Monroe 2 - Orleans BOCES Educator Honored for Leadership in Education

Barbara A. Martorana

ALBANY, NY (04/04/2014)(readMedia)-- Barbara A. Martorana, director for exceptional children at the Monroe 2 - Orleans BOCES,

has been selected as the 2014 recipient of the Leadership and Support Award by the School

Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS).

The SAANYS Leadership and Support Award was established to recognize the outstanding leadership

efforts of those members whose responsibilities require leadership through support services to

educators and students across and between buildings and districts.

Martorana has served in the field of education and social work for more than 25 years. In her current

position, she provides support to the nine component districts that make up Monroe 2 - Orleans BOCES.

Commented colleague Robert O'Brien, "Barb has proven to be a valuable resource to the component

districts because of her experience, knowledge, and ability to see possibilities where none seemingly

exist." Among her most recent accomplishments is the launching of a Career Skills Center program that

supports students participating in work study programs. Students in the program attend the program

prior to placement in the field, the result of which has been a marked increase in successful student

outcomes.

Joseph Kelly, assistant superintendent for instructional programs at Monroe 2 - Orleans BOCES,

commented that Martorana's "passion for raising expectations for young adults with disabilities and

preparing them in collaboration with agency partners for the world of work is simply unparalleled in this

community." This is evidenced through her leadership with The BELL Program (Bridge to Earning,

Learning, and Living). The BELL Program is an innovative student service in collaboration with Roberts

Wesleyan College, the Cerebral Palsy Association, and the U of R Institute of Innovative Transition. She

is known as a caring individual who is a strong advocate for students, parents, and colleagues. Through

this service, students have left the program job ready or have entered into further educational programs.

Martorana received her bachelors degree in sociology with a minor in Spanish from SUNY Geneseo, her

masters degree in social work from Syracuse University, and her advanced degree in educational

leadership from SUNY Brockport.

Martorana will be honored for her accomplishments at an awards ceremony on May 9 at the Century

House in Latham, New York.

SAANYS represents nearly 7,200 school administrators, supervisors, and coordinators. As a professional

association, SAANYS is committed to providing direction, service, and support to the membership in their

efforts to improve the quality of education and leadership in New York State schools. SAANYS is affiliated

with the National Association of Elementary School Princ