Ricki Budnick
Position: Life Skills Teacher
School: Edmund W Miles Middle School
School District: Amityville Union School District
City, State: Amityville, NY
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Ricki Budnick was nominated by Lauren Budnick, a family member.
Mrs. Budnick has been a teacher for 30 years and goes out of her way to make every student feel special. She works with underprivileged students and often provides them with food, clothing, and toys when necessary. Mrs. Budnick brings a sense of love and affection to the classroom and treats her students as if they were her own.
"I’ve never met someone with such a large heart," an anonymous friend said. "I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award than Ricki Budnick!"
Every Monday, a service dog named Buddy visits Mrs. Budnick's classroom and engages with the students. The students look forward to seeing Buddy every Monday and enjoy reading to him. Mrs. Budnick really goes out of her way to make each day memorable for her students.
"She treats them like she treated her own kids growing up," Lauren Budnick said. "Most students consider her a second mother!"
I have worked with Ricki for the past 4 years. She is a life changing teacher who shows up to work every single day with dedication and passion for her students. She always puts her students before herself and has changed the lives of many of her students. She is an incredibly generous person with a huge heart.
Greetings, Last year I got a call from Mrs. Budnick to ask about the "Reading To Dogs" program. She wanted my therapy dog Buddy and me to visit her class once a week. Thanks to her interest and enthusiastic support of the program, a number of her students have been able to overcome their fear of dogs. This is a life changing event for these children! She has been so enthusiastic and open to the program. As an educator and a caring person, she has truly changed the lives of her students. A more deserving candidate, I cannot imagine. Congratulations
Ricki Budnick.
My Aunt has been a Special Education teacher my entire life. I have never seen someone more passionate about her job and the students that she works with. She encourages her students to do the best that they can as well as those around her. There is no one I know more deserving of this honor.
I worked with Ricki Budnick for several years and I had the pleasure of teaching her classes Art. For some of the time my classroom was right next to hers. I saw each day how the students would go into the classroom with a look of joy and expectation on their faces. This was because Mrs. Budnick welcomed each one with a caring warm heart that made each student happy to be in her class. Each of her special needs students were treated with a kindness that touched each one individually. This is because Ricki knew intuitively how to individualize lessons by adapting the curriculum so that each student is reached at their own level. This is where a master teacher such as Ricki knows how to adapt the curriculum to the students needs to bring about learning and understanding.
I do believe Mrs. Budnick is a"lifechanger" because of this expertise and she does it all while giving of herself so that each student feels love and respected.
Her caring generous nature is also evident to the families of her students, colleagues and community. She continually supports others by putting their needs ahead her own. She is always looking at how to brighten someone else's day.
She still reaches out to me now that I'm retired. This shows that her kindness and dedication knows no bounds and doesn't end when she has left the school. I'm grateful to have witnessed her example which goes well beyond the classroom.
I had the pleasure to work with Mrs. Budnick the first year I came to her school. We immediately clicked and had the most wonderful year of working together. I have been retired for 5 years now and we have remained friends ever since. She is the friendliest and most respectful teacher to her colleagues and both warm and loving to her students they couldn't have a better teacher. She most certainly deserves to receive a life changing award.
Ricki is easily one of the most dedicated teachers that I have had the pleasure of working with. She brings a wonderful presence to our building and there is no doubt in my mind that she has changed countless lives for the better, both colleague and student alike.
I've worked with Ricki for 20 years. I always knew she was a special person and teacher through her generosity with both her time, money, and compassion regarding her students. It wasn't until this year that I give her more kudos for her patience, kindness, and warmth regarding her special needs students. Let me explain. As the reading teacher in the building, I was given a class with Ricki's students. I see them every other day for reading intervention and as wonderful as they are, they struggle with word attack skills, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing. It is a challenge for me, but a rewarding one. For these students to have Ricki everyday there has to be some kind of special connection. If anyone is truly deserving of an award it is Ricki!
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Mrs. Budnick for the past 2 and a half years. She’s a caring individual who goes out of her way for her students and coworkers. She brings tremendous energy to her classroom and challenges her students. As a special education teacher Mrs. Budnick’s classroom is a place where students who have disabilities are able to flourish in an environment that focuses on their academic achievements and not their disabilities. Working in the classroom, I’ve gotten to know her on a personal level. She’s a devoted wife and mother to her husband an 3 children. The devotion that Mrs. Budnick has for her family is equal to the devotion she has for her students, who she treats as an extension of her family.
