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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).

In 2009, the Brookline Education Foundation was proud to honor AMY NEALE as an outstanding exemplar of Excellence in Teaching.

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.”

In 2009, the Brookline Education Foundation was proud to honor RICARDO CALLEJA as an outstanding exemplar of Excellence in Teaching.

Ricardo'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.

2009 Ernest R. Caverly Awards Deadline : Wednesday, March 25, 2009
c/o the Personnel Office, Town Hall, 5th Floor

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 each to a high school and an elementary school educator. Funded by the Brookline Education Foundation, each award consists of a $2,500 stipend and a gift. 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 from 1931 to 1964.


Previous Caverly Award winners include Alicia Hsu and Ellen Lewis (2008), Marilyn Chetwynd and Eleanor Demont (2007), Ellen Goldberg and Patricia Herrington (2006), Margaret Metzger and Mary Sodano (2005), Stephen Lantos and Jay Sugarman (2004), Mary Burchenal and Sheila Leach (2003), Toni Cradle and Barbara Scotto (2002), and Alanne Duger and Tom Ladenburg (2001). Complete list of Caverly Award winners


  • Nominees should exhibit exceptional achievement and contributions to the Public Schools of Brookline. In particular, Caverly Award winners exemplify the four core values of the Brookline Public Schools:
    • High academic achievement for all
    • Excellence in teaching
    • Collaboration
    • Respect for human differences
    • Educational equity
  • In addition to classroom teachers, nominees may include specialists, guidance counselors, and librarians.
    • Each nominee must have at least seven (7) years of service in the Brookline Public Schools (BPS) to be eligible. Part-time personnel will be considered.
    • While the Caverly Award is not intended as a special recognition for a retiring educator, retiring personnel will be considered.
  • Nominations are submitted by colleagues in the form of a written letter.
    • This letter should be no more than 2000 words and include information about the nominee's background, history in BPS, professional development activities, skills and achievements, and contributions to BPS and beyond. The nomination letter should integrate testimony and anecdotes from various sources.
    • Up to, but no more than, five (5) supporting letters from colleagues, principal, outside experts, parents, or students may be attached to the nomination letter.
  • One high school and one elementary educator will be chosen to receive the award by a committee consisting of the Director of Personnel, recent Caverly Award winners, and members of the Board of Directors of the Brookline Education Foundation.
  • All nominations must be sent to the Ernest R. Caverly Awards Committee, c/o Personnel Office, on or before Wednesday, March 25, 2009. The 2009 Caverly Award Associates will be announced at the Brookline Education Foundation's Annual Meeting and Celebrating Teachers event scheduled for May 19, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. at Newbury College.

Caverly Award Nomination Form

2009  Amy Neale - Driscoll ,Ricardo Calleja  BHS

2008  Alicia Hsu Lawrence, Ellen Lewis - BHS  

2007  Eleanor Demont - BHS, Marilyn Kelly Chetwynd Winthrop House/BHS

2006  Ellen Goldberg BEEP/Early Childhood, Pat Herrington - BHS

2005  Mary Sodano Lawrence, Margaret MetzgerBHS

2004  Jay Sugarman - Runkle, Steve Lantos - BHS

2003  Sheila Leach  - Pierce,  Mary Burchenal - BHS

2002  Barbara Scotto - Driscoll,  Toni Cradle - BHS

2001  Alanne Duger  - Baker,  Tom Ladenburg  - BHS

2000  Deanna Wong  - Devotion,   Madelyn Gonnerman  - BHS

1999  Ellen Contreras - Baker,  Nancy Gutmann  - BHS

1998  Linda Goldman - Lawrence, Nancy Howard - BHS  

1997  Stephen Griffin - Lincoln,  Beth Thompson - BHS

1996  James V. Parziale - DriscollDeborah Quitt   - BHS

1995  Deborah D'Amico - Pierce,  Elizabeth Kean - BHS

1994  Judy McCarty - Driscoll, David Moore - BHS

1993  Nalora Steele - Driscoll, John Ansty   - BHS

1992  Joanne Rostler - Lincoln, James Cradle  - BHS

1991  Richard Hoyt - Devotion, Iain Ryrie - BHS

1990  Paul Tamburello - Pierce 

1989  Stephen E. Wilmore  - Lincoln

1988  Hanna B. Zeiger  - Pierce

1987  Elaine K. Foley - Baker

1986  Ursula C. Fechek - Baker

1985  Adeline DiIorio  - Pierce,  Molly Ann Murphy  - Lincoln

1984  Helen C. McIntosh  - Devotion