boniface Elementary school teacher Lea Ann Marchand helps second-grader Eric Fulton, 7, with an assignment Oct. 16, 2007.

Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News File Photo Mary Swonder, St. Boniface Elementary School science teacher, center, points to a milliliter tube filled with cranberry juice that students Katie Kuzma, 7, left going clockwise, Joey Wilcynski, 7, Julie Wilczynski, 7, Erin Cox, 7, tested to see if the juice was an acid or base on Oct. 25, 2007.

Mary Swonder, St. Boniface Elementary School science teacher, center, points to a milliliter tube filled with cranberry juice that students Katie Kuzma, 7, left going clockwise, Joey Wilcynski, 7, Julie Wilczynski, 7, Erin Cox, 7, tested to see if the juice was an acid or base on Oct. 25, 2007.

Lauren M. Anderson/Erie Times-News File Photo John Wasiulewski, a social studies teacher at Harding Elementary School, teaches his class of 30 students how to find information on Ben Franklin on their Palm Tungsten E2 hand-held computers on Nov. 2, 2007. Inside Harding Elementary and its role in west Erie PA Lauren M. Anderson/Erie Times-News File Photo Westlake Middle School social studies teacher Kevin Jones works with his eighth-graders to help their reading comprehension during class Nov. 27, 2007.

Westlake Middle School social studies teacher Kevin Jones works with his eighth-graders to help their reading comprehension during class Nov. 27, 2007.

Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News File Photo Music teacher Judy Kosik assists second-grader Christopher Slawson, 8, with his elf hat during dress rehearsal for the holiday show "Evening with the Elves" at Asbury Elementary School on Nov. 29, 2007. Second-graders performed the show Nov. 30 and Dec. 21.

Music teacher Judy Kosik assists second-grader Christopher Slawson, 8, with his elf hat during dress rehearsal for the holiday show “Evening with the Elves” at Asbury Elementary School on Nov. 29, 2007. Second-graders performed the show Nov. 30 and Dec. 21.

Janet B. Campbell/Erie Times-News File Photo Tom Torok, a teacher of special needs students from Central Tech High School, finishes clearing snow from the steps in the southeast corner of Veterans Stadium in December 2007 in preparation for a state Class AAA playoff semifinal game between Strong Vincent of Erie and Thomas Jefferson.

Tom Torok, a teacher of special needs students from Central Tech High School, finishes clearing snow from the steps in the southeast corner of Veterans Stadium in December 2007 in preparation for a state Class AAA playoff semifinal game between Strong Vincent of Erie and Thomas Jefferson.

Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File Photo

Harding Elementary School sixth-graders celebrate a correct answer by Lydia Jobczynski, third from left, while playing Classroom Jeopardy Dec. 10, 2007. The students were treated with a visit from Jeopardy Clue Crew member Jimmy McGuire and the school was given the game to keep. The students, from left, are Michael Geisecke, Victoria Coleman, Jobczynski, Erika Thomas, Ryan Hatkevich, all 11 years old, and Zachary Scott, 12. In back are teacher Kathleen Green, with hat, and student teacher Jenna Perpich.

Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News File Photo Tracy Elementary School Principal Denny Libra turns pages for music teacher Mary Dudenhoeffer in December 2007.

Tracy Elementary School Principal Denny Libra turns pages for music teacher Mary Dudenhoeffer in December 2007.

Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File Photo Irving Elementary School kindergarten teacher Mary Beth Abbott, pictured in Decembe 2007, received this "#1 Teacher" pin from a student for Christmas in 2006. Photos: Inside Erie PA's long-closed former Irving Elementary School Janet B. Campbell/Erie Times-News File Photo Irving Elementary School fifth-grade teacher Cindy Munch, pictured in December 2007, received staplers from two different students the same year as Christmas gifts.

Irving Elementary School fifth-grade teacher Cindy Munch, pictured in December 2007, received staplers from two different students the same year as Christmas gifts.

Janet B. Campbell/Erie Times-News File Photo Irving Elementary School second-grade teacher Bobbi Forsman received this stuffed toy from a student as an early Christmas gift in 2007.

Irving Elementary School second-grade teacher Bobbi Forsman received this stuffed toy from a student as an early Christmas gift in 2007.

Janet B. Campbell/Erie Times-News File Photo Emerson-Gridley Elementary School second-grade teacher AnnaMarie Carpinello, left, stands with other teachers near the south entrance to the school on Dec 19, 2007. A water main break on West Fifth Street forced the school to close.

Emerson-Gridley Elementary School second-grade teacher AnnaMarie Carpinello, left, stands with other teachers near the south entrance to the school on Dec 19, 2007. A water main break on West Fifth Street forced the school to close.

Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File Photo Tony Roussos, music teacher at Joanna Connell Elementary School, conducts grades kindergarten through six during their Christmas concert at the school on Dec. 20, 2007.

Tony Roussos, music teacher at Joanna Connell Elementary School, conducts grades kindergarten through six during their Christmas concert at the school on Dec. 20, 2007.

Lauren M. Anderson/Erie Times-News File Photo Northwestern Middle School eighth-grade teacher, Mary Ann Brown and students Jimmy Hemmis, 13, and Rylee Shaffer, 14, on Jan. 2, 2008, with some of the 150 letters students mailed to Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C. The letters were returned unopened because the military does not accept letters that aren't addressed to a specific soldier.

Northwestern Middle School eighth-grade teacher, Mary Ann Brown and students Jimmy Hemmis, 13, and Rylee Shaffer, 14, on Jan. 2, 2008, with some of the 150 letters students mailed to Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C. The letters were returned unopened because the military does not accept letters that aren’t addressed to a specific soldier.

Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News File Photo Jill Chiccarino Beck, administrative assistant, takes a photograph of Mayor Joe Sinnott, left, with Rachele Bowden, 17; her mother, Nancy Bowden; and Jim Rinderle, art teacher at Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy, in January 2008. Rachele, a senior at Collegiate Academy, was recognized by the mayor for designing a Christmas Card for the City of Erie.

Jill Chiccarino Beck, administrative assistant, takes a photograph of Mayor Joe Sinnott, left, with Rachele Bowden, 17; her mother, Nancy Bowden; and Jim Rinderle, art teacher at Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy, in January 2008. Rachele, a senior at Collegiate Academy, was recognized by the mayor for designing a Christmas Card for the City of Erie.

Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News File PhotoAda Lawrence, pictured in January 2008, was the first Black teacher hired by the Erie School District.

Meet Ada Lawrence

Carlos Delgado/Erie Times-News File Photo Stephanie Vieira, a fifth-grade teacher at Emerson-Gridley Elementary School in Erie, was awarded the Erie Times-News Spirit of Teaching award in March 2008.

Stephanie Vieira, a fifth-grade teacher at Emerson-Gridley Elementary School in Erie, was awarded the Erie Times-News Spirit of Teaching award in March 2008.

Christopher Millette/Erie Times-News File Photo

Erie County Executive Mark DiVecchio, left, recognizes Corry High School teacher Craig Dean, coach of the Corry Area High School Honors Problems of Democracy Class, at the Erie County Courthouse on March 4, 2008. The class finished first in the state in the “We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution” competition on Jan. 10 in Valley Forge. The win gave Corry’s team the right to represent their school and the state of Pennsylvania at the national competition in Washington, D.C. It was the third year in a row that the Corry team won the state competition.

Jack Hanrahan J.S. Wilson Middle School students and parents talk with sixth-grade teacher Ardis Walsh, right, during an open house at the new facility March 13, 2008. The families, from left, are Grace Dill, 8, Merritt Dill, Jack Dill, 11, Kristin LaCross, 12, with her grandmother Mary Ann Smith, and Tom Dill.

J.S. Wilson Middle School students and parents talk with sixth-grade teacher Ardis Walsh, right, during an open house at the new facility March 13, 2008. The families, from left, are Grace Dill, 8, Merritt Dill, Jack Dill, 11, Kristin LaCross, 12, with her grandmother Mary Ann Smith, and Tom Dill.

Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News File Photo Villa Maria Elementary teacher Scott Strosser leads his sixth-grade class into the Starlab, a portable planetarium, set up in the school's lecture hall on April 1, 2008.

Villa Maria Elementary teacher Scott Strosser leads his sixth-grade class into the Starlab, a portable planetarium, set up in the school’s lecture hall on April 1, 2008.

Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News File Photo Cathedral Center School seventh- and eighth-grade English teacher Jacquelyn Shaffer with her students, from left, Nick Filippi, 12, Andrea Boris, 13, and Luke Merski, 12, in April 2008. The students won awards in an essay contest offered by the Erie Peace and Justice Center. Merski won first, Filippi won second and Boris won third place in the contest.

Cathedral Center School seventh- and eighth-grade English teacher Jacquelyn Shaffer with her students, from left, Nick Filippi, 12, Andrea Boris, 13, and Luke Merski, 12, in April 2008. The students won awards in an essay contest offered by the Erie Peace and Justice Center. Merski won first, Filippi won second and Boris won third place in the contest.

Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News File Photo Harding Elementary School kindergartner Angelina Stone, 5, chooses her apple with help from teacher Kim Bliley during a tour of the North East Township fruit farm April 16, 2008.

Harding Elementary School kindergartner Angelina Stone, 5, chooses her apple with help from teacher Kim Bliley during a tour of the North East Township fruit farm April 16, 2008.

Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News File Photo Elizabeth Slaby, theology teacher at Cathedral Preparatory School, in April 2008.

Elizabeth Slaby, theology teacher at Cathedral Preparatory School, in April 2008.

Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News File Photo Naresh Timsina, 10, left, practices saying the months of the year with English teacher Ann Metzger at McKinley Elementary School on May 2, 2008. Metzger works with children of immigrant families as they transition to school in Erie. Timsina comes from Bhutan. Orkhan Badirov, 7, center, was born in Russia.

Naresh Timsina, 10, left, practices saying the months of the year with English teacher Ann Metzger at McKinley Elementary School on May 2, 2008. Metzger works with children of immigrant families as they transition to school in Erie. Timsina comes from Bhutan. Orkhan Badirov, 7, center, was born in Russia.

Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News File Photo Dr. Gertrude A. Barber National Institute students Zachary Walter, 6, (foreground) and Logan Rinderle, 4, participate in a game of tug of war with the help of teacher Stephanie Lorei during field day events in the center's gymnasium June 3, 2008.

Dr. Gertrude A. Barber National Institute students Zachary Walter, 6, (foreground) and Logan Rinderle, 4, participate in a game of tug of war with the help of teacher Stephanie Lorei during field day events in the center’s gymnasium June 3, 2008.

Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File Photo Glenwood Elementary School first-grade teacher Nancy Waros hugs student Lindsay Dougherty, 7, on the last day of instruction at the school on June 6, 2008. Waros was retiring after teaching for 31 years.

Glenwood Elementary School first-grade teacher Nancy Waros hugs student Lindsay Dougherty, 7, on the last day of instruction at the school on June 6, 2008. Waros was retiring after teaching for 31 years.

Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News File Photo Central Tech High School teacher Greg Holland, left, gets help putting books away from students Luke Manges, center, and Richard Decker, both 15, at the school on June 6, 2008.

Central Tech High School teacher Greg Holland, left, gets help putting books away from students Luke Manges, center, and Richard Decker, both 15, at the school on June 6, 2008.

Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News File Photo Former St. Benedict's Academy student and teacher Sister Mary Louis Eichenlaub shares stories with former students Cheryl Zukowski, left, and Maricarol Schoenfeldt, right, at the St. Benedict Education Center on June 9, 2008.

