LYNNFIELD MIDDLE SCHOOL Special Education Team Chair Wendy Leone (second from left) and Summer Street special education teacher/assistant to the principal Emma Bartlett (second from right) were each presented with the Dorothy Presser Award during the School Committee’s Sept. 10 meeting. Front row, from left, Kelty Bartlett and Duncan Bartlett. Back row, from left, Frank Leone, Wendy Leone, Emma Barlett and Joel Bartlett. (Candy Orlando Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — Two special education teachers were each presented with the Dorothy Presser Award during the School Committee’s Sept. 10 meeting.
The School Committee established the Dorothy Presser Award in in 2019 in honor of longtime School Committee member Dorothy Presser. The peer-nominated award recognizes a Lynnfield School District employee or employees who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to advancing the Lynnfield Public School District.
“These awards are coming from the School Committee, but they are particularly notable because the nominations come from fellow teachers and staff members,” said School Committee Chair Kristen Grieco Elworthy. “As a School Committee, we get together each June to review these nominations and choose recipients. It is always special to see what the teachers and staff have to say about each other. Each of these recipients had multiple nominations from their peers.”
Elworthy said Summer Street School special education teacher/assistant to the principal Emma Bartlett and Lynnfield Middle School Special Education Team Chair Wendy Leone were the recipients of 2025 Dorothy Presser Awards.
Five Summer Street educators nominated Bartlett for the Dorothy Presser Award, including library media specialist Alex Caram.
“She is a problem solver, a collaborator and a true advocate for children — hers, mine and every student that steps in the door, regardless of whether she services them or not,” Caram wrote in her nomination for Bartlett.
Summer Street language-based special education teacher Paige Campbell also nominated Bartlett for the Dorothy Presser Award.
“Emma is one of those rare individuals who brings warmth, wisdom and joy to everyone around her—students and colleagues alike,” stated Campbell. “From my first year at Summer Street, she has been an extraordinary mentor and an unwavering source of support.”
Summer Street first grade teacher Kristin Hager agreed.
“Emma is truly the glue to our school,” wrote Hager in her nomination for Bartlett. “She cares so deeply about students, their progress and fully supports teachers. The way she actively listens, follows through and shows up for everyone is remarkable.”
Summer Street first grade teacher Marina Padovani also praised Bartlett as an educator.
“As a special educator, Emma is extraordinary,” stated Padovani. “She teaches students to read with patience, creativity and skill, designing lessons that are not only effective, but genuinely enjoyable. Her instruction transforms learning into a joyful experience and gives her students confidence in themselves.”
Summer Street special education teacher Danielle Pierce concurred with her colleagues’ viewpoints.
“Emma is a passionate advocate for both students and teachers, and truly embodies the district’s core values of belonging, connection and growth by creating a welcoming space where everyone feels valued and supported,” wrote Pierce. “She is a remarkable educator, deserving of this award.”
LMS fifth grade teacher Patricia Hazelton was one of two educators who nominated Leone for the Dorothy Presser Award.
“She is the model that others have followed and highly regarded for years,” stated Hazelton. “She has a way of connecting with students, breaking down curriculum and offering supports from which all students can benefit. Teachers have always requested to work with her because of her team-approach and the way she takes ownership of her students and their needs. Needless to say, at this point, she has set the bar that others strive to reach.”
LMS eighth grade science teacher Adam Stahl also nominated Leone for the Dorothy Presser Award.
“Wendy is a shining example of what it means to be deeply committed to student success,” wrote Stahl in his nomination for Leone. “She meets each student where they are, taking the time to understand their individual strengths, needs and personalities. The bonds she builds with her students are genuine and lasting; she becomes not only a teacher, but also a trusted advocate and mentor. Her classroom is a place where every student feels seen, valued and capable. Beyond her impact on students, Wendy is a powerful force among her colleagues. Her innovation and reflective practice raise the bar for everyone around her. She challenges us — in the most supportive way — to reach for our own professional best. Her leadership is quiet but unmistakably strong. What truly sets Wendy apart is her kindness. She is one of the most compassionate and generous educators I have ever had the honor of working with.”
Elworthy congratulated Bartlett and Leone on receiving the Dorothy Presser Award. She noted that Bartlett and Leone received the awards on the first day teachers returned to school for the 2025-2026 academic year.
“We want to thank you for all of your work in the district,” said Elworthy. “We want to congratulate you on this honor from your colleagues.”
The School Committee and the meeting’s attendees gave Bartlett and Leone a round of applause.
Bartlett, who attended the meeting with her husband Joel, daughter Kelty and son Duncan, thanked her colleagues for nominating her for the Dorothy Presser Award in an email sent to the Villager.
“I was completely blown away when I heard that I had received this award,” stated Bartlett. “I’m constantly inspired by the passion, care and dedication everyone brings to supporting the students at Summer Street. To be recognized among such an amazing group of educators is incredibly humbling and Lynnfield is such a special place to be.”
Leone, who attended the meeting with her husband Frank, concurred with Bartlett’s sentiment.
“I feel honored to have received such a prestigious award,” stated Leone in an email. “Over my career, I have worked with so many extraordinary educators and administrators who have taught me so much. I truly love what I do, and I am inspired by the people I work with day in and day out.”
Bartlett and Leone are the ninth and tenth educators to receive the Dorothy Presser Award. LHS History/Social Studies Department Head Susan Breen and Huckleberry Hill School Music Specialist Kerrie Fraser received the award in 2024. Retired Summer Street School second grade teacher Deb Guenard was the recipient of the 2023 award. Huckleberry Hill School third grade teacher Lindsay Driscoll and Lynnfield Middle School fifth grade teacher Tammy Tate were each presented with the 2022 Dorothy Presser Awards. Lynnfield High School English teacher Joey Puleo, late LHS Social Studies Department Head Michael Boulay and Lead Nurse/Floating Nurse Toni Rebelo have also received the award.