Joseph Defino- Grant D Morse Elementary in SaugertiesMr Defino has always been 150% supportive, caring mentor, teacher for all his students and his neighborhood and family. He's an amazing human being and has done so much for everyone. There really needs to be "Best Teacher Ever Award!!" Not just Monthly or yearly!! ♥️♥️ ////// Mr. Defino is a pinnacle in Saugerties teaching, and the community. He recently has been admitted to Albany med for a brain bleed, caused by treatments for brain cancer. He wears many hats, and is always a friendly face. ////// He has always been the most dedicated teacher to the kids that I've ever known. Spends a lot of his free time helping them. Started Morse Rocks for the kids. Started the Mustang Bowl for 5th and 6th graders. The nicest person you'll ever meet ////// He is the most amazing teacher. He is dedicated to every child in the school. He has a long career as being the light in these children's lives. ////// Me Defino has devoted his life and career to his school and comminity. He is loved by students in their 30s now, and each have a story about he changed their life. 10 days ago he was hospitalized with a brain bleed, caused by brain cancer. A battle he fought in private until now. Our local community has received so much for this man, we want to give him every bit of love and recognition he deserves in this time, for him and his wife and 5 children. He also created the Hope Rocks festival several years ago, an annual festival to bring awareness to addiction and mental health. The giving of this man is unending, and this is our time to show our love and appreciation. Thank you. ///// Yesterday I found out that one of my favorite teacher's is in the hospital... I don't even know where to begin. I feel so bad.. Mr. Defino has touched so many lives and is such a selfless person... He has been a pillar in our community for years, and he is truly someone I admire a great deal! If you know him, then you know the kind of person he is, and he would go above and beyond the call of duty. I am 39 years old and I still remember Mr. Defino being one of the best teachers I’ve ever had! He deserves to receive his flowers while he’s still here to enjoy them! ///// Joe Defino is an amazing teacher but he also is great contributor to our community in Saugerties . He is active in St. John's church but even more he organizes the Hope Rocks event. He started the Hope Rock event after realizing how many of his former students are addicted to drugs or died from that addiction Joe is now battling brain cancer. We all wish him well. ///// Mr.Defino is one of the most respected teachers in our community. He goes well above and beyond the expectations of a teacher. He is encouraging, understanding, patient and sincere. Not only does he teach the students in the community, he holds numerous events to help bring awareness of mental health and addiction to people. "Hope Rocks" is his slogan for these events. He truly is a "Hope Dealer". He is very well know and LOVED by so many within the community. Mr.Defino is currently going through some very difficult times right now. He recently had a brain bleed due to treatments for brain cancer. I feel like if he were to receive this it may help to lift his spirits as he done for so many others in his life. It’s our turn to give Mr.Defino all the hope and love he deserves at this time.
Cathy Johnan- Center For Spectrum ServicesCathy is the most amazing teacher ever! My son Oliver has level 3 autism (severe, non verbal) and the love she genuinely has for her profession and the students brings tears to my eyes. Every child in CSS has an autism diagnosis so I always in awe of ALL the staff. Oliver has been with Cathy last year for kindergarten and now again this year for first grade and I'm already sad he most likely won't be with her next year. I want him to stay with her forever! Like I said, my son is nonverbal and can have aggressive and hard behaviors and none the less, she loves him like he is her own. When I mention "miss Cathy" to my son, he smiles big and laughs. Everyday she gives me a thorough email about his day and I appreciate it so much because he can't tell me. From the moment I met Cathy I knew she was the most sincere, kind and genuine person. My sons progress is so important to her and I know he’s in the best hands with her. If you met her, if ANYBODY met her, I know they would immediately understand what I’m talking about! Such a warm, loving lady and I wish I could give her so much more than I am able to show her how much I appreciate and love her! Anyone who chooses to work with special needs kids and take the time to learn the individual student and their needs and goes above and beyond for them is truly an amazing person with the most amazing heart!
Chiffon Wells- Longwood Academy of DiscoveryFor the past five years I worked with Ms Wells I have been amazed. She will give up her time and lunch to help any student. No student is left behind with her. She will stay after school to work with students who are struggling and give extra hours to teacher who need help. Students who others won’t work with she takes and helps them improve. When she is not at work she is helping her grandchildren. The woman gives 200% of herself to others. Even though she lives in Middletown and drives two hours to work and back every day she will be at every event for the school.
Kristi Bogazcyk- Marlboro ElementaryShe is a very kind person with an enormous heart. She is always willing to help all students in school not only her students. She knows how to take one out of a dark place with her mentoring. She does everything out of the bottom of her heart without expecting anything in return.
Davon Clarke- The Children’s Workshop SchoolWhen I think of a great teacher, I think of my best friend, Davon. He is someone who has wanted to be a teacher since we were younger and followed through on that dream! Davon builds strong relationships with his students, families, and colleagues. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, he taught students simultaneously online and in-person to make sure they were successful! He ensures that his lessons are engaging and that’s all students feel successful! Nothing makes him more happy than seeing a student reach their “Ah-ha moment!”
He mentors several aspiring teachers from from various colleges and universities including NYU, SUNY Cortland, and Hunter College, to help influence the next generation of effective educators. Davon is also a part of the NYC Men Teach program which aims to recruit and retain male teachers of color in the NYC public schools.
He is someone who goes above and beyond for those that he cares about. He often completes DonorsChoose projects to provide materials and supplies to enhance learning in his classroom. He embodies what it means to be a life-long learner by continuously striving to grow in his teacher practice. He was recently recognized as a “semifinalist” for the FLAG teaching award and a “finalist” for the Norwegian Cruise Line’s Giving Joy Contest!
He is someone who consistently pushes and inspires me on my journey to becoming an educator. If there is anybody deserving of recognition for their impact in the teaching field, it’s Davon!
He mentors several aspiring teachers from from various colleges and universities including NYU, SUNY Cortland, and Hunter College, to help influence the next generation of effective educators. Davon is also a part of the NYC Men Teach program which aims to recruit and retain male teachers of color in the NYC public schools.
He is someone who goes above and beyond for those that he cares about. He often completes DonorsChoose projects to provide materials and supplies to enhance learning in his classroom. He embodies what it means to be a life-long learner by continuously striving to grow in his teacher practice. He was recently recognized as a “semifinalist” for the FLAG teaching award and a “finalist” for the Norwegian Cruise Line’s Giving Joy Contest!
He is someone who consistently pushes and inspires me on my journey to becoming an educator. If there is anybody deserving of recognition for their impact in the teaching field, it’s Davon!
Kylene Paul- Fishkill Elementary SchoolMrs. Paul is a fantastic teacher. I work in the field of education and have worked with dozens over the years, none of which have come close to her dedication, compassion and true love for her job. Mrs. Paul has superb management of her classroom, shows unconditional love to all of her students and gives each student exactly what they need. The students truly love her and it is clear the feelings are mutual. I can't imagine a more perfect candidate for this award!!!
Maria Silva- Boces PutnamMrs Silva has always and continues to put her students first. The screams of greetings when the students see her is such an amazing feeling. To know there is a teacher that these kids can look up to and whom they can trust is such a good feeling. She loves what she does and she makes sure her students feel her love, and see how proud she is of them. The room is filled with laughter and excitement as she makes learning fun. Mrs Silva is the best and all can definitely agree.
Kristin Mitchell- Montgomery ElementaryThis teacher addresses every students/ parents needs. My daughter was getting bullied and she addressed it asap and now my daughters confidence is amazing going to school. Plus she just rocks as a teacher with having my child able to read to me already. Mrs Mitchell is a rock star