Staff
Judith Gotham
Judy Gotham is a Music Teacher at Lincoln Middle School in Syracuse, New York, a 2006 National School of Character, where she has led the music department for 30 years. Judy was recently awarded the Eunice Kennedy Shriver 2008 National Community of Caring Lead Teacher Award at the Community of Caring National Conference in Salt Lake City. She received her Masters of Music in Music Education, as well as her Bachelors Degree, from Syracuse University. Judy has served as the Musical Director of the Lincoln Players and Chorus Drama Club, the Lincoln P.T.O. Treasurer, and serves on her school improvement committee. She has dedicated her career to improving the lives and academic performance of her students and colleagues.
Judy has served Lincoln as the Community of Caring Lead Teacher since 2006. In 2007, she became the Positive Behavior Intervention and Support Internal Coach. During this time she helped to institute a school wide behavior matrix, facilitated professional development sessions on Superintendent Conference Days, and implemented "It Pays to Behave," an incentive program rewarding students for appropriate behaviors. She has worked diligently and succeeded in finding positive solutions to build caring, respect, responsibility, trust, family, in a safe environment.
While not instructing, Judy volunteers at the Everson Museum of Art, Landmark Theatre, and Alzheimer's Association. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her family as well as attending live musical performances. Judy believes as Victor Hugo states, "Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent." Judy recently received the 2009 Syracuse Symphony Award for Outstanding Music Educator!