Here are the Staten Island teachers recently honored for dedication, service | In Class column

IN CLASS: This feature is part of an ongoing education column highlighting the various activities that engage school communities.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Dozens of Staten Island teachers in the borough’s public, charter and private schools were honored for their role in education and preparing children for the future during a special ceremony last month.

Sen. Andrew Lanza hosted his annual Teacher Appreciation and Recognition Ceremony in June to honor outstanding teachers from Staten Island. According to Lanza, they work tirelessly to prepare students for educational careers and establish learning spaces to help students grow and discover their dreams and goals for the future.

“Besides your parents, no one more profoundly impacts your life than a teacher,” said Lanza. “We carry the blessings of our teachers with us every single day. I believe that the great work that our teachers do every day is the best chance that we have for a better future. We need teachers who teach us not what to think, but how to think so that as each generation goes forward, they will be prepared to think for themselves.”

Principals from each participating Staten Island school selected a teacher to be honored for their hard work and dedication.

The ceremony was held on June 25 at Paulo Intermediate School (I.S. 75), Huguenot.

Here are the teachers who were honored:

• Michelle Damato, pre-K teacher at Blessed Sacrament School
• Signe Campbell, 5th grade teacher at Bridge Preparatory Charter school
• LoriAnn Puccio, 8th grade science and SEL peer collaborative teacher at Egbert Intermediate School (I.S. 2)
• Audrey Curran, 8th grade math teacher and UFT Teacher Center Coach at Prall Intermediate School (I.S. 27)
• Christine Saraceno, performing arts teacher at Totten Intermediate School (I.S. 34)
• Caryn Rund, ELA 7th grade teacher at Bernstein Intermediate School (I.S. 7)
• Marian Turtutto, ELA teacher at Barnes Intermediate School (I.S. 24)
• Analilia Cholula, 8th grade social studies teacher at Morris Intermediate School (I.S. 61)
• Jeannine Valenti, 8th grade science teacher at Paulo Intermediate School (I.S. 75)
• Matthew Kramer, 8th grade ELA teacher at John W. Lavelle Preparatory Charter School
• Arlinda Lela, 1st grade teacher at PS 21
• Deja Mullings, special education math teacher at Marsh Avenue Expeditionary Learning School
• Heidy Mohamed, English teacher at Miraj Islamic High School
• Ghadah Noman, first grade teacher at Miraj Islamic School Early Elementary
• Linda Zahrieh, 5th grade teacher at Miraj Islamic School Elementary
• Sabrina Shahzad, 8th and 9th grade English teacher at Miraj Islamic School Junior High
• Peggy Farley, computer science teacher at Monsignor Farrell High School
• Ruth Ellen Jorgensen, pre-K 4 teacher at New Dorp Christian Academy
• Samantha Haimowitz, high school math teacher at New Dorp High School
• Matthew Duffy, math teacher at New World Preparatory Charter School
• Jennifer Flynn, high school teacher at Notre Dame Academy High School
• Traci Torres, high school math and program chair at Port Richmond High School
• Lucia Monserrate, 1st grade teacher at Port Richmond School for Visionary Learning
• Natalie Sidarous, 4th grade ELA teacher at PS 1
• Ariel Ruppert, K-5 teacher at PS 11
• Sally Martinez, 4th and 5th grade dual language teacher at PS 16
• Samantha Seidman, 5th grade math teacher at PS 19
• Lidia Grassullo, 3rd grade teacher at PS 23
• Cristina Palumbo, grades 3-5 science teacher at PS 26
• Lisa Krulfeifer, 3rd grade teacher at PS 29
• Tammie Kehoe, kindergarten teacher at PS 41
• Jaime Reyes, library/media teacher at PS 42
• Kathy Keely, theater arts teacher at PS 53
• Stephanie Gabriele-Pinto and Karen Codoner, 4th grade ICT team at PS 54
• Angele Saccaro, physical education teacher at PS 55
• Nicole Ganci, 2nd grade teacher at PS 56
• Doreen Magnani, 4th grade teacher at PS 57
• Carla D’Ottavio, 1st grade ICT teacher at PS 58
• Jennifer Daly Filangeri, 1st grade ICT teacher at PS 58
• Melissa Kapolas, civic leadership teacher at PS 74
• Victoria Anderson, 3rd grade teacher at PS 78
• Matthew John, 8th grade math teacher at PS/I.S. 25 South Richmond High School
• Jason Cianciotta, AP chemistry teacher at St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School
• Renee Cristiani, forensic science and biology teacher at St. Joseph Hill Academy High School
• Corinne Garritano, 1st grade tecaher at St. Joseph Hill Academy Elementary School
• Christine Borik-Wilsea, 1st grade tecaher at St. Teresa-St. Rita STREAM Academy
• MaryAnn Carrion, 3rd grade teacher at Staten Island Academy
• Nataliya Ushakova, Russian teacher at Staten Island Technical High School
• Jessica Guerrero, multilingual learners teacher at Susan E. Wagner High Schol
• Patricia Bergstrom, visual arts teacher at PS 37
• Jessica Thompson O’Leary, school based coach at The Richard H. Hungerford School
• Jodie Tobio, school counselor at Tottenville High School

TEACHER INCENTIVE PROGRAM APPLICATION

The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) recently announced the opening of the NYS Math and Science Teaching Incentive Program application for the 2024-25 academic year.

This program offers scholarships to cover the cost of tuition for full-time undergraduate or graduate students who commit to pursuing careers as math and science teachers in secondary education (grades 7-12). It covers the cost of tuition, not to exceed tuition costs equal to that at a State University of New York (SUNY) college.

This program aims to address the critical need for qualified math and science teachers in New York state. By offering financial support, it ensures the state will retain its most talented teachers and give students access to high-quality education in these subjects.

“Investing in our educators, especially in the critical areas of math and science, is essential for equipping students with the skills they need to succeed,” said New York State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa. “Our teachers play a pivotal role in ensuring that all students receive high-quality learning opportunities, which prepares them for the challenges of college and the modern workforce. By supporting and empowering our educators, we lay the groundwork for a future where every student can excel. I am grateful to the Higher Education Services Corporation for their collaboration in this initiative and unwavering dedication to strengthening the teacher pipeline in our state.”

Eligible students who are enrolled in an approved undergraduate or graduate program can apply for the scholarship. Students who do not meet the program citizenship and residency requirements can apply through the New York State Dream Act.

Recipients of the scholarship must agree to teach math or science in a secondary education setting in New York state for a minimum of five years upon graduation within two years of completion of the degree program and receipt of initial certification.

The application is open through Aug. 5.

Those interested can apply at https://www.hesc.ny.gov/find-aid/nys-grants-scholarships/nys-math-and-science-teaching-incentive-program/.

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