New Milford Recognizes Top Educators in Schools, District

The Greek philospher Socrates once said that "Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel," and New Milford schools are gifted with some of the brightest flames as the district honored its four Teachers of the Year and District Teacher of the Year this week.

This year's honores are Nora Aivers (NMHS), Stacey Calise (Gibbs), Pamela Krause (DEOMS) and Dora Oliviero (Berkley). Oliviero was also named District Teacher of the Year.

"Every year at this time we have the priviledge to publically announce and recognize four individuals, four teachers that have dedicated years to not only their profession of teaching but the children of New Milford," Superintendent Michael Polizzi said.

Aivers, who teaches mathematics and AP Calculas at the high school was described as a "master teacher" that pushes her students to surpass high levels of expectations regardless of their ability.

"She commands respect but gets results," NMHS Principal Eric Sheninger said. "Last year she took over AP Calculas, something she had never taught before. Her class received the highest scores in the building. She pushes her students to the point that they know it will be a challenge and they want her as a teacher. She is more than deserving of this."

Middle School resource center teacher Pamela Krause was cited for her ability to help students focus on their individual strengths while motivating them across a wide range of abilities and ages.

"She helps students who range from reading at a second grade level to their current grade level without missing a beat," DEOMS Principal Whitney Perro said. "She holds her students to the highest expectations for achievement and she does everything she can each and every day to help them rise up and meet and at times exceed them."

Calise, is a fourth grade teacher that "goes above and beyond the call of duty" by developing new teaching strategies for herself and her peers.

Oliviero, the media center teacher at Berkley was given the added honor of being named the District Teacher of the Year as she not only assists students in locating new literature and answering technology questions but helps her fellow peers integrate technology in the classroom and organizes the annual Read Across America programs.

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