Rutecki named first ‘Outstanding Educator’

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LOCK HAVEN - Ask Keystone Central School District teacher Jennifer Rutecki's colleagues, and they tell you that she embodies the special qualities of nurturing, patience and determination with her students.

Mrs. Rutecki is a special education-autistic support teacher at Woodward Township Elementary School, part of a team of district-wide educators working with students who need special attention due to physical and mental challenges.

It is no ordinary job.

Under Mrs. Rutecki's gentle guidance, students' lives have been expanded, along with their opportunities, "due to her diligence and commitment."

Indeed, Mrs. Rutecki was instrumental in designing the district's autistic support program, was central to the creation of a highly structured and supportive environment and, perhaps most importantly, "shows a love and dedication to her students," educator Maripat Dion said in reading the nomination of Jennifer as the first recipient of the "LaRue Hinchliffe Outstanding Educator Award."

Mrs. Rutecki was feted by colleagues, school board members and the Keystone Central Foundation in a brief ceremony last night at Central Mountain Middle School before the board meeting.

The foundation established the award in honor of Ms. LaRue Hinchliffe, who spent most of her 35-plus years in education as a guidance counselor at the former Bald Eagle Nittany Junior-Senior High School.

Rutecki, Dion said, has earned the respect of colleagues, parents and students, and is well known for her energy in gaining more knowledge and working closely with families.

"Her students adore her," she said.

Interim Superintendent Dr. John DiNunzio joined the crowd in congratulating Rutecki, and said it is wonderful to see somebody who "sets the bar so high" as the first award recipient.

Rutecki was one of eight teachers nominated for the annual honor. She graduated in 1992 from Lock Haven University and holds a master's degree from Mansfield University. Her husband, Len, is a teacher at the middle school and high school, where he serves with the autistic support team.

The couple have two children, Anna, 9, and Brietta, 11.

The award was open to all full-time, teacher-faculty in the Keystone district with at least three years' teaching experience.

Upon her passing in 2003, Ms. Hinchliffe left $55,000 to the foundation, which partnered with the district to develop the award in her honor, said Bob Rolley, foundation secretary.

The foundation has garnered some $250,00 in scholarship funds via gifts and bequests like the one provided by the late Ms. Hinchliffe. He said the foundation members, in casting about for missions to promote and improve education in the local schools, found Hinchliffe a tremendous example of the type of educator and selfless citizen that they most wanted to honor, and Rutecki clearly has qualities that serve to create a similar example of dedication and professionalism.

"By every account, Ms. Hinchliffe was a wonderful woman," Rolley said. "So the foundation said, let's recognize Ms. Hinchliffe by honoring the wonderful teachers we have in this district, those men and women who are on the front lines of educating our kids."

Rutecki was provided with a plaque to commemorate the honor and another plaque will find a place of honor in her school. She also will receive $500 to buy or lease anything that will enhance the experience of students in her classroom.

"Thank you so much, Rutecki said. "This is truly an honor."

Indeed, future recipients now have two women who set a high standard in education.

Hinchliffe was known for many of the same qualities ascribed to Rutecki, and the words caring, patient, confident and professional could be used to describe both the late educator and the one chosen to exemplify her legacy and carry on her tradition.

Ms. Hinchliffe worked at the former Bald Eagle-Nittany from 1971 to 1991 as a guidance counselor, serving junior high students and parents. She earned a bachelor's of science degree in education from the former Lock Haven State Teachers College, and went on to earn a master's degree in guidance counseling from Penn State University.

The Beech Creek native also taught fifth grade for many years at the former Beech Creek Elementary School. She retired in June 1991 after 37 years in education.

Rutecki and future recipients are chosen based upon several criteria, including nomination by another teacher, a parent, student or faculty member, dedication and knowledge, inspiration to students of all backgrounds and ability to learn, the respect and admiration of colleagues, students and parents, is active in the community as well as the school, demonstrates leadership skills and has a high level of motivation and a continuing drive to learn.

Nominations are accepted in March of each year, with forms available on the district's web site at www.kcsd.us.