Seymour's 2023 Teacher of the Year honored at ceremony

This is shared from the Seymour Public Schools' Facebook page.

 

Ansonia Public Schools congratulates 2023 Teacher of the Year

 Kelly Balanca teaches at John C. Mead Elementary School. Congratulations!

Seymour Public Schools seeking nominations for Teacher of Year, annual awards

From the Seymour Public Schools' Facebook page:

"Hello Seymour School Community,

"Now is the time for you to recognize a teacher by nominating him or her for the 2021-2022 Seymour Teacher of the Year.

"The form is located on our website at

https://www.seymourschools.org/board.../teacher-of-the-year

"The deadline for Teacher of the Year submissions is April 12, 2021.

"We are also accepting nominations for our District Awards until April 12, 2021.

"This is a great way to acknowledge the work of those who have contributed to our district."

Derby Public Schools selects 2021 Teacher of the Year

Jacqueline Nathman

DERBY - Derby Public Schools has named Jacqueline Nathman as 2021 Teacher of the Year.
Jacqueline is part of the Irving School family teaching in Grade 5.  
Irving School Principal Aimee Misset said, “Jackie is a leader in and out of the classroom.  Children and adults are drawn to the passion, energy, and joy she brings to our school community. 
"In addition, she brings a dedication to improving her own skills as a teacher, sharing that knowledge and helping others do the same, anything to improve outcomes for our students. Irving School is truly a better place because she is part of it."

Once hearing about being selected as District Teacher of the Year, Ms. Nathman reached out to her colleagues with this message, “As I reflected on the amazing honor bestowed on me, I can't help but feel extremely grateful and humbled. Of course, the recognition is the icing on the cake, but the children are the reason we all work so hard. They continue to be at the forefront of every decision we make at Irving School. To say the staff at Irving is incredibly dedicated is an understatement. It's a pleasure to work alongside colleagues with the same mindset and passion about education. As we know, teaching is never done in isolation, it truly takes a team of hardworking teachers and leaders. I am quite fortunate to work with teachers and leaders who inspire me each and every day! 
"Once again, I want to thank you for this recognition and the opportunity to work with each of you. I am grateful for your support and immensely proud to represent my Derby family.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew J. Conway, Jr. said, “Ms. Nathman is so deserving of this recognition. She has a unique ability to connect with all students and all adults. Through her energy and incredible personality she fosters a classroom and school environment that is inviting, respectful of everyone’s needs and abilities, makes people feel valued and make people laugh.  Her energy is contagious and makes you want to get up and dance, engage and become part of what she is doing.”

Jim Gildea, Chairman of the Board of Education said, “Jackie Nathman is an amazing teacher who is able to connect with her students, parents, coworkers and all those she comes in contact with. She has an energy and enthusiasm that is simply infectious. Jackie also embraced the concept of distance learning early on and with a passion the ensured her students stayed connected and we’re comforted during the very difficult periods of time when they did not have the day-to-day contact with their teachers and school system support. She is an outstanding selection as teacher of the year and is a tremendous representative of all the best the Derby school system has to offer.”
The Connecticut Teacher of the Year Program is one of the oldest and most prestigious recognition programs to focus public attention on excellence in teaching.

The District also recognizes Building Level Teachers of the Year: Amy Tancreti from Bradley School, Lisa Russo from Derby Middle School, and Eric O’Toole from Derby High School.

This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Congratulations wished to Derby's 2019 Teacher of the Year

 Teacher of the Year Maureen Zahara

DERBY - Bradley School is proud to announce  Maureen Zahara is the 2019 Derby Public School District Teacher of the Year. 

Zahara teaches all the general music classes, leads the grades 3-4-5 Bradley School Chorus, the grades 4-5 Beginner and Advanced Bands, and runs individual and small group instrumental lessons for students. 

Zahara wants the music program to be the best in the state and is very involved with her colleagues to organize and run the All-City performances in the spring. 
She has been a member of the Bradley School Leadership Team and is musical director and emcee for its monthly pep rallies.

Each year Zahara nominates a fifth grade student to receive the Connecticut Association of Schools Celebration of the Arts in Music and attends the event with the student and his or her family. 
Zahara and her Unified Arts colleagues helped paint and plant the community garden beds in anticipation of the students participating in the Farmer’s Market in the fall. 
Zahara applies for various grants each and every year to be able to get free musical instruments for students to use. 
Many of the instruments, including all the classroom guitars and ukuleles, are grant-funded through her efforts.
Bradley School Principal Mario Ciccarini said, “Maureen Zahara epitomizes everything you would want in a Teacher of the Year. She has a passion for what she does, instills this in her students through meaningful and engaging lesson planning and activities, and is an advocate for the arts throughout the entire school district, not just Bradley School.”

