When young Susan Ozbek traveled to Turkey in 1963 as a Peace Corps volunteer, she found a nation brimming with a history and culture that ran far deeper than anything she'd ever known.
Honored for seeing riches in each student
Oct 8, 2002 -
Providence Journal Bulletin
by Neil Shea, Journal Staff Writer
SCITUATE - When young Susan Ozbek traveled to Turkey in 1963 as a Peace Corps volunteer, she found a nation brimming with a history and culture that ran far deeper than anything she'd ever known. From before Greek civilization, through Rome and the Byzantine empires, on to glimmering modern mosques, Ozbek found that Turkey was a storied land.
She even found the Turks had a saying describing the centuries- deep roots of their nation. You can't dig anywhere in Turkey without finding something, it said. The landscape and cultural lessons stayed with Ozbek, and in her 31-year career as a special educator, she has held onto a similar thought: within each of her students lie unknown riches and vast potential for discovery.
Last week the Hope Elementary School educator was named Teacher of the Year in recognition of her talent and tireless effort in helping students realize their abilities. At a ceremony during Thursday night's School Committee meeting, Ozbek, 60, was honored with a plaque, a cake and the words of friends and colleagues.
It's a rare pleasure when we have the opportunity to pause and honor one of our own, said Schools Supt. Paul R. Lescault.
A committee comprising school administrators and the three past teachers of the year picked Ozbek from a field of seven teachers. Assistant School Supt. Kristen Stringfellow headed the committee.
Stringfellow said their colleagues nominate candidates for the award. Then, the committee reviews each candidate's teaching record, proficiency and professional service contributions at the local, state and national levels. The committee also considers extracurricular activities, Stringfellow said, such as membership in philanthropic or charitable groups.
In Ozbek's case, Stringfellow said the decision came easily: she was the committee's unanimous choice.
Ozbek has taught in Scituate for three decades and helped hundreds of students with difficulties in math, reading, writing, organizational skills and behavior. She is also a member of the National Writing Project and executive board member of its local offshoot, the Rhode Island Writing Project. Both programs work to help teachers improve their ability to teach writing.
Ozbek was born in New York, but raised in Warwick. She attended the University of Rhode Island and graduated with a degree in English. Then, with a thirst for adventure and a desire to learn about international cultures, she joined the Peace Corps and taught English for two years in the rugged Turkish countryside. She met her husband, Turker, during her time there.
In 1971, Ozbek came to work in Scituate as a special-education teacher. She received a master's degree from Rhode Island College in 1976. The next year, she and her husband and their two sons, John and Erturk, moved to Scituate.
Special education has changed much in the years since Ozbek began. She said her load of paperwork has blossomed in the last several years, as special education evolves to address the individual needs of students.
Still, Ozbek said she loves her work and remains focused on children.
Kids have lots more opportunities now, she said. I enjoy being with them and helping them solve their problems.
