Danbury Public Schools Name 'Teacher of the Year'

DANBURY, CT — The Public Schools District has named a fourth-grade math teacher at the Academy of International Studies Matthew Calvanese as its 'Teacher of the Year.'

Calvanese has been teaching in the district at AIS since 2010 and was a substitute for a year before that. He earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education/psychology from Western Connecticut State University, a master’s in educational leadership from Quinnipiac University and a sixth-year certificate also in educational leadership from the University of Connecticut.

"Matthew is the one of those teachers who brings out the best in our students by being approachable and making lessons practical," said Superintendent Sal Pascarella in a release. "He has an excellent rapport with students and works tirelessly to make sure that he engages each child, which isn’t always easy when there are 23 students in a classroom. His enthusiasm coupled with his knowledge of delivering curriculum is the key to student success."

"I did my student-teaching in Danbury and I just really liked it," Calvanese said. "I like the diversity of the district and that everyone gets brought together. It’s also important that kids get a good education regardless of their zip code and circumstances. The district offers a solideducation. I like the magnet theme and focus. We talk about socially responsible global citizens. The world is wide open, and it’s an amazing thing to have that awareness that students here share."

Despite his success, Calvanese said he still finds it challenging to meet the demands
of more than 100 students every day.

"I always feel like there’s not enough time to help everyone," he said. "I get them for just one
year and I need to make the most of it."

Calvanese said being chosen as 'Teacher of the Year is exciting,' but he gives a nod to his
colleagues for helping him along the way.

"It’s an honor, but it’s also an honor for our school," Calvanese said. "The other teachers
influenced me, and I have learned from them. It’s a celebration of all our hard work and
dedication."