CAVERLY AWARD

Since 1984, the Ernest R. Caverly Award has been presented to Brookline educators in recognition of professional achievements and contributions to the Brookline Public Schools. Two awards are given annually: one to a high school educator and one to an elementary school educator. The educators receiving the awards are designated as Ernest R. Caverly Associates in recognition of their dedication to the ideals of Dr. Ernest R. Caverly, a distinguished public school leader, educator, and Brookline Schools Superintendent (1931–1964).

Complete List of Ernest R. Caverly Award Winners

Current Caverly Award Winners

In 2009, the Brookline Education Foundation was proud to honor the following outstanding exemplars of Excellence in Teaching:

AMY NEALE

In her 30 years at Driscoll School, Amy Neale has been a special educator, a sixth grade teacher, and, most recently, school librarian. In each of these roles, she has exhibited a magical ability to work with struggling children, an extraordinary work ethic, prodigious organization, and maybe even a little ESP. According to colleagues, “Every one of her lessons is a jewel – carefully researched, calibrated to the particular class, filled with a vast array of resources.” Her work is distinguished by “her love of learning, her love of teaching, and her true respect for every child who crosses her path.” As for that ESP, Ms. Neale has an “uncanny way of knowing” what students or teachers need, “often before they do.” She is, in short, “A teacher’s teacher” and “an inspiration.”

RICARDO CALLEJA

Ricardo Calleja’s “big heart, big laugh, big love for Spanish,” and even bigger talent for connecting with students are legendary at Brookline High School. A 23-year veteran teacher, Mr. Calleja has developed a signature strategy for engaging reluctant learners. “Like a patient fisherman, he attracts students with a shining lure: a painting, a picture, a song, a joke, a story, or a smile,” confides a colleague. Fellow educators identify Mr. Calleja as a charismatic “master teacher,” who constantly fine-tunes his classes to find “some other ‘hook,’ or a way to illustrate ideas a little differently the next time around.”  A lifelong learner with a passion for poetry and literature, he epitomizes what he encourages in his students: hard work, an openness to challenges, and an acceptance of differences in others.

Nomination Form

Caverly Award Nomination Information