Clark Alumni Association Selects Arlington Teacher for OSEA

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

GoLocalWorcester Lifestyle Team

Elizabeth Harris '13 presents an award to her former teacher Marie Raduazzo, of Arlington

The Clark University Alumni Association recently presented Marie T. Raduazzo, of Arlington, with the Outstanding Secondary Educator Award (OSEA). The award recognizes a secondary school teacher for the critical role they play in preparing students for higher education. The OSEA is recognized at Honors Convocation, just prior to Commencement, every year. Clark’s Commencement was held on Sunday, May 19.

Elizabeth Harris '13, a 2009 graduate of Arlington High School, nominated Raduazzo for the award.

Raduazzo, a teacher at Matignon High School in Cambridge, previously taught English in the Town of Arlington’s public schools (grades 7-12) for 38 years. In 2000, she designed, wrote and implemented a completely new elective course, Literature of War and Genocide.

Although Raduazzo says it is very difficult to tell the Holocaust story, she says she is able to do so in a way that engages adolescents thoroughly. When asked what her secret is, Raduazzo credits her father.

“He was able to hear a person’s story, understand that story, and tell that story to others,” said Raduazzo. “My father was extremely compassionate and empathetic; his passion to understand ‘the other’ is something that I saw daily. It is this legacy that resonates in me and in my classroom.”

Raduazzo says she loves the classroom and tries to give each student the respect she hopes to receive in return.

“I listen to my students; their voices are my classroom,” she said.

Harris said Raduazzo was “the only teacher that pushed [her] both academically while caring about [her] as a person.”

“She taught me how to challenge convention and change our world before I even entered the gates of Clark,” said Harris.

Harris described Raduazzo as her “mentor, motivator, and inspiration.” Harris attributed her choice to attend Clark University and to concentrate in Holocaust and Genocide studies to Raduazzo.

"I am totally honored and flattered,” said Raduazzo. “At this point in my career it is an overwhelming accolade. I am extremely grateful for the numerous, wonderful students I have taught over the past four decades.”

Harris graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in international development and social change. She is a member of Clark’s Fiat Lux honor society.

This is the 29th year that Clark’s Alumni Association has presented the Outstanding Secondary Educator Award. Clark seniors nominate their high-school teachers for the award and then discuss the nominees with a committee of Alumni Association members.