Naugatuck Valley Health District: 1 more COVID-19 associated death

Recuperation journey: From the October 2018 archives

Capturing a morning get-together in our mulberry tree.

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.