Former St. Benedict’s Academy student and teacher Sister Mary Louis Eichenlaub shares stories with former students Cheryl Zukowski, left, and Maricarol Schoenfeldt, right, at the St. Benedict Education Center on June 9, 2008.

Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News File Photo Grandview Elementary School first-grade teacher Jeanne Szymanowski, left, talks with her class about the Summer Olympics on the students' last day June 10, 2008. Szymanowski was retiring after more than 30 years of teaching in the Millcreek School District.

Grandview Elementary School first-grade teacher Jeanne Szymanowski, left, talks with her class about the Summer Olympics on the students’ last day June 10, 2008. Szymanowski was retiring after more than 30 years of teaching in the Millcreek School District.

Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News File Photo Wilson DeLee, 9, works on a math problem with help from teacher Maria Alvarado-Gomez at Jefferson Elementary School in Erie on June 23, 2008, during the first day of summer school in the Erie School District.

Wilson DeLee, 9, works on a math problem with help from teacher Maria Alvarado-Gomez at Jefferson Elementary School in Erie on June 23, 2008, during the first day of summer school in the Erie School District.

Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News File Photo Sister James Francis hugs NFL star Bob Sanders at his Skills and Drills Football Camp at Gannon University on July 27, 2008. Sister Francis was Sanders' freshman English teacher when he attended Cathedral Preparatory School. She had a friend drive her to the camp so she could see Sanders.

Sister James Francis hugs NFL star Bob Sanders at his Skills and Drills Football Camp at Gannon University on July 27, 2008. Sister Francis was Sanders’ freshman English teacher when he attended Cathedral Preparatory School. She had a friend drive her to the camp so she could see Sanders.

Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News File Photo Chestnut Hill Elementary School teacher Mindy Ruggiero greets her new class of first-grade students on Aug. 27, 2008.

Chestnut Hill Elementary School teacher Mindy Ruggiero greets her new class of first-grade students on Aug. 27, 2008.

Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News File Photo Villa Maria Academy cooking teacher Mary Mulard, top right, instructs students on how to make apple pies during cooking class at the Millcreek Township school on Sept. 9, 2008. Nearly 30 pies made by the students were donated to the Emmaus Soup Kitchen.

Villa Maria Academy cooking teacher Mary Mulard, top right, instructs students on how to make apple pies during cooking class at the Millcreek Township school on Sept. 9, 2008. Nearly 30 pies made by the students were donated to the Emmaus Soup Kitchen.

Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News File Photo Quing Liang, right, Mandarin teacher at JoAnna Connell Elementary in Erie, goes over some essential greetings with Laurie Hogan's fifth-grade class on Sept. 18, 2008. Liang also taught Mandarin at Harding Elementary, serving a total of more than 400 students between the two schools.

Quing Liang, right, Mandarin teacher at JoAnna Connell Elementary in Erie, goes over some essential greetings with Laurie Hogan’s fifth-grade class on Sept. 18, 2008. Liang also taught Mandarin at Harding Elementary, serving a total of more than 400 students between the two schools.

Ryan Randolph/Erie Times-News File Photo Julie McGaughey, discovery teacher at Wattsburg Area Elementary, in Greene Township, leads Ashley Hoover, 9, and her fourth-grade classmates in a discussion about the book "The City of Ember" by Joanne DuPrau on Oct. 7, 2008. The students volunteered to be in a book club where they interacted with each other and administrators and talked about a specific book.

Julie McGaughey, discovery teacher at Wattsburg Area Elementary, in Greene Township, leads Ashley Hoover, 9, and her fourth-grade classmates in a discussion about the book “The City of Ember” by Joanne DuPrau on Oct. 7, 2008. The students volunteered to be in a book club where they interacted with each other and administrators and talked about a specific book.

Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News File Photo Celeste Bolles, fifth-grade teacher at Erie Day School, show Oct. 15, 2008, had her class send postcards to other fifth-grade classes across the country asking who the students would vote for if they coluld in the 2008 election. It was the eighth time Bolles had done the project; the first seven times the polls haveaccurately predicted the outcome.

Celeste Bolles, fifth-grade teacher at Erie Day School, show Oct. 15, 2008, had her class send postcards to other fifth-grade classes across the country asking who the students would vote for if they coluld in the 2008 election. It was the eighth time Bolles had done the project; the first seven times the polls haveaccurately predicted the outcome.

Ryan Randolph/Erie Times-News File Photo Ann Giannelli, a third-grade teacher at Erie Day School, views the garden she and her students created from inside her classroom on Oct. 21, 2008.

Ann Giannelli, a third-grade teacher at Erie Day School, views the garden she and her students created from inside her classroom on Oct. 21, 2008.

Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File Photo Bob Henninger, right, 10th-grade U.S. and world history teacher at McDowell Intermediate school, takes teaching to the next level Oct. 24, 2008, by recreating life on the prairie for his class.

Bob Henninger, right, 10th-grade U.S. and world history teacher at McDowell Intermediate school, takes teaching to the next level Oct. 24, 2008, by recreating life on the prairie for his class.

Ryan Randolph/Erie Times-News File Photo

McKinley School kindergartners listen to their teacher, Susan McGill, as she reads them the book “Kate and the Beanstalk” during Literacy Day on Dec. 19, 2008. Students in kindergarten, first and second grades received a book as a gift from Santa Claus. The children’s parents were also invited to the school to participate in workshops about how to assist their child in literacy. The school provided a luncheon for parents with pizza donated by Hungry Howie’s and antipastos by Nunzi’s.

Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News File Photo Belle Valley Elementary School teacher Jen Hoover, left, helps student John Rossi, 7, snowshoe at Asbury Woods Nature Center in Millcreek Township on Jan. 29, 2009.

