Elementary School Educator Karen Marrone Named Derby's 2017 'Teacher of the Year'

The following announcement is from the Derby School District:

Derby, CT - Bradley School is very proud to announce that Karen Marrone is the 2017 Derby Public School Teacher of the Year. Mrs. 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 Mrs. 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.

Karen 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. In addition to her work in the classroom, Karen 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. Mrs. 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. Karen 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.

Mrs. Marrone will be honored at a ceremony on August 25, 2016 when the district’s teachers return to school
for professional development activities. She will also be honored at the annual statewide awards ceremony to
be held on Thursday, November 10, 2016 at The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in Hartford. Also to
be honored on August 25, 2016 are the three other teachers who were chosen as Teacher of the Year at their
individual schools. Those teachers 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, we will be honoring our Paraeducators of the Year. Those Paraeducators are: Elise
Campbell, Irving School; Joyce Dobek, Bradley School and Lisa Neuman, Little Raider University. Elise
Campbell has been chosen as the District’s Paraeducator of the Year.

Photo: Karen Marrone. Photo credit: Derby Public Schools