July 2, 2014

By Sister Ellen Rose Coughlin, SSJ
Superintendent of Schools

Ogdensburg - Michele Bombard, a teacher at Trinity Catholic School in Massena, has been named the 2014 Outstanding Catholic School Teacher for the Diocese of Ogdensburg.

She was honored June 20 during a luncheon hosted by Bishop Terry LaValley at the Bishop’s residence.

Ms. Bombard began her teaching career in 1987 at Trinity Catholic. In her application for the position at Trinity Ms. Bombard wrote, “I welcome the opportunity to teach in a school in the Diocese of Ogdensburg. It is the perfect place for me to begin a career as a dedicated teacher. I believe that the caring, Christian environment of a Catholic school inspires both students and teachers to work to full potential in all academic areas and to grow in faith.”

For 28 years, Ms. Bombard has remained at Trinity Catholic leading hundreds of students to Christ and life-long learning.

Ms. Bombard currently teaches fifth and sixth grade ELA and Social Studies. In past years, she has taught Math, ELA, Social Studies and Religion in a self-contained fifth grade classroom.

In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Ms. Bombard has demonstrated her capacity for leadership. She is a presenter at that annual Diocesan New Teacher Orientation program and regularly shares her expertise with the members of the Trinity faculty.

Since 2012 she has served as the assistant principal at Trinity. She also plays an integral role in the life of her parish serving as a wonderful role model for her students.

Ms. Bombard graduated from SUNY Potsdam with a BA in History/Education. She has a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and is permanently certified in N-6 elementary education with a Social Studies extension for grades 7-9.

She regularly participates in continued professional development workshops and training sessions which include but are not limited to the incorporation of technology across the curriculum, mentoring of new teachers and leadership skills through Cognitive Coaching.

In nominating Ms. Bombard,  Kathleen Behrens, Trinity Catholic principal, stated: “Michele Bombard possesses all the qualities one looks for in an effective and outstanding teacher. . . . She has selflessly served students, colleagues, parents and parishioners; not caring about money, promotions or adulation.

“Michele chose a teaching vocation, not a career, only wanting to share the hope and love of Christ in the best way she knows how – as a Catholic school teacher,” Mrs. Behrens wrote.

Ms. Bombard  was joined at the bishop’s luncheon by Mrs. Behrens, St. Joseph Sister Shirley Anne Brown, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction; Pam Ballantine, assistant director of Catholic Education for Christian Formation and Catholic Schools,  Joan Rufa and St. Joseph Sister Mary Eamon,  former principals at Trinity Catholic and St. Joseph Sister Ellen Rose Coughlin, director of education and superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Ogdensburg.

Photo by Valerie Mathews
Michele Bombard, a teacher at Trinity Catholic School in Massena for the past 28 years,  was honored as the 2014 Outstanding Catholic School Teacher for the Diocese of Ogdensburg. She is pictured above at a June 20 luncheon at the Bishop’s House in Ogdensburg with Bishop Terry R. LaValley,  members of the diocesan education office and the Trinity principals with whom she  has worked. From left are Bishop LaValley, St. Joseph Sister Shirley Anne Brown,  assistant superintendent of schools; Joan Rufa and St. Joseph Sister Mary Eamon Lyng, former principals; Ms. Bombard, St. Joseph Sister Ellen Rose Coughlin,  director of education and superintendent of schools; and Kathleen Behrens, current Trinity principal.