Belle Valley Elementary School teacher Jen Hoover, left, helps student John Rossi, 7, snowshoe at Asbury Woods Nature Center in Millcreek Township on Jan. 29, 2009.

Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News File Photo From left, John Kieffer, a technology education teacher at General McLane High School, and Mike Littlefield and Dan Williams, both ninth-graders at McLane, place part of the model amphitheater for the Kids as Curator exhibit at the Erie Art Museum Annex on Jan. 29, 2009.

From left, John Kieffer, a technology education teacher at General McLane High School, and Mike Littlefield and Dan Williams, both ninth-graders at McLane, place part of the model amphitheater for the Kids as Curator exhibit at the Erie Art Museum Annex on Jan. 29, 2009.

Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File Photo Family and consumer sciences teacher Jeannie Lamb looks over resumes with Jamie Wilkins, 17, left, and Sarah Sheehan, 18, on Feb. 4, 2009, at North East High School. Lamb's students used cookstoves less and the laptop computers more as they focused less on food and cooking and more on preparing and maintaining personal budgets and resumes

Family and consumer sciences teacher Jeannie Lamb looks over resumes with Jamie Wilkins, 17, left, and Sarah Sheehan, 18, on Feb. 4, 2009, at North East High School. Lamb’s students used cookstoves less and the laptop computers more as they focused less on food and cooking and more on preparing and maintaining personal budgets and resumes

Christopher Millette/Erie Times-News File Photo Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School math teacher Patrick Brickner discusses math problems Feb. 18 , 2009, with some of his students, clockwise from left, Owen Beaufort, Thomas Higgins, Emma Weisenfluh, Erika Woll, Jordan Vroman and Chris Martone.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School math teacher Patrick Brickner discusses math problems Feb. 18 , 2009, with some of his students, clockwise from left, Owen Beaufort, Thomas Higgins, Emma Weisenfluh, Erika Woll, Jordan Vroman and Chris Martone.

Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File PhotoGirard High School American government teacher Matt Mikovich, right, applauds a point made by Pennsylvania Governor. Ed Rendell, shown on laptop speaking from Harrisburg, left, during a video conference with 10 high schools across the state including Girard High School in Girard on Feb. 25, 2009. Rendell spoke about education and state budget concerns, then fielded questions from the schools.Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News File Photo Westlake Middle School music teacher Andrew Gross leads his class through voice drills Feb. 26, 2009.

Westlake Middle School music teacher Andrew Gross leads his class through voice drills Feb. 26, 2009.

Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File Photo Dr. Gertrude A. Barber National Institute teacher Denise Stoutamyre applauds the students who acted in the play "Dream" during dress rehearsal at the center March 25, 2009.

Dr. Gertrude A. Barber National Institute teacher Denise Stoutamyre applauds the students who acted in the play “Dream” during dress rehearsal at the center March 25, 2009.

Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File Photo Grandview Elementary Preschool teacher Debi Little asks her students to show their plastic Easter eggs during a learning session at the school April 3, 2009.

Grandview Elementary Preschool teacher Debi Little asks her students to show their plastic Easter eggs during a learning session at the school April 3, 2009.

Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File Photo Fairview High School current events teacher Jim Brinling uses a Promethean Active Board to teach his class April 17, 2009. Students i Christopher Staab, left, and Carole Kossbiel.

Fairview High School current events teacher Jim Brinling uses a Promethean Active Board to teach his class April 17, 2009. Students i Christopher Staab, left, and Carole Kossbiel.

Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File Photo Tom Whalen, an eighth-grade U.S. history teacher at Wilson Middle School, in the teachers lounge May 12, 2009.

Tom Whalen, an eighth-grade U.S. history teacher at Wilson Middle School, in the teachers lounge May 12, 2009.

Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File Photo Nora Levinson, a seventh-grade social studies teacher at Wilson Middle School, in the teachers lounge May 12, 2009.

Nora Levinson, a seventh-grade social studies teacher at Wilson Middle School, in the teachers lounge May 12, 2009.

Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File Photo Kindergarten teacher Lynne Sabol calls on Kyle Sargent, 6, during calendar time at Harding School in Erie on May 13, 2009. Sabol was retiring after 36 years in the classroom.

Kindergarten teacher Lynne Sabol calls on Kyle Sargent, 6, during calendar time at Harding School in Erie on May 13, 2009. Sabol was retiring after 36 years in the classroom.

Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News File Photo McDowell High School music teacher and Performing Arts Center director Michael Malthaner, at piano, was one of 12 finalists for Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year in 2009. Malthaner was working with students, from left, senior Olivia Vaughn, juniors Megan Ott and Alexandra Schwartz, and sophomore Dominic Barbaro at the school in Millcreek Township on May 20, 2009.

McDowell High School music teacher and Performing Arts Center director Michael Malthaner, at piano, was one of 12 finalists for Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year in 2009. Malthaner was working with students, from left, senior Olivia Vaughn, juniors Megan Ott and Alexandra Schwartz, and sophomore Dominic Barbaro at the school in Millcreek Township on May 20, 2009.

Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News File Photo Wilson Middle School seventh-grade reading teacher Julie Kuhar, left, moves the ball past seventh-grader Luis Rodriguez during a traditional end-of-year soccer match at the Erie school on May 29, 2009. Two mixed teams of male and female students and teachers played for fun and bragging rights in front of the student body and faculty.

Wilson Middle School seventh-grade reading teacher Julie Kuhar, left, moves the ball past seventh-grader Luis Rodriguez during a traditional end-of-year soccer match at the Erie school on May 29, 2009. Two mixed teams of male and female students and teachers played for fun and bragging rights in front of the student body and faculty.

Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News File Photo Racquel Thurau, a teacher at Union City High School, left, and Sharon Yu, a teacher at Villa Maria High School, right, test viscosity levels during Gannon University's biodiesel fuel workshop for local high school teachers at the Zurn Science Center on June 12, 2009.