Board of Education Chairman Jim Gildea said, “Mrs. Zahara is an amazing teacher who is full of energy and enthusiasm. She has played a pivotal role in the development of our music program and really helped take it to new heights. 
"As a parent, I have seen up close the impact she has on the children she interacts with each and every day. She is loved and respected.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew Conway said,“This recognition is a small testimony to the incredible experience Mrs. Zahara provides for her students every day and to all others fortunate enough to have attended a performance by her students.”

The District also announces building-level Teachers of the Year: Ivory Urban at Irving School; James Rosa at Derby Middle School; and Ryan Adams at Derby High School. 
All of these deserving staff members will be celebrated at the Derby Schools' 2018 Convocation Aug. 23.

This is a press release from Derby Public Schools. 

Seymour school district names 'Teacher of the Year' for 2018-19

SEYMOUR - Superintendent of Schools Michael Wilson last week announced Angelique McAuliffe is the district's 'Teacher of the Year.'

Seymour school superintendent Michael Wilson congratulates Bungay School second grade teacher Angelique McAuliffe, the district's 'Teacher of the Year.' 

Photo courtesy of Seymour Public Schools.

Please click here to read a story by Jean Falbo-Sosnovich, New Haven Register correspondent.

2018 Teacher of the Year announced in Derby

Mike Gozzo

DERBY - Derby Middle School is proud to announce that Mike Gozzo is the 2018 Derby Public School District Teacher of the Year. 

As a former Marine, Gozzo has been an inspirational leader at Derby Middle School. 
On a daily basis, he exhibits professionalism to staff and students alike. He is always willing to help a colleague. He works with his peers to develop an understanding of students and the learning process. 
Besides teaching the students about history and running, Gozzo manages to instill life lessons to the students. He is admired by not only his colleagues, but also by his students. 
Superintendent Matthew Conway said, “Mr. Gozzo epitomizes what public school teachers in Derby, Ct., and across America represent. His selfless, kids first approach to everything he does is a model for every human being to follow. The evidence of Mr. Gozzo’s every day approach to teaching, to life, is expressed in his students', past and present, words when describing him. One could not ask for a more honest reflection than the ones shared by the lives he has touched.” 
When asking students about Gozzo, the common thread that was spoken was, “There is never a day I don’t look forward to going to his class. He is an amazing coach who motivates me. I have become a more confident and stronger runner and person because of him.”
Gozzo is not just a coach or teacher; he is a mentor to many of the students. They look to him for guidance and moral support. He has been a central figure in constructing the cross-country program, leading the newly formed track program, and is the volunteer leader of the Derby Running Club. 

In the fall he guided league-winning runners for the Cross Country team, while also inspiring many other students to achieve goals that they didn’t know were possible. 
Another student remarked, “Mr. Gozzo is my Social Studies teacher and my running coach. He is supportive and cares about what we are learning. He helps me learn and pushes me to do my best. Mr. Gozzo makes me look forward to class and to run. Mr. Gozzo pushes me to run my best and to have no limits.”
Gozzo is often seen providing a nutritious breakfast for those that need it, engaging in conversation with students while having lunch with them, and supplying running shoes and supplies to students in need. He dedicates his time past the school calendar, working with students 12 months a year.
Gozzo reaches all students and the bonds and connections he creates last beyond the students’ educational career. It is not uncommon to see Gozzo achieve success in every lesson, while also demonstrating a nurturing environment for each individual. 


This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Bradley School educator named Derby Teacher of the Year

Karen Marrone

DERBY - Bradley School is proud to announce that Karen Marrone is the 2017 Derby Public School Teacher of the Year. 
Marrone is an excellent educator who has made a significant positive impact on the students and staff at Bradley School. 

In her previous role as the learning center teacher, Karen worked in a challenging environment to support her students both socially and emotionally. 
This past year Marrone transitioned to the resource reading teacher for grades 3-5. Thanks to her efforts, her students have seen incredible growth in their reading proficiency in the resource room and general education classroom. 
Marrone collaborates with peers on a regular basis to help meet the needs of the students she works with. She has been a valuable member of the school literacy leadership team, which brings about positive change for all students in the areas of reading and writing. She shares her knowledge with peers and is always open to ideas and strategies from others. 

