Being called to the principal’s office usually means some kind of bad news for both students and teachers. However, Ridley School District Special Needs Instructor, Dan Arrison, had no need to worry, writes Lorraine Ranalli for Credit Union Insight.

Arrison was informed by Dave DeYulis, Principal of Grace Park Elementary School, that he was a winner of the Delaware County Excellence in Teaching Award, given annually to 19 outstanding educators by the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union Partners in Education.

“I felt an immense sense of pride,” said Arrison. “The award has motivated me to want to be even more effective. I want to live up to the honor bestowed upon me.”

Arrison works with students to develop and improve strategies for controlling emotions. According to both his colleagues and students, Arrison has the ability to motivate and engage students. He brings humor and calmness into the classroom, and the technique he has developed is very successful.

The award includes $500 and a commemorative keepsake, while the school receives $1,000.

The way Arrison and Grace Park made use of the funds further shows that the award went to the right person. They gave the money to help out the Lego Club started by school behaviorist Mike Pagano. Arrison uses Legos as a motivational tool during his kindergarten and first-grade special-needs classes.

Read more about Arrison at Credit Union Insight by clicking here.