Published: May 08, 2008 11:05 am         

Two Milford teachers honored by SUCO

By MICHELLE MILLER
Staff Writer

MILFORD — Two Milford Central School science teachers were among six educators who were recognized for their work by the Secondary Education Department of the SUNY College at Oneonta.

Kevin Stevens and his wife Meg Subik were presented Awards for Exemplary Service at the annual Celebration of Teaching Reception held at the Morris Conference Center on campus last Thursday.

Both Stevens and Subik said they were honored to receive the award — mostly because of from whom it came, SUCO faculty.

``It is wonderful because we have a tremendous amount of respect for those professors,’’ said Subik, who said both she and her husband did their graduate work at SUCO. ``The same professors we worked under are the same ones who recognized us for our contributions.’’

Stevens, who holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from SUCO, said it was nice to receive an award from SUCO because the professors there have been so influential on the way he teaches.

``It came from people who mentored us,’’ said Stevens. ``I only teach the way I do because of the influence they had on me.’’

Stevens said it was nice to be honored and appreciated. ``You don’t think people notice the work you put into teaching, but it is nice to see someone has recognized (it),’’ said Stevens.

Subik, who has been at MCS for 10 of her 12 years in education, teaches Regents biology, AP Biology and physics. She says that, because Milford is a small school, she and Stevens are the only ones teaching in specific science areas. Stevens has been at MCS for nine of his 12 years as an educator. He teaches earth science and chemistry. Subik, who received her bachelor’s degree from Hartwick College, said she and her husband do not know what it is like not to teach together. She said she met Stevens in 1995 while both of them were student teaching at Milford. Subik said she and Stevens had their first date at a spaghetti dinner held by the local Boy Scouts.

Both Subik and Stevens left the Milford area for a while to teach in Wellsville, but came back in 1998.

``We assumed all places were like Milford,’’ said Subik. ``We were entirely wrong. It was completely different out there.’’

Subik and Stevens currently reside in Milford — right next to the school’s track. Both of them attribute their teaching success to the support of the community, the students and MCS staff and administration.

``We all have the same goal: we have the kids’ best interest at heart,’’ said Subik.

``The school and community make it a place you want to come and work,’’ said Stevens. ``It’s a group you want to work for.’’ Both Subik and S

tevens said the best part about their job is working with the students.

``I think the kids realize and recognize we love what we are doing,’’ said Subik.

MCS Superintendent Peter Livshin said both Subik and Stevens are exceptional science teachers and are truly two ``very well deserving’’ people. Livshin said they both work hard on their craft of teaching and have good reputations. ``They are very involved with the school and community,’’ said Livshin. ``And the kids like them.’’

To be eligible for the Awards for Exemplary Service, a teacher must have a minimum of five years of experience working with SUCO as a cooperating teacher or college supervisor. The teachers, who serve as role models for SUCO students, must demonstrate high standards of knowledge in content and pedagogy, service to the school and community, and a love of learning.