Published January 30, 2020

By JILLIAN STRING

NORTH READING — “I’ve always felt from the very beginning that this was a great place to be,” said North Reading High School mathematics teacher Michael Vaudo as he accepted the first Charles E. Jones Excellence in Education Award on January 27.

Established in 2019, the Charles E. Jones Excellence in Education Award will be given annually to a nominated educator who demonstrates dedication to students both within and beyond the classroom, exemplifying the legacy of the late Charles E. Jones.

The ceremony took place at the intersection of Charles E. Jones Way and Main Street at NRHS. Charles E. Jones Way was dedicated to him in 2017.

NRHS MATHEMATICS teacher Michael Vaudo (at left) accepts the inaugural Charles E. Jones Excellence in Education Award from Claudia Brown, wife of the late Charlie Jones, and Sarah and Leah Jones, nieces of Charlie Jones. (Jillian String Photo)

Jones’ wife Claudia, along with his nieces, Sarah and Leah Jones, presented the award to Vaudo.

“To hear about a person who commits his life and career to the educational and personal development of our children not only in the classroom, but in the broader classroom that is our glorious world, tells us a lot about the work ethic and heart of (Vaudo),” Leah Jones said. “Our Uncle Charlie had that kind of spirit, filled with joy at the opportunity to extend lessons beyond the walls of the school, and to give kids the chance to show themselves what they’re capable of doing and being.”

Across his 38-year tenure as an educator, Jones served as a history teacher, vice principal, and principal at the North Reading Junior High School/Middle School, and grew a reputation for exceptional learning experiences both within and outside of the classroom.

Seats in his eighth grade history class were coveted by students wishing to gain a deeper understanding of history on the annual trip to Williamsburg and Gettysburg, or visiting sites in Boston such as the State House, Faneuil Hall, and the U.S. District Court/Moakley Federal Courthouse.

Every summer, Jones opened these experiences up to all eighth grade students, inviting them (and their parents) to join him in traveling across the country. These trips varied each year, but included sites such as Washington, D.C., the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Gateway Arch, Yellowstone National Park, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

According to retired Superintendent Jon Bernard, like Jones, Vaudo is “most gifted” in his ability to instill the value of experiential learning in his students.

“I hired (Vaudo) as a teacher at North Reading High School when I was the principal, and what a fine hire he was,” Bernard said.

SUPERINTENDENT Dr. Patrick Daly (at left) and NRHS Principal Anthony Loprete (at right) congratulate NRHS mathematics teacher Michael Vaudo (center), recipient of the Charles E. Jones Excellence in Education Award. (Jillian String Photo)

Bernard noted that he also nominated Vaudo for the Charles E. Jones Award.

“Over the last several years, Mr. Vaudo’s talents as an educator have only been enhanced. He is a gifted mathematics teacher, knowledgeable in the subject matter that he teachers. He extends himself far beyond the walls of his classroom to support students and provide meaningful life skills to them,” Bernard said.

Vaudo gratefully accepted the award and $1,000 classroom stipend, which according to Bernard, will be used to further his innovative and exploratory teaching methodologies to the benefit of his students.

“I’ve always felt that being in the classroom is awesome, but being outside the classroom on the Frisbee field or taking these kids on amazing trips is really where they grow, push themselves outside of their comfort zones, and clearly Charlie and Claudia know that as well, as they spent so much time growing with each other and also growing the minds and hearts of their students,” Vaudo said. “It’s great to receive this award because it symbolizes something that I also really, really stand for.”

The review committee, consisting of family, friends, and colleagues of Jones, selected Vaudo from a group of seven nominees that included Whitney Cleary (Hood School), Carla Lister (NRMS), Justin Reddington (NRHS), Dana Sinerate (NRMS), Brittany Joyce (Little School), and Michael Rosa (NRHS).

“I think it’s awesome that there’s even an award for teachers that rewards teaching beyond the classroom and striking relationships with students and going on adventures and letting a lot of cool developments happen for individuals outside the classroom,” Vaudo said.

Vaudo thanked his family, Bernard, as well as the NRHS staff for their support and guidance.