I have worked with Ricki for twenty- five years. Ricki is an extremely dedicated teacher and leader. Ricki gives of herself 100% to all of her special need students. Ricki is dedicated, kind, and very supportive to all of the young adults that she comes in contact with. I am so lucky to be able to call Ricki my friend!
I have worked with Ms. Budnick for about 5 years now. I can honestly say that she is one of the most caring and loving teachers I know. During our summer school program she gives her students the opportunity to learn many different cooking lessons. The children look forward to this time with Ms. Budnick. She truly puts herself before her students, which I believe to be one of the best
Assets to being a teacher.
I have had the priviledge of knowing Ricki Budnick for over two years and am always pleasantly surprised by her generosity and caring nature. She is an amazing person and a definite "life changer"!!
Ricki Budnik is wonderful person! I first met her a few years ago as we both work for the same school district. I then had the pleasure to personally get to work with her in her class last year. Ms. Budnik is a very giving and caring person. She is just as dedicated to her students and community as she is to her own family. Teaching teenagers of special needs, Ms. Budnik has a gift of reaching through to them on their level when need be, while still earning their respect as their teacher and a adult. She makes sure that each of her students receives some personal quality time from her each day. She also makes learning fun and interactive. We did a lot of hands on activities and group conversations. She has also been a trusted friend, always willing to give advice when needed, a shoulder to lean on in times, and a quick hearty laugh to ease the day. Her honesty and candor while still remaining true to herself is rare. I miss working with her daily, but I am glad that I still remain her friend.
I have had the distinct pleasure of knowlng Ricki Budnick on a professional level for over twenty five years. As a colleague in the Special Education Department at Amityville School Districr, I've observed Mrs. Budnick's overall interaction with her students. She has the ability to create innovative ideas to meet her students' needs in order for them to achieve their individual academic goals. She has gone beyond an educators role. Ricki Budnick is loving and caring to her students and helps them grow emotionally as well. She also takes her personal time to assist their families in need of support. Her goal is for the students and families to become self-advocates. Ricki Budnick is a role model for all of her students.
I worked with Ricki for 12 years. I have never seen a teacher provide such love and comfort to any student like Ricki. She teaches the neediest children and treats them as if they were one of her own. She provides them with the love, consistency and discipline all at the same time in order to help them thrive. Ricki works with students whom often do not have a hot meal, clean clothes, books, their own bed and still gets them to love learning and making growth. I don't know how she does it but she does and does a fabulous job!!!!
Way to go Ricki! You have already won!
Like her students I have been lucky to cross paths with this warm hearted individual. Not only is she a great teacher but shes an amazing friend as well. Ricki Budnick always operates from a place of love and compassion. Mrs. Budnick is truly a blessing to all of her students and is someone you remember forever,
I have known Mrs. Budnick for the last nine years and I have been her teaching assistant for the last three years. Our life skills students face many challenges and Mrs. Burdick does everything possible to help them achieve the best possible outcome to prepare them for life. Her past students come back to visit her in our classroom and tell her they will never forget the difference she made in their lives. Mrs. Budnick always focuses on every students' strengths and helps to develop them to the fullest.
Ricki is an outstanding educator who has dedicated herself to the children she teaches. She goes far beyond her job description making sure her students have their needs in school provided for as well as at home.
With three of her own children she has balanced her time giving of herself on all fronts. She stays involved in her community and dedicates her time to helping others outside her role as mom and teacher as well.
She is a wonderful and caring friend and will always be there when times get tough.
Ricki Budnick is a selfless, giving and kind human being who deserves this honor and recognition.
I have known Ricki Budnick for ten years now. She has shown time after time to be a wonderful and kind-hearted person. Ricki has such amazing energy and gives so much of herself to her family, students and friends. No matter what, she will be there to help or show support. Her dedication to her students is one of the things I admire about her the most. She finds ways to differentiate instruction for her students so they can progress and do their best. Many times she has made sure her students had food, supplies or clothing if they are in need. She goes above and beyond for her students and makes a real difference in their lives.
Ricki's three wonderful and caring children are further evidence of what a remarkable person she is. Her warmth and generosity are evident in all aspects of her life. My son loves spending time with Ricki and her family because they always make him feel welcome and included. Ricki is truly deserving of this nomination because she touches so many lives in such a positive way.
