Mass. honors pair of teachers

BOSTON - Two Massachusetts elementary school teachers have been given the state's top honors for educators.

Jan Goodwin, a fifth grade teacher in Framingham, was named the state's 2009-2010 Teacher of the Year on Thursday. Jennifer Leith, a fourth grade teacher in Holden, was named the state's Preserve America History Teacher of the Year.

State Education Commissioner Mitchell Chester said both teachers "exemplify the excellence, passion and drive" needed for student success.

Goodwin was a parent at Charlotte A. Dunning School before earning her masters degree and returning to teach. She uses technology to enhance her teaching, including participating in online projects with students worldwide.

Leith, a teacher in the district since 1975, has developed a program that uses role playing, literature and diaries to learn about the Ellis Island experience of immigrants.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.