Kristen Olochnowicz (2015)

2015 Robert Ludwig Teacher of the Year

Kristen Olochnowicz, the 2015 Schenectady City School District Teacher of the Year, teaches her second grade class at Van Corlaer Elementary School on Friday, December 12, 2014.

The article previously incorrectly named the principal of Van Corlaer Elementary School. The principal’s name is Mariann Bellai.

Olochnowicz, 44, was selected as 2015 Schenectady City School District Teacher of the Year. On Friday Superintendent Laurence Spring and Board of Education President Cathy Lewis surprised Olochnowicz at Van Corlaer Elementary School with the news.

“I was extremely surprised,” she said. “The kids said there was someone at the door, and then this happened. I have such a fabulous group of kids.”

Olochnowicz has been an elementary school teacher in Schenectady for 20 years. She previously taught kindergarten and first grade, but she said she enjoys the second-graders and plans to eventually retire as a second-grade teacher.

Van Corlaer Principal Mariann Bellai nominated Olochnowicz for the award. The designation allows her to enter the New York State Teacher of the Year contest.

Bellai said Olochnowicz respects the children, treats them like “little adults” and often calls them “friends” in class.

“She is a dynamic teacher and a leader in the district,” Bellai said. “She has such a love of teaching and a love for these kids. It really shows.”