Connolly Elementary School teacher Ronnie Lavine, a Glen Cove teacher for 15 years, has been named the Hofstra University/News12 Educator of the Month.

Ms. Lavine's honor was celebrated this month as News12 camera crews were on hand to tape an assembly in which she received her award, followed by a reception for her students, their parents and school administrators in her classroom.

Ms. Lavine's award is the second consecutive Hofstra University/News 12 honor awarded to Glen Cove schools. Last year, Glen Cove High School science teacher Edward Pascuzzi won the prestigious award.

A third grade teacher, Mrs. Lavine was nominated by school principal Rosemarie Sekelsky. "She has been instrumental in providing all youngsters with the opportunity to excel and achieve, both academically and socially," noted Ms. Sekelsky. "Her continual efforts to help students become independent learners and her classroom environment, which fosters both critical thinking and creative projects, are commendable, and certainly give each child the message that he/she can learn and experience success."

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, with a master's from C.W. Post, Ms. Lavine started teaching at P.S. 161 in the Bronx. She came to Glen Cove in 1989, teaching first at Gribbin, then Landing, and, in 1993, moved to Connolly.

Ms. Lavine, a resident of Glen Cove, has been active in extracurricular, professional and community groups. They include chairing Connolly's Parents As Reading Partners program and serving as a representative on the PTA Council as well as the Instructional Support Team. In the school district, she has served on the on-site, curriculum, science and PARP committees, and she has received honors for such projects as Kids Making Quilts for Kids, Newsday in Education, Empathy for the Homeless and annual workshops designed to understand physically challenged people.

In the community, Ms. Lavine has been recording secretary for the Coalition for Glen Cove, was on the PTA Budget Committee and is past president of Glen Cove Hadassah.

"Ms. Lavine's enthusiasm rivals that of a first year teacher," notes Ms. Sekelsky. "She has touched and continues to touch the lives of countless children and families."