Reading teacher Susan Nettler has received recognition for her work at the Park Avenue School. A resident of Greenvale, Nettler was recently honored with the "Teacher Recognition Award" by the Intercounty Teacher Resource Center (ITRC), the Long Island Region's affiliate of the New York State Teacher Centers, an organization which works with educators to provide ongoing professional education services to the state's teachers.

Nettler received the award for demonstrating excellence as a teacher and for helping students meet New York State educational standards after being nominated by Gloria Dingwall, Park Avenue School principal; Paul Lightbourne, Park Avenue School assistant principal; and fellow reading teacher Cynthia Paterno.

"I am just one of many teachers who are deserving of this award. It is an honor to receive it," said Nettler.

During her 29-year tenure at Park Avenue, Nettler has consistently enhanced the school's reading program. She created the Guided Reading Library, which enables teachers to borrow books that were secured by Nettler for use as supplementary reading materials for instruction. In compliance with requirements mandated by the New York State Education Department, she implemented the Early Literacy Profile, which assists teachers in the evaluation of students' reading, writing and listening progression from kindergarten through grade three.

"Susan is a very organized professional," said Dingwall. "She uses her skills to order textbooks for the entire school and provide assistance on numerous building planning committees. She is an asset to our administration and our students."

Nettler earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Barnard College and a master's degree in elementary education from Hunter College. She also has a postmaster's certificate in reading and a professional diploma in administration from C.W. Post College. Prior to teaching at Park Avenue, Nettler taught at P.S. 72 in Manhattan and Shelter Rock Elementary School.

Nettler and her husband, Paul, have two children. She is an avid reader and enjoys playing bridge and spending time with her four grandchildren. In between her teaching and hobbies, Nettler serves as a member of the Nassau Reading Council.