Eight Teachers to Be Recognized as Teachers of the Year at SU Football Home Opener
9/11/2003 9:45:56 PM | Football
Three teachers are from the Syracuse area, including: Joanne Colomb, an elementary-school math teacher in the North Syracuse Central School District; Frank Sacco, a high school social studies teacher at Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse; and Kurt Wheeler, a social studies teacher at Cazenovia High School.
The remaining five winners are: Christopher Connolly, a social studies teacher at James A. Green High School in Dolgeville; Ronald Cracco, a high school social studies teacher at Caledonia-Mumford Central School; Theresa Mac Cheyne, a seventh- and eighth-grade math teacher at Romulus Central School; Patricia Paser, an English teacher at Middleburgh Middle School; and John Pinto, a sixth-grade teacher at McGraw Elementary School.
Two hundred fifty school districts around the state were solicited for nominations for the Teacher of the Year awards. Winners were selected by a committee made up of SU faculty members.
Officially chartered in 1870 as a private, coeducational institution of higher education, Syracuse University is a leading student-centered research university. Syracuse’s 11 schools and colleges share a common mission: to promote learning through teaching, research, scholarship, creative accomplishment and service while embracing the core values of quality, caring, diversity, innovation and service. The 680-acre campus is home to more than 18,000 full- and part-time undergraduate and graduate students from all 50 states and 90 countries.
Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association College Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA-CREF) is one of the largest financial service providers in the United States. For more than 80 years it has worked to ensure the financial well being of the faculty and staff of America's education and research communities.
Christopher Connolly, James A. Green High School, Dolgeville
Christopher Connolly, who was recognized for the East region, was nominated by James A. Green High School principal James D. Donnelly Jr.
"I have witnessed no other teacher with the ability to influence the lives of young people for the better more than Chris Connolly," Donnelly said in his nomination letter.
During his 18 years in the school district, Connolly has increased the percentage of students passing the New York State Global Studies Regents exam from 35 percent to 90 percent; implemented an Advanced Placement Global Studies curriculum; served as an adjunct professor of history at Herkimer County Community College; served on the state's Regents Development Committee representing rural districts; designed an integrated senior curriculum that graduates students with a portfolio; represented the school district on the BOCES Curriculum and Assessment Council; and been a lead negotiator for the Dolgeville Teachers Association.
In addition, Connolly coaches track and football; spurred the formation of the Dolgeville chapter of Amnesty International; has coordinated a summer weight lifting program; is the announcer for boys' basketball games; and chairs Section III Class C-2 boys' track.
Ronald Cracco, Caledonia-Mumford Central School
Ronald Cracco teaches social studies at Caledonia-Mumford Central School. As baseball coach, Cracco takes his team to Florida over spring break for training. He helps the team organize an annual Super Bowl Breakfast for the community. He also conducts a clinic for Little League players. As student council adviser he helped to create the Seniors for Seniors Program, an annual senior citizen Christmas party that is sponsored by the senior class and funded by the student council. He has also been instrumental in organizing food drives, Christmas gift collections and fund raising activities.
"First and foremost, Mr. Cracco is an outstanding social studies teacher," said Thomas Woodruff, principal of Caledonia-Mumford High School. "He teaches six classes per year, in addition to serving as social studies department chair." Cracco is also the varsity baseball coach and adviser to the student council. Mr. Cracco is a great proponent of character education, which is embedded in his global history curriculum. Cultural diversity, tolerance, social responsibility and justice are just a few of the values that Ron incorporates into his lesson plans and daily activities."
Theresa Mac Cheyne, Romulus Central School
Theresa Mac Cheyne, a seventh and eighth grade math teacher, was nominated by RCS secondary principal Michael Midey.
"Theresa is an institution at Romulus," Midey said. "Since we developed our middle level program, every student for the past 10 years has had Theresa as his or her seventh- and eighth-grade math instructor. For the past several years Romulus has been one of the top five districts in performance indicator scores for the New York State eighth grade math test. Every student who has Theresa benefits from her hands-on approach to math."
Midey cited Mac Cheyne's involvement with her students as one of her most important characteristics.
"She is not the teacher who will coach an athletic team, but she is the teacher who will plan and carry out activities for her seventh- and eighth-grade students," he said. "In order to give students safe activities in an area where there is no place to meet but the school, Theresa has worked to put on Bingo Night, Middle Level Socials and Movie Nights. She not only plans activities, but she makes sure there are food and prizes for everyone."
Patricia Paser, Middleburgh Middle School
English teacher Patricia Paser earned the recognition after being nominated by Middleburgh Central School District Superintendent John G. Metallo.
"I have worked with many outstanding individuals during my career in public education," Metallo said. "Patty is among the very best. I am proud to call her a colleague."
In addition to teaching, Paser is English language arts curriculum coordinator for her building and a director of curriculum for the district. She is also very active in student activities, acting as adviser to the student council, yearbook and senior class; soccer coach; webmaster of the district website; and a member of the school's Booster Club.
"She is at every school activity supporting and cheering on our students," Metallo said. “She does more behind the scenes work to support the school and its programs than any individual I have known in more than 33 years in public education."
John Pinto, McGraw Elementary School
John Pinto, a sixth-grade teacher, uses his connections with various groups to help the school. Through his membership in the Lions Club, Pinto persuaded the club to sponsor the sixth grade's health program. The club donates materials and training expenses. Pinto maintains ties to SUNY Cortland which benefit McGraw.
"He helps bridge the connections of future teachers with the students in the classroom, creating meaningful partnerships using technology and literature," said McGraw Elementary School principal James McGuinness.
"John does have a weakness," McGuinness said. "He worries about the students. He is determined to make each individual student achieve. He has 'ambushed' parents in the parking lot who have not attended a parent conference. He gives up his lunch period for power lunches with kids he is trying to understand and motivate. He is in early and stays late with students. Sometimes I have to tell him to go home."