Unified sports program
In addition to her work in the classroom, Marrone has been the leader for the Bradley School Unified Sports program; helping students with disabilities build positive relationships with typical peers through play and team building.

Marrone can also be seen on a regular basis helping sell tickets at Derby High School games and working with students during the summer though the district’s extended school year program. 
Marrone is a true role model for her students and colleagues. She approaches her work with a constant smile and positive attitude, and her approach with young people has resulted in positive gains for students.

Marrone will be honored at a ceremony Aug. 25 when the district’s teachers return to school for professional development activities. 
She also will be honored at the annual statewide awards ceremony Nov. 10 at The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in Hartford. 

Teachers, paraeducators to be honored
Also to be honored Aug. 25 are three other teachers chosen as Teacher of the Year at their individual schools. 
They are: Jennifer Lucas, music teacher at Irving Elementary School; Kelly Anroman, Grade 8 English teacher at Derby Middle School; and Veronica DiLullo, business teacher at Derby High School. 
In addition, Paraeducators of the Year will be honored. They are: Elise Campbell, Irving School; Joyce Dobek, Bradley School; and Lisa Neuman, Little Raider University. Campbell has been chosen as the District’s Paraeducator of the Year. 


This is a slightly edited press release from Derby Public Schools. 

Congratulations go out to all the Derby educators who are being honored!

Derby Teacher of the Year honors go to Irving School educator

Frank Briganti

DERBY – Irving School fourth grade teacher Frank Briganti is the Derby School District’s choice for 2016 Teacher of the Year.

Briganti was chosen for the top honor from among a group of teachers from each of the district’s four schools who were nominated by their peers for their excellence in teaching and extraordinary contributions to Derby’s students, families, and educators. Briganti has been a teacher in the district since 2013.

“Mr. Briganti is an outstanding educator,” said Irving School Principal Jennifer Olson.  “His lessons always include a real life application of a math skill, the integration of technology, and small group work. Students in his class made significant gains in their ability to solve complex problems, and improved their fact fluency.”

According to Olson, Briganti has filled a myriad of responsibilities on a regular basis. His primary responsibility has been as a classroom teacher, however, he is member of the Irving School’s Leadership Practice Improvement Team (LPI), he volunteers his time to tutor students after school, and piloted a school-wide Invention Convention.  
This year he secured funding to launch a Robotics Club which will begin in the fall. He also worked on the committee to select a new math program for the elementary schools, and has led several professional development sessions for teachers on math instruction, assessments, and technology use.  Briganti is also a committee member for the Derby B.E.S.T. 5K Race. 

Derby’s 2015 Teacher of the Year Christina Guerra said of her colleague, “Frank incorporates protocols and routines that engage even the most reluctant students.  Students are excited to enter his classroom and held to high expectations.  He is an outstanding teacher to represent Irving School and Derby Public Schools.”

District ceremony slated Aug. 24

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew Conway said that Briganti was chosen for Teacher of the Year because he is an outstanding educator who is always willing to go above and beyond for his students, parents and school. 
“Mr. Briganti engages every student, every day, identifying lessons and activities to meet each student’s needs,” Conway said. 
“His performance as a teacher is professional and conscientious.  Mr. Briganti is a valued asset to the Derby School district.”

Briganti will be honored at a ceremony on Aug. 24 when the district’s teachers return to school for professional development activities.  He will also be honored at the annual statewide awards ceremony to be held Nov. 10 at The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in Hartford. 

Also to be honored at the events are the three other teachers who were chosen as Teacher of the Year at their individual schools. 
Those teachers are: Lisa Detoro, Grade 4 teacher at Bradley Elementary School; Greg Murphy, Special Education Resource teacher at Derby Middle School and Rebecca Syombathy, a ninth grade teacher at Derby High School.  
In addition, we will be honoring our Paraeducators of the Year.  
Those Paraeducators are: Cheryl Shea, Bradley School; Mary Lou Victor, Irving School; Alicia Proscino, Derby Middle School and Pamela Queen, Derby High School, the District’s Paraeducator of the Year.


This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.


Congratulations go out to all of the honored educators!

O'Brien Tech in Ansonia names 'Teacher of the Year'

Congratulations go out today to history teacher Allison Kinard, who has been named Teacher of the Year at Emmett O'Brien Technical High School in Ansonia.

Principal Laurie LeBouthillier called Kinard a "hardworking, caring, kind teacher."

Click here to read a story written by New Haven Register correspondent Jean Falbo-Sosnovich.