Meet Brookfield’s 2014 Teachers of the Year

Center School and District-wide Teacher of the Year Mary Ann Iamartino

Mary Ann Iamartino’s classroom is a community of learners that grows together. Students’ successes are celebrated and then children document their progress on data rings. This visual allows our young learners to see their own growth over time, which builds confidence.

Mary Ann’s first graders take risks in their learning because they know they are in safe environment where they are allowed to learn from their mistakes and rejoice in their accomplishments.

After 46 years in education, Mary Ann still models a thirst for new knowledge and a love of reading.  She learned her expert skills as a reading teacher could apply to her math instruction when she read, Maggie Siena’s book, From Reading to Math: How Best Practices in Literacy Can Make You a Better Math Teacher. Daily she shows the children that learning is a life long adventure with a path that can lead you to your heart’s desire. 

This is why Mary Ann Iamartino is Center Elementary School’s teacher of the year and the 2014-2015 Brookfield District Teacher of the Year.

Brookfield High School Teacher of the Year Jason DiStasio

It is simply magic in Jason DiStasio’s classroom at the high school. Students are led on a journey to discover math. They are not simply given the answers. The teacher provides hints or prompts their thinking with guiding questions. Jason encourages his students to work collaboratively and use each other’s strengths to uncover an answer. 

Yes, a ping pong table is center stage in the classroom and magic tricks are usually worked into the day. These are just two tools Jason uses to motivate his students and provide opportunities for a personal connection.

Jason ends his day on the tennis court with the boys’ tennis team. 

Jason DiStasio, a 14-year veteran, is the Brookfield High School teacher of the year.

Whisconier Middle School Teacher of the Year Greg Gubitosi

Having taught for 42 years, Greg Gubitosi continues to exemplify the characteristics of a great teacher: a passion for new learning, an unwavering commitment to all students, and a tremendous gift of bringing the curriculum to life. His "friends" (cartoon caricatures drawn in a timeline format on his whiteboards) help to paint a clearer picture of significant historical events, taking his students on an unforgettable journey.  

"Mr. Gub" or "Gubi" is consistently a favorite of all students who have had the tremendous fortune of learning from him. When asked to describe him, one student remarked, "Mr. Gub is the perfect balance of tough, fun, and fair."  

Students always rise to meet his high expectations.

Huckleberry Hill Elementary School Teacher of the Year Mollie Prizio

Mollie Prizio, the Huckleberry Hill Elementary School Teacher of the year, is in her third year of teaching, although she has been a part of the Brookfield community since she moved to town in the 5th grade. 

Mollie loved school and enjoyed children so she explored her interest by substituting in the schools during her college breaks. She also worked 8 years for Brookfield Parks and Recreation Summer Camp, initially as a counselor and worked her way up to director.

Mollie’s professional goal is to help her students develop a can-do attitude, while she scaffolds the learning to help them reach new academic heights. At the end of each day Mollie thinks about her students and questions, “Did they leave happy today? Do they know they are valued as people and learners?” 

Asking questions like these will allow Mollie to continue to have an impact on the future of Brookfield, her students.