Henry Meguid accepts the Teacher of the Year award from the ABTA’s Richard Braunstein.
Meguid, who operates the Bridge Academy of North Carolina in Durham, is an extensive user of modern technology in his teaching.
Richard Braunstein, the chair of the committee that selects the annual Teacher of the Year recipient, says, “Henry’s lessons provide a multimedia experience to the students. With cards on the table, Henry gives excellent explanations of bridge concepts, and at the same time, has slick slide-show presentations projected on screens from his computer. He backs up his lessons with excellent notes provided to the students. He also conducts group lessons via the internet using web-casting software and small-group lessons on Bridge Base Online. Henry also serves the American Bridge Teachers’ Association as the chairman of its Technology Committee.
“Henry is an active participant in charity events. In addition to the ACBL’s Longest Day, Henry runs charity events for a veterans support group called ‘Hope for the Warriors’ and a local charity organization, Town & Country Garden Club, which raises money for local projects to beautify Durham NC.”
Meguid’s students describe him as “warm, funny, and engaging.” They say he makes learning fun. While many describe him as a great teacher, one says, “Henry is the best teacher I have ever had for any subject.” Meguid’s popularity is evidenced by his nomination for Teacher of the Year by 50 students.
Meguid says, “I began teaching informally in the 1980s, but I really got into it – and began treating it as a business – in 2003. My background was in organizational education and corporate training, and I use this in my bridge classes.”
Meguid holds the rank of ABTA Master Teacher.
This was the third consecutive time that Meguid has been a finalist for the Teacher of the Year award, but the first time for him to claim the honor.
Braunstein says, “The selection committee evaluates nominated teachers carefully. Candidates are screened for their teaching excellence and innovation, plus service to bridge and their communities. Teachers submitted teaching materials and videos, along with their teaching philosophy and background information.”
Committee Chairman Braunstein with Teacher of the Year finalist Jim Ricker, Master Point representative Sally Sparrow, 2018 TOY winner Henry Meguid and TOY finalist Bruce Greenspan. (Not pictured is TOY finalist Edward Scasnlon III.)
The 2018 Teacher of the Year Committee members were Barbara Seagram, Joyce Penn, Tina Radding, Kathie Walsh, Mary Jane Orock, Enid Roitman and chairman Braunstein.
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