Racquel Thurau, a teacher at Union City High School, left, and Sharon Yu, a teacher at Villa Maria High School, right, test viscosity levels during Gannon University’s biodiesel fuel workshop for local high school teachers at the Zurn Science Center on June 12, 2009.

R.J. Fiorenzo/Erie Times-News File Photo Randall Harris, group supervisor and preschool teacher at the Martin Luther King Day Care, works with Nathan McQuade, 3, during a class on July 21, 2009.

Randall Harris, group supervisor and preschool teacher at the Martin Luther King Day Care, works with Nathan McQuade, 3, during a class on July 21, 2009.

Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News File Photo Mary Anne DeCoursey, a second-grade teacher at Holy Family School, in Erie, decorates her classroom in August 2009 in preparation for the first day of school.

Mary Anne DeCoursey, a second-grade teacher at Holy Family School, in Erie, decorates her classroom in August 2009 in preparation for the first day of school.

Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News File Photo Aimee Kast, then a recent graduate of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, on Aug. 17, 2009, at Wilson Middle School in Erie, where she was starting as an emotional support teacher for sixth- through eighth-grade students.

Aimee Kast, then a recent graduate of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, on Aug. 17, 2009, at Wilson Middle School in Erie, where she was starting as an emotional support teacher for sixth- through eighth-grade students.

Christopher Millette/Erie Times-News File Photo Springfield Elementary School kindergarten teacher Heidi Vanicek greets Logan Addicott, 5, one of her students, on the first day of classes on Aug. 26, 2009.

Springfield Elementary School kindergarten teacher Heidi Vanicek greets Logan Addicott, 5, one of her students, on the first day of classes on Aug. 26, 2009.

Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News File Photo Westlake Middle School teacher Pamela Baldwin talks to her class on the first day of school Aug. 31 2009.

Westlake Middle School teacher Pamela Baldwin talks to her class on the first day of school Aug. 31 2009.

Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File Photo Grover Cleveland Elementary teacher Andrea Gloystein greets incoming kindergarten student Emma Revak in one of the main hallways of the school Aug. 31, 2009.

Grover Cleveland Elementary teacher Andrea Gloystein greets incoming kindergarten student Emma Revak in one of the main hallways of the school Aug. 31, 2009.

Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File Photo Former Pennsylvania Governor and Director of Homeland Security Tom Ridge is greeted by Sister Mary Helen Forney, SSJ, as he prepares to sign books for the crowd gathered to hear him speak at Borders Bookstore in Millcreek Township on Sept. 16, 2009. Forney was Ridge's fourth-grade teacher at St. Andrews School in 1954. Ridge was on a tour promoting his book "The Test of Our Times."

Former Pennsylvania Governor and Director of Homeland Security Tom Ridge is greeted by Sister Mary Helen Forney, SSJ, as he prepares to sign books for the crowd gathered to hear him speak at Borders Bookstore in Millcreek Township on Sept. 16, 2009. Forney was Ridge’s fourth-grade teacher at St. Andrews School in 1954. Ridge was on a tour promoting his book “The Test of Our Times.”

Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News File Photo Kindergarten teacher Marci Stitt, right, explains an assignment to her students at Glenwood Elementary School in Erie on Sept. 25, 2009.

Kindergarten teacher Marci Stitt, right, explains an assignment to her students at Glenwood Elementary School in Erie on Sept. 25, 2009.

Christopher Millette/Erie Times-News File Photo Eliza Wolfe, art teacher at Erie First Christian Academy in Summit Township, works with student Chea Park, 19, during art class on Oct. 1, 2009.

Eliza Wolfe, art teacher at Erie First Christian Academy in Summit Township, works with student Chea Park, 19, during art class on Oct. 1, 2009.

Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News File Photo Wattsburg Elementary School physical education and health teacher Bethany Lawrence, center, goes over map routes with fourth-grade students Richard Beeman, left, and Michael Keener in the school gymnasium during an orienteering lesson Oct. 14, 2009.

Wattsburg Elementary School physical education and health teacher Bethany Lawrence, center, goes over map routes with fourth-grade students Richard Beeman, left, and Michael Keener in the school gymnasium during an orienteering lesson Oct. 14, 2009.

Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File Photo East High School teacher John Boyko gazes up at the American flag as the national anthem is performed by student Shanequa Quinn on Nov. 2, 2009. The school officially welcomed Boyko back to the school after he had served for the previous year in Iraq.

East High School teacher John Boyko gazes up at the American flag as the national anthem is performed by student Shanequa Quinn on Nov. 2, 2009. The school officially welcomed Boyko back to the school after he had served for the previous year in Iraq.

Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File Photo

Mercyhurst Preparatory School choir director Arthur Martone laughs with dance teacher Kara Grise’, right, during rehearsal at the Erie school on Nov. 23, 2009. Thirty members of the school’s concert and show choirs joined more than 600 young singers and dancers on the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum during the ABC Channel 6/IKEA Thanksgiving Day Parade. The students’ performance of A “High School Musical” medley and a Christmas finale welcoming Santa Claus were to be broadcast live.

Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News File Photo Harding Elementary School Title 1 teacher Patty Zielewski runs the Gingerbread Shop while students shop for gifts for their relatives Dec. 17, 2009.

Harding Elementary School Title 1 teacher Patty Zielewski runs the Gingerbread Shop while students shop for gifts for their relatives Dec. 17, 2009.

Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File Photo From left, McKinley Elementary School reading teacher Kimberly Fachetti reads along with kindergartner Amari Jordan, 5, while first-grader Bashan Stewart, 6, reads with reading teacher Gretchen Cunningham in Erie on Dec. 22, 2009.

From left, McKinley Elementary School reading teacher Kimberly Fachetti reads along with kindergartner Amari Jordan, 5, while first-grader Bashan Stewart, 6, reads with reading teacher Gretchen Cunningham in Erie on Dec. 22, 2009.

Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News File Photo

Wilson Middle School language arts teacher Amy Shamburg, left, helps hold a mixing bowl for sixth-grade student Freddie Rowry, 12, as he mixes brownies at the Erie school on Jan. 7, 2010. Rowry’s aunt Armanda Tyes, second from left, and her two daughters Traneka, 13, and Tyreana, 12, right, also help out. The group regularly attend special Saturday morning programs at the school for family activities. Traneka was in eighth grade and Tyreana in seventh grade.

Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News File Photo St. John-Holy Rosary Eastside Catholic School fifth-grade teacher Kerry O'Connor takes a whipped-cream pie in the face from student Conor Donoghue at the Erie school on Feb. 2, 2010. As a fundraiser for charity, students donated money for chances to throw a pie at their teacher during a pep rally celebrating Catholic Schools Week. The students raised $75 for the Maleno Family to Family Fund.

St. John-Holy Rosary Eastside Catholic School fifth-grade teacher Kerry O’Connor takes a whipped-cream pie in the face from student Conor Donoghue at the Erie school on Feb. 2, 2010. As a fundraiser for charity, students donated money for chances to throw a pie at their teacher during a pep rally celebrating Catholic Schools Week. The students raised $75 for the Maleno Family to Family Fund.

Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News File Photo Our Lady's Christian School first-grade teacher Amy Bauschard, wearing a dragon mask, leads a group of first- and second-grade students around the library as they celebrate Chinese New Year at the Millcreek Township school on Feb. 11, 2010.

Our Lady’s Christian School first-grade teacher Amy Bauschard, wearing a dragon mask, leads a group of first- and second-grade students around the library as they celebrate Chinese New Year at the Millcreek Township school on Feb. 11, 2010.

Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News File Photo Retired Erie School District teacher Johnny Johnson listens to a panel discussion during the African American Leadership Conference Feb. 24, 2010, at Strong Vincent High School.

Retired Erie School District teacher Johnny Johnson listens to a panel discussion during the African American Leadership Conference Feb. 24, 2010, at Strong Vincent High School.

Christopher Millette/Erie Times-News File Photo Seneca High School students advanced to a state economics competition in 2010. They were photographed at Seneca High School on March 30. The students are, sitting, Ally Belden, 17, left, Lauren Laska, 17, right. Standing, left to right, Jackie DeCoursey, 18, Brianne Drumm, 18, Liz Ray, 18, economics teacher Robert Hart, Brittany Langer, 17, and Britney Trayer, 18.

Seneca High School students advanced to a state economics competition in 2010. They were photographed at Seneca High School on March 30. The students are, sitting, Ally Belden, 17, left, Lauren Laska, 17, right. Standing, left to right, Jackie DeCoursey, 18, Brianne Drumm, 18, Liz Ray, 18, economics teacher Robert Hart, Brittany Langer, 17, and Britney Trayer, 18.

Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News File Photo

The staff at Lakewood Preschool doesn’t let their children forget the work they’ve done. “When the kids come in and see this art, their eyes will be big and they’ll be surprised,” says Linda Pentz, 61, a teacher’s aide at Lakewood Preschool for 15 years, shown hanging paper snakes in her room April 16, 2010, with teacher Tiffany Mays, background. As they’d done for over 30 years, Lakewood Preschool hold their spring art show. Teachers and aides at the Millcreek Township school decorate three classrooms with artwork completed throughout the school year, focusing the displays on themes the 45 pre-K students have learned about, including jungles, forests, dinosaurs and the circus. “The kids learn through the art that they do and that’s really the fun part — watching them learn all the things that they learn about the habitats and the animals,” says Pentz.

Christopher Millette/Erie Times-News File Photo

Elk Valley Elementary School Principal Mike Trudnowski, at top center, gets a soda at the Moore home in Lake City on April 19, 2010. Alyssa Moore, 9, at front left, Paige Moore, 6, at right, and Chris Moore, at back left, get ready to eat the pizza that Trudnowski brought over during a visit to their home. Trudnowski, as well as the vice principal and teachers, made house calls to parents, taking books and pizza, in order to build better home-school rapport.

Janet B. Campbell/Erie Times-News File Photo

Mercyhurst Prep senior Anna Bartko, 17, left, looks over the alphabetical processional list with Carla Betti May 27, 2010, at the Warner Theatre. Bartko and 155 of her senior classmates were set to graduate May 28 at the Warner, kicking off the region’s high school commencement season. Betti was a Mercyhurst Prep senior homeroom teacher who had known most of the students for their entire high school experience.

Christopher Millette/Erie Times-News File Photo Mary Beth Abbott, a kindergarten teacher at Irving Elementary School, in Erie, poses with her class on May 28, 2010. Abbott was retiring after 40 years as a kindergarten teacher.

Mary Beth Abbott, a kindergarten teacher at Irving Elementary School, in Erie, poses with her class on May 28, 2010. Abbott was retiring after 40 years as a kindergarten teacher.

Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News File Photo JoAnn Marsh, a preschool teacher at Montessori Children's House of Erie, show June 9, 2010, was named 2010 Educator Of The Year by the Pennsylvania Child Care Association.

JoAnn Marsh, a preschool teacher at Montessori Children’s House of Erie, show June 9, 2010, was named 2010 Educator Of The Year by the Pennsylvania Child Care Association.

Christopher Millette/Erie Times-News File Photo Science teachers, from left, Doreen Petri, of Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy; Wendy Mangol, of Union City; and Diane MacWilliams, of McDowell Intermediate demonstrate lab devices that measure the quantity of energy in food July 16, 2010, at the Zurn Science Center at Gannon University in Erie. The lab materials are part of a mobile science lab called Science In Motion.

