Mary T. Murphy Elementary School Physical Education teacher Tracey Amodio is named Teacher of the Year

Teacher of the Year

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release 8: A.M. EST

June 3, 2010

Branford, CT, USA
On June 1^st The Branford Board of Education announced The Teacher of the Year for 2011. This year's winner, Tracey Amodio, is a gym teacher at Mary T. Murphy Elementary School.  The Connecticut Teacher of the Year Program began in 1952. It is sponsored by the Connecticut State Department of Education.  The program begins with the selection of a teacher of the year in each local district and continues to the national level, where the Connecticut Teacher of the Year becomes eligible for national honors.

The Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors teacher excellence. It does not attempt to select the "best" teacher; rather, to identify, from among many outstanding teachers of the year, one teacher to serve as a visible and vocal representative of what is best in the profession. The program celebrates excellence in teaching by recognizing teachers who have inspired a love for learning in their students and who have distinguished themselves in the profession.

Here is an excerpt from the nominating letter:

                Ask any Mary T. Murphy Elementary student which is their favorite class and most likely you will hear, "gym."  Murphy students favor Ms Amodio's gym class for good reason.   I watched her in action on the gym floor as a paraprofessional for a couple of years. Miss Amodio accommodates all the bodies who enter her gym with compassion and enthusiasm.  Her classes are fun and challenging for all. I've seen students cry when a parent comes to pick their student up, upset that they'll miss gym.   

She works tirelessly with the PTA hosting and collaborating on meetings and student events. MTM's Bingo night and Fun Field Day are the some of the grandest community happenings.   She attends PTA meetings regularly and is an active member of our community. 

            If you run into her in the faculty room you'll meet a positive upbeat concerned co-worker.  She practices what she preaches and Ms Amodio speaks constructively and optimistically.  She strives to build bridges and solve problems. 

           

Mary T. Murphy School

Anthony Buono

Principal

Mary T. Murphy School

203 483 1832

abuono@branford.k12.ct.us