Faculty Recognized for 'Going the Extra Mile'

The “Going the Extra Mile” in Excellence in Teaching Awards have been presented to Jean Westhoff, Brian Callahan, and John Martin.
 
The awards, in the form of a stipend established through the generosity of an anonymous family as part of the “Above All Else” Capital Campaign, are given annually to a member of the faculty in each division who is viewed by his or her peers, and the award’s Executive Committee, as one who has gone above and beyond standard levels of the profession, exceeding expectations in having a positive impact on students.
 
Award-winning faculty incent students by offering positive reinforcement and extra help — consistently inspiring and empowering all of those they teach. Award winners’ good example and endeavors, great and small, are recognized as having a powerful and lasting impact on improvement and strengthening of their students’ character and self-esteem.
 
Jean Westhoff, speech and language specialist in the Pre and Lower Schools, has been a faculty member since 1996, offering a steady hand of genuine care and guidance to so many young Brunswick boys.
 
She also volunteers her time, effort, and talent to musical and dramatic performances. 
 
“Jean is a dynamo,” Lower School Head Katie Signer said. “She deftly supports our boys, our teachers, and our parents in everything she does.”
 
“She is so often working behind the scenes to ensure boys shine in the classroom and on the stage.”
 
Brian Callahan, in his 25th year on the Middle School faculty, is a beloved fifth-grade teacher, mentor, and colleague — known to all for his thoughtful, kind, and good-spirited demeanor (and for knee hockey, too, of course!).
 
“Brian never rests in his effort to improve the lives of his students,” said Middle School Head Sarah Burdett. “Whether he is sitting on the rug with two students helping them to resolve a conflict or creating a reading lesson to help the boys see through the eyes of others, Brian strives to broaden the perspective and sense of empathy in each of his students.
 
“Brian's commitment to our students and to developing their ownership for their learning is remarkable. We all benefit from having him as a role model in the Middle School.” 
 
Upper School award winner John Martin — English teacher, varsity crew and wrestling coach, and faculty advisor of The Oracle — arrived at Brunswick in 2004 upon his college graduation from Columbia University, quickly making his mark on multiple facets of school life.
 
John does it all and more,” Headmaster Tom Philip said. “He’s a superb, dedicated teacher — and a respected coach and advisor to so many of our boys.
 
“He is seemingly everywhere at all times. We are better as a school because of his efforts and presence.”
 
Award winners were honored at a full faculty meeting held prior to Commencement on Wednesday, May 17. 
Back
 

 

 
    • Jean Westhoff

    • Brian Callahan

    • John Martin

Brunswick School Greenwich, CT

  • Upper School
    100 Maher Avenue
    Office: 203.625.5856

    Lower School
    1252 King Street
    Office: 203.485.3670
  • Middle School
    1275 King Street
    Office: 203.242.1202

    Pre School
    1252 King Street
    Office: 203.485.3652

Main Phone: 203.625.5800
Business: 203.242.1220 
Alumni: 203.242.1223