Warwick teacher Grace Mansfield received Olga Santora Scholarship for master’s program

Warwick resident Grace Mansfield, who currently teaches English online as a leave replacement at Warwick Valley High School, was recently awarded the

Olga Santora Scholarship to continue her final two semesters in the Adolescent Special Education master’s program at the State University of New York at New Paltz.

The scholarship was established through a bequest to provide scholarship support for deserving students working towards a Master or Post-Master’s degree in education.

2014 graduate of Warwick Valley High School

Mansfield, who graduated from Warwick Valley High School in 2014, earned her Bachelor’s Degree at the University of North Carolina and is currently certified to teach in North Carolina, New Jersey and New York.

To earn her scholarship she received a letter of recommendation from the Coordinator of Special Education at SUNY New Paltz and submitted an essay expressing her commitment to education .

“When I decided to become a teacher,” wrote Mansfield. “I committed to the opportunity and the privilege of making positive differences in the lives of my students. I hold four statements as truths:

“I believe that I must see every student, every day;

“I believe that each individual brings something special and unique to the class;

“I believe that students, parents, and teachers deserve clean slates and recognition;

“I believe that everything matters.

“And while I do teach English content and the skills associated with Special Education, I have come to understand that these are second to the young people that I teach.”

Recipient of the ‘Outstanding Undergraduate award’ at UNC

Mansfield was also judged on her leadership skills and community service.

For example she pioneered the edTPA (teacher performance assessment) certification for the Secondary Education program at the University of North Carolina

Mansfield also received the Outstanding Undergraduate award for 2018 from the university noting that she was one of the most committed and best-prepared pre-service teachers in terms of teaching diverse students

Mansfield also tutors middle and high school-aged students.

- Roger Gavan