Ricki is a kind compassionate teacher that is always their for her students. Her classroom is a place of learning and love. She brings her gifts of patience, warmth and a sense of humor to her teaching. Ricki is willing and ready to go the extra mile for each and every one of her students. Her students are very lucky to have Ricki in their lives as their teacher and mentor.
Ricki Budnick is a wonderful teacher her kindness and love for children with special needs is amazing I work with her for 3 years as an aid and I’m admiration for all what she does for the children and there families is amazing while I work with her I can see the dedication and understanding for there needs of the children and providing for them the best education and guidance and encourage them they can be productive citizens hands down for Mrs Budnick and people who work in this environment
My mother has worked with Mrs. Budnick for many years, and I have heard nothing but good comments about her. My mom speaks very highly about Mrs. Budnick– her character, compassion for students, and her willingness to consistently go above and beyond. My mom has told me that Mrs. Budnick is a source of inspiration and motivation for my mother, and my mother looks up to her as a teacher. I congratulate Mrs. Budnick on her nomination, and wish that she receives this award she so truly deserves.
I’ve been friends with Ricki for over twenty years and remain in awe of her dedication to her students and resourcefulness in providing them what they need to succeed. Congrats on your nomination, Ricki!
Ricki Budnick is a wonderful teacher her kindness and love for children with special needs is amazing I work with her for 3 years as an aid and I’m admiration for all what she does for the children and there families is amazing while I work with her I can see the dedication and understanding for there needs of the children and providing for them the best education and guidance and encourage them they can be productive citizens hands down for Mrs Budnick and people who work in this environment
I had the privilege of working with Ricki Budnick for many years as her teaching assistant. She is the kindest and most caring teacher I have ever met. She came into the classroom every day with a big smile and made the classroom a joyous place to be. Mrs. Budnick has a plan for each child which plays to their strengths and raises their self-esteem. She has the patience of a saint and a heart of gold. Mrs. Budnick was terrific in anticipating her students' needs and treated them as if they were her own children.
Mrs. Budnick has been a Special Educator for many years. She is a very kind and compassionate individual who truly cares about her students as if they were her own. Mrs Budnick works hard to maintain a positive climate within her classroom. In everything that she does, whether it is for her students or for her own family and community, it is done with excellence. I am glad to know her and to have had the opportunity to work with her.
My mom is the best.she is kind and loving to all her students.She takes them on trips and treats them to bagel and pizza parties, Every holiday is a celebration in her class. i remember her taking two of her students to the beach because they had never been there before.she also took a group of students to a movie.They had popcorn and candy ,which was her treat. I cant believe my moms kindness and generous nature. She is so patient with her students.I feel blessed to have her as my mom for fifteen years.
Mrs Budnick has been my teacher for three years. She is a sweet lady.I always get presents from her.We have parties too. I have learned alot from her. She makes me feel special.I am now a good reader and writer. I love Ms Budnick.I will miss her next year when I go to the high school
Ricki Budnick is a dedicated, thoughtful, selfless, generous, and caring woman and educator. Her heart is full of love and she takes actions all day and every day to affect those around her: her students, her colleagues, her community, her family. Ricki is always thinking of her students...they are her family and they are her heart from the moment that she meets them. She has worked with our Life Skills class for 14 years, and before that she worked with self contained children for 12 years. She has been given a heart of gold, a heart of service, and a heart of giving! She embraces her children's beauty and their life and makes them a part of her every breathe. She is a strong advocate for her children. She is outspoken and fair, and she will go to the ends of the earth to be sure her children are treated fairly, with dignity, and that their every need is being met all the time. She works through the summer with her children. She shops for them after school and on weekends. She works diligently to raise money for their needs, their family needs, their experiences, and their daily happiness. Whenever Ricki hears of a need from the community or a friend or even a stranger, she immediately asks how she can help make a difference to that person's life during their trial. She will dedicate her money and her time to help ease someone's pain in any big or small way. She is an inspiration and her enthusiasm never halts. It is consistent and her service is delivered with heartfelt love and passion!!
