Principal Phyllis Rizzi named statewide 'Administrator of the Year'
Phyllis Rizzi, principal at Tappan Hill School in Tarrytown, learned late last month in a letter from Regional Association of Supervisors & Administrators President Anthony Baxter that she had been named Administrator of the Year by the group’s parent organization, Empire State Association of Supervisors & Administrators.
“This well deserved acknowledgement is a tribute to the hard work you have expended over the years to ensure student and staff success,” Mr. Baxter wrote.
Ms. Rizzi had an opportunity to express her gratitude recently at the regional group’s virtual meeting before addressing a statewide audience at ESSAA's Annual Gala on May 20 at the Sleepy Hollow Conference Center.
“This is truly an honor and a humbling experience,” Ms. Rizzi said. “I am grateful to my colleagues who nominated me and of course to RASA and ESSAA for deeming me worthy of this award.”
She said the award was a testament to the dedication of the entire SWBOCES Special Services team as well as to the critical importance of the work they do for students and families. It is a team that believes in embracing students' abilities and strengths, rather than focusing on their disabilities.
Andrea Byrne, Director of Special Services at Southern Westchester BOCES, said it was a real point of pride to see Ms. Rizzi honored in this way, calling her a true advocate for students with unique learning needs throughout her career.
“She approaches her role as an instructional leader with zeal and models the resolve required to navigate all of the intricacies of providing necessary services and relevant instruction,” Ms. Byrne said. “Her work with colleagues at Tappan Hill and many community partners serves to ensure that teaching and learning unfold in a meaningful, joyful way for all students. She works closely with all stakeholders and has built important bridges with districts and families that often last beyond the years that students are enrolled in our programs.”
Also honored at the event were four other principals from Albany, Long Island, Binghamton and Buffalo.
Tappan Hill School houses several SWBOCES Special Services Programs, including AIIM Elementary and Middle School programs, Therapeutic Support Program, Intensive Day Treatment, and programs for students with multiple disabilities.
Ms. Rizzi has been an educator for four decades, beginning as a special education teacher on Long Island and serving as Administrative Coordinator at Westchester ARC for 20 years. She joined Southern Westchester BOCES in 2006 and came to Tappan Hill in 2015.
In nominating her for this award, her colleagues wrote that she builds connections and encourages student growth by developing teams and giving all “the opportunity to share ideas and implement initiatives together to support student achievement.”
“(She) is an advocate,” the nomination states. “She has worked tirelessly throughout her career to advocate for students, their families, and staff.”
Seeing a need, she worked with families to develop the SWBOCES Special Education PTA, and co-facilitates meetings, shares resources, and plans meaningful presentations.
“Ultimately, this is what Mrs. Rizzi does best,” her colleagues wrote, “support and develop others to support the independence and achievement of students.”
Reflecting on the transformation that had taken place in the field of special education during her career, Ms. Rizzi said that assistive technology and both classroom and community inclusion stand out.
She recalled one student, who despite being nonverbal and relying on a wheelchair for mobility was able to use a device that uses speech-generating and eye-tracking technology to ask a friend on a date. In another instance, another student overcame numerous obstacles to pursue his goal of voting in his first Presidential election.
“It’s students like them, and so many others, who make this work so meaningful and rewarding,” Ms. Rizzi said. “Their success really keeps me going.”
