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| NYSUT salutes Long Island educator named Teacher of the Year June 20, 2005 ALBANY, N.Y. June 20, 2005 - The 525,000-member New York State United Teachers today saluted Seaford High School (Nassau County) English teacher Stephen Bongiovi, saying the state's 2006 Teacher of the Year "is a model teacher who represents the very best of what our profession has to offer." "New York state has the most highly qualified teachers in the nation," said NYSUT President Richard Iannuzzi. "And, among all the dedicated teachers who do so much for their students and their communities, Stephen Bongiovi stands out. He is an inspiration to everyone in Seaford. It isn't hyperbole to say that it's difficult to find a community event in Seaford that does not involve Stephen Bongiovi." Bongiovi is the head of Seaford's English Department and is widely known as the "The Voice of Seaford," announcing football games and other sporting events for most of his 33 years in the school district. He is an advisor to the Student Council and he works on the Thanksgiving food drive, the holiday toy drive, the student blood and clothing drives, as well the annual "Senior Citizens Prom." He also spearheaded the district's effort to build a memorial to five Seaford High School graduates killed in the attack on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. "In the classroom, Stephen demands more - and gets more - from his students," added NYSUT First Vice President Maria Neira. "He helps his students to see how literature influences the world around them. Great teachers challenge their students to reach higher and go farther. Stephen Bongiovi is a great teacher." Neira also praised Bongiovi for mentoring students who have become teachers, administrators and district leaders. "He's a role model for the next generation of educators," Neira said. "His impact will continue long after he's left the classroom." The state Education Department also announced today that Fortune Esposito, a middle-level music teacher in Middletown, had been named first-runner up. Esposito is known throughout Middletown for involving parents, students and community members in elaborate musical productions that raise money for good causes. The three finalists for 2006 Teacher of the Year include Tracy Olevano, a special education teacher in Owego; Paul Schmelter, a seventh-grade social studies teacher in Commack; and Scott Wright, a professional staff developer in North Syracuse. NYSUT, the largest union in New York State, represents more than 525,000 classroom teachers and other school employees and retirees; academic and professional faculty at the state's community colleges, State University of New York and City University of New York; and other education and health professionals. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO. -30- |
CONTACT: NYSUT Media Relations and Communications. (518) 213-6000, Ext. 6313. E-Mail: mediarel@nysutmail.org. |
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