Williamsville educator honored with NYSUT award

Michelle Pancoe, a fourth-grade teacher at Dodge Elementary School in Williamsville, was recently awarded the Sandy Feldman Leadership Grant for Emerging Young Women Leaders at the New York State United Teachers' 36th Representative Assembly.

Pancoe serves as vice president for political action, new member coordinator and Web site coordinator for the Williamsville Teachers Association. She is a graduate of the NYSUT Leadership Institute.

The Sandy Feldman Leadership Grant, which celebrates and commemorates the life of union pioneer Sandy Feldman, was established by Feldman's husband, Arthur Barnes.

The $2,000 grant was created to help further the development of emerging women leaders. The annual award is designed to help the recipient further her development as a union leader, assist with expenses such as union activities, training and conferences or defray costs associated with union involvement.

"Michelle is an outstanding example of what the new generation of NYSUT leaders can aspire to," said NYSUT President Richard C. Iannuzzi. "As an up and coming union activist she embodies Sandy Feldman's commitment and spirit."