Briarcliff MS' Muson a 'Teacher of the Year' State Finalist

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BRIARCLIFF MANOR —Briarcliff Middle School teacher Stephanie Muson is on a teaching trajectory. Not only did the social studies curriculum leader at the middle school earn her doctorate last year in Educational Technology, but she was named Briarcliff’s teacher of the year this year and was also named a finalist in the New York State Teacher of the Year competition.

“When I was named Briarcliff Teacher of the Year, I was totally shocked,” Dr. Muson said. “I work with such amazing people; it's still hard for me to believe that I was singled out for this honor.”

Dr. Muson believes that it’s Briarcliff’s excellence and sense of community that draws the best teachers to the district.

“To me, there's nothing better than being a part of this community,” says the 12-year district veteran. “I feel very ‘dug in’ here. I've taught brothers and sisters from the same family, gotten to know parents and had the opportunity to work with teachers and administrators from all three schools. Being Teacher of the Year makes me feel very appreciated in the community I love and work very hard for.”

Dr. Muson doesn’t intend to rest on her laurels. “My goals as a teacher are to create an environment of respect and safety for my students, so that they feel confident to reach for, and achieve, success. The standards in Briarcliff are very high, and I work hard to differentiate my instruction to make content and concepts accessible to students of varying learning styles and skill levels. Like all the teachers in Briarcliff, my goal is to help my students develop the work ethic, desire and confidence to continue success in school and in their future lives as citizens.”