The Manchester Township 2007 Teachers of the Year were honored at the May Board of Education meeting.  A large crowd of students, parents, family and colleagues came out to support the honorees, who were selected by their peers.  Congratulations to all of our Teachers of the Year

Jill Moore (Ridgeway Elementary School) began her teaching career at Whiting School in 1990, moved to MTES for five years and then left to spend some time at home raising her two children.  In 2003, she returned to work in Manchester, joining the Ridgeway school staff where she teaches in a self-contained LD classroom.

“Jill is an outstanding educator and truly deserves the Teacher of the Year award,” said Principal Janette Lada.  “Her enthusiasm and positive attitude is a constant reminder to all of us of how important and special our jobs are and the tremendous impact we have on our students. We can make or break their day. Jill always makes their day even if the children don’t realize it at the time.  Her students adore her and she has certainly earned the respect of the staff.  She makes her job look easy, that’s how outstanding she is. She goes above and beyond to insure that her students feel important and respected.”

Moore thanked her colleagues for the honor and for their support.  “I am honored to work in Manchester,” she said.  “It is definitely the best place to be and I love what I do everyday.”

Deniese Guinan (Manchester Twp. Elementary School) has a BS in Early Childhood Education from Arcadia University in Pennsylvania and is continuing her studies at Georgian Court for a Master’s in Administration.  She teaches third grade at MTES.

 “From a well-organized plan book that reflects lessons that are most creative and address the individual needs of each child, Deniese works everyday as if it is her first,” said Principal Frances Scudese.  “Her enthusiasm for learning is a joy to see.  Her dedication to our profession and to the children is outstanding.  Deniese Guinan is a role model to others.  She is respected by her peers, and is looked to for advice and suggestions.  Having only taught for five years, it is quite an accomplishment.  Congratulations to a rising star in our galaxy which we call education.  You will burn bright for our children.”

Guinan thanked her fellow teachers and expressed how lucky she feels to have her students in her life.  “I am overwhelmed and so grateful for what they have taught me,” she said.  “I am lucky to have the opportunity to do what I love to do everyday.”

Donna Poland (Whiting Elementary School) is a Pre-School Disabilities Teacher at Whiting Elementary School.  She has been teaching in Manchester since 1988. 

“Donna told me she always wanted to be a teacher and felt an affinity to young children who are the neediest,” said Principal Marjorie Stevens.  “She also shared with me that she always felt her style matched that of our district – that we meet the developmental needs of the children and that we care so deeply about each and every child.  This is truly Donna.  We thank you, Donna, for your strength in conviction, ability to handle any and every imaginable crisis, your sense of humor, your ability to look at the ‘big picture’ and your ability to have such an amazing impact on our youngest charges.”

Poland thanked her colleagues for the honor and gave credit to her team that she works with in the classroom everyday.  “They are my right and left hand,” she said.  She called Whiting School her home away from home and said it is the best place to go everyday.  “Some of my students can’t run, can’t walk, can’t talk, but I can tell by their smiles that they love to be there,” said Poland.  “There are so many rewards everyday.”

Mary Pabst (Manchester Twp. High School) has been teaching Home Economics and Early Childhood Education at Manchester Township High School for over 30 years.  She is retiring this year.

“To visit Mary’s classroom,” said Principal David Walling,  “is a unique experience in that you are immediately drenched in a feeling of warmth and caring – which is continually modeled by Mary and instilled in her students.  There is ever present a sense of community in which it is the norm for students to work collaboratively, helping one another – not an easy task considering the very diverse learners that are drawn to her elective classes.”  Walling noted that Pabst also initiated and supervised the school’s Community Action Program (CAP), which placed hundreds of student volunteers in schools, hospitals, police departments and countless other occupations that students were contemplating as careers.

“I am blessed with the very best job anybody can have,” Pabst said as she thanked the high school staff, the administration, the board of education and the students for their support over the past 30 years.  “It has been a privilege growing with the children of Manchester.”

Celeste Fracassi (Regional Day School) came to Regional Day School as a long-term substitute in 1999 and took on a permanent position as a teacher of autistic children in 2002. 

“Since 2002, I’ve had the privilege of watching Celeste chip away at the walls that our autistic children frequently live within – walls that keep them non-communicative and isolated,” said Principal Ralph Lotierzo.  “Walk into Celeste’s classroom on any day (even one of ‘those’ days) and you will find students engaged in learning and interaction – with no walls visible…Celeste, it is your unshakeable belief in children that has brought you to this moment of honor.”

Fracassi thanked her classroom team, saying, “This is a group of dedicated women who day after day do a job that most people would never do at all.”  She said that teaching was a second career for her and that, although the first one paid the bills, there was always something missing.  “When I walked into Regional Day, I felt like I was where I belonged,” she said.  “Regional Day is truly a family and I am honored to part of it.”

Peg Viola (Manchester Twp. Middle School) is a Technology Teacher at Manchester Township Middle School.  She started out in the business world and found her calling in education.  Principal Tom Baxter said she is a master at team teaching, assisting core subject teachers in using technology to meet their instructional goals.  She has also served on many committees, including the one that recently revised the middle school schedule for the coming year.  “She keeps every child engaged, on task, and is always doing something different,” said Baxter.  “Peg Viola is true teacher.”

Viola said she wanted to accept the honor “on behalf of all the students I have worked with over the years.”  She thanked everyone who encouraged her and helped her to meet her professional goals since she came to the district as a substitute teacher and immediately realized what she really wanted to do – teach.