South Ozone Park educator named Teacher of the Year

After years of dedication both in and out of the classroom, long-time Queens teacher Francine Davis has been named the New York State Teacher of the Year by Teachers’ Insurance Plan.
As a teacher for about 40 years, Davis always knew that it was the profession for her, saying that even as a child that was what she wanted to do. For 25 years, Davis taught at Catholic schools. She has been a teacher at Virgil I. Grissom Junior High School in South Ozone Park for the last 16 years.
&#8220It’s been a great reward,” Davis said of her teaching experiences. &#8220I’m not burnt out. I don’t know why but I seem to have a great gift with students at risk.”
Aside from her regular duties as a social studies teacher, Davis is active through other means. She is a First Lieutenant of the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program, a mentor, and formed the Precise Step Team.
Davis found out about her recent award of New York State Teacher of the Year during an after-school meeting. She said she was completely surprised and didn’t even know that she had been nominated for the honor.
&#8220She does a lot of things that are above and beyond being a very good teacher,” said Ray Palermo, the Director of Public Relations and Communications for Teachers’ Insurance Plan. He also said that recognizing teachers in this capacity lets them know they are doing a good job, provides a source of pride for the school, and sets an example for other teachers.
The award includes $1,000 for Davis and $500 for the school. Although there are no restrictions as to how Davis can spend her money, she is thinking about using it to send the Precise Step Team to compete in Florida.