Jeff Klein, a school counselor at Tamanend Middle School and a member of the Central Bucks Education Association, has been voted the winner of the PSEA-MER CAPS Unsung Heroes Contest.
The online contest and campaign was designed to bring attention to the important roles performed by many varied education professionals in Bucks County and Montgomery County public schools leading up to Teacher Appreciation Week.
Klein, who has more than 20 years of service in this role, will also receive a $2,000 grant for a school project of his/her choice.
“Thank you so much to CAPS for supporting public education and highlighting the work of librarians, nurses, social workers, and school counselors, and congratulations to all of the professionals nominated for this award, as it is humbling to be in such great company,” Klein said upon notification. “I am so appreciative of all who voted for me and look forward to using the generous prize to fund our school’s mural commemorating the 20-year partnership between Tamanend and the Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund. I am also thankful to be surrounded by such a wonderful community of students, parents, and colleagues who make my job so incredibly enjoyable and rewarding.”
Launched on April 9, the Unsung Heroes campaign helped put a spotlight on these professionals to highlight their vital – but often less visible – roles. Four nominees were selected by the leadership of Pennsylvania State Education Association Mideastern Region (PSEA-MER) from submissions made by their colleagues. Videos about each nominee were then created and posted on the CAPS (Council for the Advancement of Public Schools) website, where users were encouraged to vote for one grand prize winner.
These three runners-up were each awarded a $1,000 grant for a school project of their choice:
– Ellen Zschunke: librarian/media specialist, Pine Road Elementary School, Lower Moreland Education Association member;
– Jacqui Owens, social worker, Bensalem Township Education Association member;
– Katie Engelhardt, nurse, Bucks County Technical High School Education Association member.
