MTHS - Recently, a committee of individuals met to discuss the significant number of nominations received for the Princeton University Distinguished Secondary School Teaching Award, MTHS Teacher of the Year and MTHS Educational Support Professional of the Year. Based on much discussion and deliberation amongst the members of that committee, it is our distinct honor to announce that Mr. Christopher Connolly, Mrs. Laura Rivera and Mrs. Lisa Shapiro are the recipients of these recognitions.
Mrs. Rivera and Mrs. Shapiro will will continue in the process to select the county and state Teacher of the Year and Education Support Professional of the Year, and Mr. Connolly will represent MTHS in the continuing competition, hosted by Princeton University. We know these three professionals will represent MTHS - and the Montville community - well.
Princeton University Distinguished Secondary School Teaching Award: Mr. Christopher Connolly.
Here is what colleagues had to say about Mr. Connolly:
“Chris is always coming up with interactive and engaging lessons for his students, which he proudly presents around his classroom.”
“I didn't really get to know Chris until last year. It didn't take long for me to recognize his passion for teaching. Since he started here, he has brought to the HS and our students the International Business Practice Firm class (IBPF). This class offers students the unique opportunity to build their own businesses (developing a product, marketing that product, and assigning roles to members of the class in that business, i.e. CEO, CFO, etc.). IBPF offers our students the opportunity to compete with other schools. My students always talk about Chris's class, and how much they learn from Chris. They love this class! Chris's rapport with his students is undeniable. Whether he is standing outside of his class between classes talking baseball or participating in the staff vs. student basketball game at the pep rally, Chris enjoys his students."
“He is always up in front of the room, engaging his students in an interesting learning activity. His vibrant personality comes through as the students seek to match his enthusiasm he shares for the subject matter. This enthusiasm also comes through in how much he cares about his students inside the classroom and out. If I didn't know it, I would never be able to tell that he has made a second career out of teaching. Chris is such a natural at his craft that he seems like he has been at it forever.”
MTHS Education Services Professional of the Year: Mrs. Lisa Shapiro
Here is what colleagues had to say about Mrs. Shapiro:
“Lisa is such an amazing person in and out of the classroom. She is attentive and kind. She is helpful and relates with the students.“
“I have had the pleasure of working once directly with Lisa during my time at MTHS. She is a great support to not only the students she works with, but her fellow colleagues in the room. She goes above and beyond what is expected, and I feel she is very deserving of this award.”
“Lisa has been a paraprofessional in the Montville Township School District and her dedication, passion, and commitment to her students are truly extraordinary. I had the pleasure of working with Lisa personally when she served as the paraprofessional for a student in my geometry class. What immediately stood out to me was Lisa’s desire to go above and beyond for her students—Lisa took the initiative to really dive into the content. She was determined to fully understand the geometry curriculum, not only so she could assist the student more effectively but also to ensure they were truly comprehending and engaging with the material. This level of dedication isn’t something you see every day, and it made a world of difference in that student's academic experience. I know Lisa approaches every class with the same passion and determination. Her goal is always to provide the highest level of support to her students, and she works tirelessly to meet their individual needs. Whether it’s learning new subject matter, collaborating with teachers, or offering emotional support, Lisa goes out of her way to ensure that every student she works with feels empowered and supported.
MTHS Teacher of the Year: Mrs. Laura Rivera
Here is what colleagues had to say about Mrs. Rivera:
"Her dedication to her students and her ability to foster a positive and engaging learning environment are truly exceptional. Ms. Rivera’s ability to identify and nurture each student’s unique strengths is a testament to her skill as an educator. She created a classroom atmosphere where students felt valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. Her enthusiasm for teaching is contagious, and her passion for her subject matter is evident in her lessons. Her commitment to excellence, her ability to connect with students, and her dedication to fostering a positive learning environment make her an outstanding educator.”
“Laura Rivera has been teaching at MTHS for 18 years. Last year, 39 of her 41 advanced placement students earned a 5 on their AP tests. The other two students earned a 4. The sheer percentage of her success is astounding! While Laura quietly and humbly prepares her students better than any educator with whom I have ever worked or even known, she is dynamic in the classroom. I have watched her teach; and she taught me (a teacher for 42 years) new tricks to motivate and inspire students! She is clearly one of Montville’s best!
“Laura Rivera is an exceptional educator and a leader amongst her colleagues. She is a master at teaching every level of student. What makes her stand out from others is her capacity to share her knowledge. When taking over the Precalculus Honors class for 1 marking period, she was a calming force to me. She shared not only materials, but great advice on teaching honors level students. She continues to unofficially mentor us all, taking us under her wing, as we take on AP and Honors classes that she has already mastered teaching."
“Laura Rivera embodies the qualities of an outstanding educator through her unwavering dedication to her students and her innovative approach to teaching. Laura has an innate ability to make mathematics engaging and accessible for all students. She fosters a classroom environment where curiosity thrives and students feel empowered to explore complex mathematical concepts. Her dynamic teaching methods, which include hands-on activities, real-world applications, and collaborative projects, not only make learning enjoyable but also encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Laura’s passion for mathematics is evident, and it inspires her students to develop a lifelong love for the subject.