I would like to nominate my wife Ricki Budnick for life changer of the year. she’s been employed as a special education teacher in the Amityville school district for 30 years. During this time period, She has worked tirelessly to help the children grow and develop into independent young adults.She spends afternoons evenings and all her free time trying to generate supplies and other necessary things for the classroom. Every evening she will share a wonderful story about one of the children in her class. I think she loves her children as much as she does our three children. How love, warmth, empathy and generosity are evident in her every action. Just last month she told me about her new project. She was going to redecorate the first floor faculty room so that it would be a place for her colleagues to rest,rejuvenate and refocus on their day. She used her own money and time to create a place of warmth and tranquility. She has worked the past few summers with a life skills students to help them improve their daily living skills. She travels to the school that is over 40 miles a day to work every day with the goal of helping her children. Her sense of humor and outlook on life is contagious. I am proud of my wife.
Mrs. Budnick is a teacher who gives generously of herself to her students. She provides support for real-life needs academically, socially, and emotionally. Mrs. Budnick is beloved by her students, and she has an optimistic approach to each day. She inspires her colleagues as well to see her students for their gifts, talents, and potential.
Mrs. Budnick is an exceptional teacher and person. She works with extremely impaired middle school students and treats them as if they were her own children. She works tirelessly to make sure that they achieve their potential. SHe is patient,kind,generous and fun! There is no finer teacher than Ricki Budnick.
Mrs. Budnick is not only a teacher, she is family to so many of our students in Amityville. I have had the pleasure of visiting her classroom and observing her amazing interaction with her students. William Arthur Ward once said, "The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires." You Ricki have told, explained, demonstrated and inspired hundreds of students. Congratulations on your well deserved nomination.
There's a saying: " A good education can change anyone, a good teacher can change everything." This statement describes Mrs. Budnick. The children and parents she serves through education are incredibly blessed by the caring and nurturing environment she provides on a consistent basis.
Ricky is an amazing asset to our kids and our building. She is a wonderful person who gives at every moment possible and has the patience of a saint. She looks to be kind to others at all times, I am grateful to know her as my fellow colleague and friend:)
Mrs. Budnick is an inspiration to all! I have known her since 2nd grade. She is my best friend’s mom and has always been a role model for me. What she does for a living speaks so much about her, but it doesn’t end there. She is the matriarch of an amazing, close-knit family and gives everything to what’s most important. I can’t think of a better person to be acknowledged as Life Changer Of The Year!
I created my own nomination not sure why its not showing. Here you go!
I nominate Ricki Budnick for life changer of the year. Mrs. Budnick is a life skills teacher at Edmund Miles School in Amityville, New York. Mrs. Budnick works with her children of various ages in the middle school who have severe learning disabilities. She is patient and gives each child an opportunity to truly succeed. She treats these children as they are her own children.
This year she was photographed in the local newspaper. She decided to have a stand at homecoming this year. She worked with her colleagues and teaching assistants to have a stand that sold food to raise money for the school. This would provide school supplies and activities for her class. Many of these students don’t have the necessary means to go on these trips. She always makes it her priority to make sure all the children have the opportunity to take place in all school activities.
This year she had Buddy a black lab in her class. She worked with a local organization to have Buddy come into her class so her students could read books to him. The students really enjoyed having Buddy around. It allowed many of these students the opportunity to be able to practice on their reading. Many of these students struggle with reading and having a local mascot in their class helped. This goes without say this ended up in the local school paper and Newsday. She makes such a difference on her student’s lives.
I know I am not biased by saying this. My mom is truly a role model to new teachers out there. She is now a mentor to newer colleagues. She provides them the materials and feedback they need to be successful. As her daughter I am lucky to say she is my role model but I know she is a role model to all her students. Many of these students have severe learning disabilities she pushes them to do their best and be the most successful. Ask any of her colleagues or her family she puts her students before anything. If anyone deserves this award she does. She has been a teacher for over 30 years working in underprivileged areas and making a difference all over.
Mrs. Budnick truly makes a difference in her students lives. She goes above and beyond for each of her students to give them the means to be successful. She is truly a "Life Changer."
Ricki is a remarkable teacher and person who truly wants the best for her students. Her compassion and guidance enable her students to reach to be their best selves . She deserves this honor for so many reasons, she has made her classroom a safe haven for her students who know that they have a home at EWMiles MS with her. Her students learn to care for themselves and others and to view obstacles as a challenge not to be afraid of but to be taken on with pride.
Ricki is a special lady! Amity vile is so lucky to have her!!!!
