Board of Education Meeting Was a Celebration

As tonight’s Board of Education meeting drew an unusually large crowd, educators, members of the Board and community came to celebrate and acknowledge the teachers of the year from each New Milford public school.

The teacher of the year from Gibbs School, Julia Bazaz, was described by the Principal Scott Davies, as “an extraordinary professional whom students, parents, and faculty adore and respect.”  Bazaz, who teaches first grade, was also described as the ultimate “go to person” at Gibbs.

Marlyn Cabrera, who was given the extremely high honor of District Teacher Of the Year and Berkley School Teacher Of the Year, is the ELL (otherwise known as ESL) teacher throughout the district. Cabrera described her teaching style as “motherly," and always asking herself as a mother how she would want her own students to be taught. Cabrera teaches at the elementary and middle schools in the morning, and is at the high school in the afternoon.

Carol Edelstein, a math teacher at David E. Owens was chosen as Teacher Of the Year at the Middle School. Principal Whitney Perro described Edelstein as “always innovative” and always going above and beyond to give her students the best education possible in math. Perro shared that every she has walked by Edelstein’s classroom, she never heard the same lesson twice.

Perro said Edelstein is always asking school administrators, “How can I challenge my students, but also make learning math fun?” which she said is a characteristic of a truly wonderful teacher.

Described by Principal Eric Sheninger of the high school as “a truly passionate teacher who is dedicated to teaching his students” and someone who never ceases to impress him, Joseph Tusa was honored to be named Teacher Of the Year at New Milford High School after being a member of the faculty for 29 years.

Sheninger described the hallways and classrooms at NMHS “erupting with cheer” as Tusa’s name was announced as Teacher Of the Year, demonstrating that even students who have never had Tusa adore him.

I, myself, said a few words about Mr. Tusa who taught me for two years during my time at the high school, about how he has prepared me enormously for college, and how much he really has taught me.

All of the teachers given this honorary title embody the characteristics all truly successful and great educators have. Superintendent Michael Polizzi said, “They are dedicated in their skill and their ability to foster excellence” while at the same time maintaining a unique “poise and eloquence” while teaching.

[Editor's Note: Jelaska is the student representative to the Board of Education and an NMHS student.]