Science teachers, from left, Doreen Petri, of Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy; Wendy Mangol, of Union City; and Diane MacWilliams, of McDowell Intermediate demonstrate lab devices that measure the quantity of energy in food July 16, 2010, at the Zurn Science Center at Gannon University in Erie. The lab materials are part of a mobile science lab called Science In Motion.

Christopher Millette/Erie Times-News File Photo Mercyhurst Preparatory School English teacher Marge Burchard instructs students on the first day of classes in Erie on Aug. 27, 2010. Burchard had been at MPS for 16 years, with more than 30 years experience in the classroom at the time.

Mercyhurst Preparatory School English teacher Marge Burchard instructs students on the first day of classes in Erie on Aug. 27, 2010. Burchard had been at MPS for 16 years, with more than 30 years experience in the classroom at the time.

Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News File Photo Wayne School kindergarten teacher Patricia Territo welcomes student Susan Vera to her class on the first day of school for the Erie School District on Aug. 30, 2010.

Wayne School kindergarten teacher Patricia Territo welcomes student Susan Vera to her class on the first day of school for the Erie School District on Aug. 30, 2010.

Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File PhotoSecond-grade student Sadie Latout from St. Peter Cathedral Elementary School, in Erie, waits for her teacher, Kathy Buseck, left, to finish her pinwheel creation in the classroom in the school Sept 21, 2010. Students of all grades designed their own pinwheels and planted them on the school grounds in order to make statements about peace. The Pinwheels For Peace project, which started at the school three years ago, is celebrated by the school on the same day as the 25th annual International Peace Day.

2016: Legacy of Erie’s St. Peter Cathedral School celebrated as closing nears

Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File Photo Harbor Creek High School teacher Julie Prokopchak, in yellow top, assists her students, from left, Sarah Woodring, Mary Pristello and Mary Seroka, with their biology lab work at the high school on Sept. 24, 2010. Prokopchak was one of 40 teachers chosen to participate in a national workshop on food science in Washington, D.C., the previous summer.

Harbor Creek High School teacher Julie Prokopchak, in yellow top, assists her students, from left, Sarah Woodring, Mary Pristello and Mary Seroka, with their biology lab work at the high school on Sept. 24, 2010. Prokopchak was one of 40 teachers chosen to participate in a national workshop on food science in Washington, D.C., the previous summer.

Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File Photo Teacher Kim Edinger works with Robison Elementary School second-graders Calleigh Nurse, 7, left, Kendra Honey, 7, top, Hannah Wilkerson, 7, right, and Nadia Popov, 7, bottom, during a class assignment in a Gifted Enrichment Model for Students classroom on Oct. 1, 2010.

Teacher Kim Edinger works with Robison Elementary School second-graders Calleigh Nurse, 7, left, Kendra Honey, 7, top, Hannah Wilkerson, 7, right, and Nadia Popov, 7, bottom, during a class assignment in a Gifted Enrichment Model for Students classroom on Oct. 1, 2010.

Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News File Photo Our Lady's Christian School science teacher Jeff Hankey holds Pyro, a seven-year-old Peruvian red-tailed boa, at the school on Oct. 25, 2010. Hankey, who teaches seventh- and eighth-grade life science and physical science, had a collection of 20 snakes and teaches students and people in the community about reptiles. He said Pyro is very curious about things on the ceiling such as lights and fans.

Our Lady’s Christian School science teacher Jeff Hankey holds Pyro, a seven-year-old Peruvian red-tailed boa, at the school on Oct. 25, 2010. Hankey, who teaches seventh- and eighth-grade life science and physical science, had a collection of 20 snakes and teaches students and people in the community about reptiles. He said Pyro is very curious about things on the ceiling such as lights and fans.

Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News File Photo Steve Colantti, music teacher at Harding Elementary School, laughs with some of his students during a Halloween parade around the school on Oct. 29, 2010.

Steve Colantti, music teacher at Harding Elementary School, laughs with some of his students during a Halloween parade around the school on Oct. 29, 2010.

Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News File Photo Burton Elementary kindergarten teacher Veronica Norman checks on student Dijon Lyons, 5, during class on Nov. 3, 2010. Peek back at east Erie's Burton School, closed since 2012 Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News File Photo Woodrow Wilson Middle School math teacher Kevin Clement helps eighth-grade student Aaliyah Grady, 13, during class on Dec. 8, 2010. Clement was named the Apangee Math Program's "Number One Teacher" in the country.

Woodrow Wilson Middle School math teacher Kevin Clement helps eighth-grade student Aaliyah Grady, 13, during class on Dec. 8, 2010. Clement was named the Apangee Math Program’s “Number One Teacher” in the country.

Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News File Photo Bridget Whalen, English teacher at Mercyhurst Preparatory School, and advisor for the student literature magazine Chrysalis, shows the award-winning magazine at the school Jan. 26, 2011. Alongside her are editors, from left, Jocelyn Masci, Eddie Baxter and Jenna Bekeny, editor-in-chief.

Bridget Whalen, English teacher at Mercyhurst Preparatory School, and advisor for the student literature magazine Chrysalis, shows the award-winning magazine at the school Jan. 26, 2011. Alongside her are editors, from left, Jocelyn Masci, Eddie Baxter and Jenna Bekeny, editor-in-chief.

Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File Photo

Harding School teacher Emily Natalie, center, won a trip to the NFL Pro Bowl in Hawaii for her work with the “Fuel Up to Play 60” campaign. Natalie was photographed at the Erie school on Jan. 26, 2011, with team members, from left, kneeling, Daryn Bailey, 13, Meghan Erdely, 14. Middle row, from left, Elijah Smart, 14, Roman DeBerry, 12, Gorge Amadora, 12, Natalie, Lamariyia Lomax, 11, Alyssa Jones, 12, and Ryan Watt, 13. Back row, from left, teacher Jo Marie Boesch, James Jackson, 10, Jared Doutt, 13, Aaron Copeland, 13, Lucas Harden, 12, and teacher Judy Goetschius.

Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News File Photo Parent Stephanie Fritts, far right, asks a question of St. George School preschool teacher Chris Theiss during an open house at the school on Jan. 30, 2011. At left are Stephanie Fritts' children, Sophie Fritts, 18 months, left, and Jack Fritts, 3.

Parent Stephanie Fritts, far right, asks a question of St. George School preschool teacher Chris Theiss during an open house at the school on Jan. 30, 2011. At left are Stephanie Fritts’ children, Sophie Fritts, 18 months, left, and Jack Fritts, 3.

Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File Photo Art teacher Kevin Slagle, left, works with Reonica Valadez, a first-grade student at Pfeiffer-Burleigh Elementary School, in Erie, on Feb. 2, 2011.

Art teacher Kevin Slagle, left, works with Reonica Valadez, a first-grade student at Pfeiffer-Burleigh Elementary School, in Erie, on Feb. 2, 2011.

Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File Photo BethAnne Gainer, a third-grade teacher at Vernondale Elementary School, in Millcreek Township, helps student Trey Kennedy, 8, Valentine's Day project on Feb. 7, 2011. See photos from Millcreek Township's long-closed Vernondale school Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News File Photo Jim Connell, a learning support teacher at Emerson-Gridley School, in Erie, left, works with Jada Tate, a fifth-grade student, on her Black History Month project at the school Feb. 11, 2011. On the computer screen is Mae Jemison, the first Black woman astronaut to go into space.

Jim Connell, a learning support teacher at Emerson-Gridley School, in Erie, left, works with Jada Tate, a fifth-grade student, on her Black History Month project at the school Feb. 11, 2011. On the computer screen is Mae Jemison, the first Black woman astronaut to go into space.

Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File Photo Carrie Thomas, eighth-grade social studies teacher at the R. Benjamin Wiley Charter School, in Erie, works with student Quanquil McCray, 14, on March 21, 2011.

Carrie Thomas, eighth-grade social studies teacher at the R. Benjamin Wiley Charter School, in Erie, works with student Quanquil McCray, 14, on March 21, 2011.

Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News File Photo

Students, from left, Devin Ollie, 7; Semontae Lofton, 7; and Sincere Dorsey, 6; and first-grade teacher Jane Deutschlander look at a millipede that lives in the terrarium, shown in the foreground. The students, photographed May 12, 2011, at Wayne School in Erie, were using supplies provided by a five-year, $15 million Developing Futures education grant from the GE Foundation. The math and science components of the grant, such as this one, emphasize hands-on, inquiry-based learning. The grant program entered its fifth and final year in the 2011-12 school year.

Christopher Millette/Erie Times-News File Photo Tracy Elementary fourth-grade teacher Dana Gross on April 4, 2011, lets her students sample the kind of vegetables they were going to grow behind the school.

Tracy Elementary fourth-grade teacher Dana Gross on April 4, 2011, lets her students sample the kind of vegetables they were going to grow behind the school.

Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News File Photo Harding School eighth-grader Johanna Balzer, 14, plays Scrabble against her teacher Bryan Lewis during a local Scrabble club gathering at Barnes & Noble Bookstore on April 5, 2011. Balzer and another Harding eighth-grader, Samantha Cortes, were preparing for a trip to Florida for the children's Scrabble championship.

Harding School eighth-grader Johanna Balzer, 14, plays Scrabble against her teacher Bryan Lewis during a local Scrabble club gathering at Barnes & Noble Bookstore on April 5, 2011. Balzer and another Harding eighth-grader, Samantha Cortes, were preparing for a trip to Florida for the children’s Scrabble championship.

Janet B. Campbell/Erie Times-News File Photo

Nicole Drayer, a teacher at Elk Valley Elementary School, in Lake City, center, handles the cake detail for her first-grade class May 16, 2011. The students showcased the books they designed and threw a party celebrating the project and invited their parents and school board members. Children in the foreground are, from left, Anna Skinner, Cody Sterrett and Gavin Herman, all 7 and Girard residents.

Rob Engelhardt/Erie Times-News File Photo

From left, James W. Parker Middle School teacher Chris Triola talks with sixth-graders Jordan Peterson, left, and Emma Campbell, both 12, as they work to finish a roller coaster built out of Knex on June 1, 2011. Triola said the kids learn valuable math and science skills while having fun building an entire amusement park with classmates. Most desktops held rides for parents to see during an open house.

Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News File Photo Kathy McCoy, an English teacher at McDowell Intermediate School shown June 2, 2011, was retiring at the end of the 2010-11 school year.

Kathy McCoy, an English teacher at McDowell Intermediate School shown June 2, 2011, was retiring at the end of the 2010-11 school year.

Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News File PhotoOn June 9, 2011, second-grade teacher Denise Gustafson measures Breanna Long, 8, with a string that was put in a time capsule at the beginning of the school year in Gustafson’s class at Irving Elementary School. Long had grown about 2 inches taller than the string. It was the last day of school for the Erie School District.

See Erie PA area’s closed school buildings in years of photos

Christopher Millette/Erie Times-News File Photo Edison Elementary School first-grade teacher Traci Bowman reviews her class list with her students on June 9, 2011, the last day of classes in the Erie School District. See Erie PA's Edison Elementary School in years of photos Christopher Millette/Erie Times-News File Photo First-grade teacher Carrie BonGiorno gets hugs from her students as they leave Irving Elementary School on Erie's west side on June 9, 2011, the last day of the school year for the Erie School District.

First-grade teacher Carrie BonGiorno gets hugs from her students as they leave Irving Elementary School on Erie’s west side on June 9, 2011, the last day of the school year for the Erie School District.

Christopher Millette/Erie Times-News File PhotoJacqueline Connor/Erie Times-News File Photo

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