I have worked with Ricki for many years. Ricki's students are lucky to have her. It is in her classroom that they feel safe to learn and grow. They know they will be treated as if they were a family. Ricki makes certain her students feel successful and this makes a big difference in their world. She visits families and makes certain that her students have the proper clothing for the season. It has been an honor to work with Ricki and I hope she gets this award that she deserves!! :) Ellen Brett
Could not agree more Mrs. Budnic is a wonderful teacher and person!!!!
Ricki is not only a wonderful, talented teacher, but an extraordinary person as well. She cares deeply for her students, who love her so much. This has helped shape the lives of many who passed through her classroom and has given them the tools and the love of life and learning that is so important to overcome the challenges that life brings. What an amazing example she has been to many, inside and outside her classroom.
Ricki is a caring, thoughtful, and supportive educator who not only lovingly guides her students but also is encouraging and helpful to her colleagues.
A student could have no stronger advocate than that of Ricki Budnick. Her caring and guidance is evident everyday through her actions. Her students lives are truly affected by her love and professionalism. She is the definition of a “life changer”!
Ricki has indirectly touched my life without even knowing it. A special thanks to her (and her husband) for raising such an amazing, loving, giving daughter, Lauren Budnick. She has shown me what it is like to have a true friend and I could never thank Ricki enough for bringing her into the world and raising one of my best friends!
As an ESL teacher, I worked with Ricki for many years at Edmund Miles Middle School and Park Ave. Elementary when it was housed in the middle school building. My first contact with Ricki was when I provided homeschool services to her student, Jonelle Henry, the sweetest smartest little girl with degenerative cerebral palsy. Ricki knew this little girls strengths and weaknesses and shared everything with me so I could help to enrich her life. Sadly, Jonelle passed away too early.
In the last few years before I retired, Ricki and I shared a few students who were non English speakers and diagnosed with developmental disabilities. She would do anything for her students and the two of us worked together to help them, sharing resources, and spending any extra time in the day to make their lives better.
Ricki Budnick is a Life changer...the children that she works with need a teacher like her to nurture and provide a teacher's edge...that sharp eye that knows when to push and when not to.
Mrs. Budnick is an incredible person! She is a wonderful teacher and mother who puts her everything in all that she does. Mrs. Budnick provides her students with unconditional support and equips them with skills they will take throughout their lives.
Mrs. Budnick goes above and beyond in every aspect of her student's lives. She differentiates instruction for each individual student to ensure their success in school. Many educators may give up easily with the kind of students that Mrs. Budnick has, but not her. She is constantly advocating for them and making sure that they are receiving everything possible to bring them to their fullest potential. She wants to ensure that they will be happy, productive and self sufficient individuals as they grow into adults. In addition she reaches out to meet their emotional and physical needs too. If a student is in need of clothing, food, school supplies and any other items she reaches into her own pockets and gets it for them! Mrs. Budnick will give students birthday parties, gifts, and cake to make memories for a child that will not have these things available to them at home. She makes the magic in Christmas come to her students that may not otherwise come from a home that can afford to provide it. She not only makes her students feel special but her colleagues too.!!!!! If their is a coworker that may be going through a hardship Mrs. Budnick will reach out to them too. She is wonderful in providing support, wisdom, and guidance too. She has assisted colleagues who may be at a crossroad with their own children, health issues, and financial needs. Mrs. Budnick is very resourceful and if there is a need she will stop at no boundary to find an answer. There is no educator that I know of that should receive the honor of being a Life Changer! Mrs. Budnick is the ultimate Life Changer!!!!
Ricki Budnick is one of the most special, caring, loving, generous, and compassionate people I know. She gives of herself to everyone who crosses her path. Hew students adore her and tell her so. As a colleague and a friend for three decades, I am proud of her and I sincerely hope she wins this award. She is an outstanding teacher, mother, and wife. She is a loyal, devoted person who truly cares about others. Most of all, she is an authentic woman who deserves to be honored for her tenacity. Ricki has never given up on anyone. As long as she lives, I believe she will be meeting the needs of others. She has my vote!
Ricki Budnick goes out of her way to make each kid in her class feel special.
I have know Ricki Budnick for many years as both a colleague and a friend. RICKI is the kindest person I know. She is incredibly generous and gives so much each day to her students family and friends . Ricki is so deserving of this honor - for her teaching abilities, her dedication, her kindness and her generosity!!
