Danbury High School English department head named Master Teacher of Honor

 

Nicole Martone, English Department Head and English teacher at Danbury High School, has received the Master Teacher of Honor Award from Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education.

Since the award’s establishment in 2011, KDP has named a very select few from around the world as Master Teachers of Honor. To earn this designation, an educator must have more than 15 years of classroom teaching experience; submit evidence of professional development, leadership, community service, and exceptional contributions to the education profession; and demonstrate a commitment to integrity and high standards in the classroom. The award recognizes teachers of all levels, from early childhood instructors to university faculty members.

“Nicole’s experience, empathy, and attention to detail make her a highly effective department chair who has improved the atmosphere of the department,” stated Greg Euchner, an English teacher at DHS. “Her ability to recognize best practices and allow them to flourish has made a difference that is felt by teachers and students alike.”

Developing a supportive educational climate is a major aspect of Martone’s philosophy of education, and she has held active roles on several School Safety and Safe School Climate/Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports committees. As an instructional leader, Martone said she strives to “support students’ cognitive, social–emotional, and physical needs by maintaining a welcoming and safe environment for all, using data to support teaching, learning, and leading, and promoting student engagement.”

Martone is part of the School Leadership Team at DHS and has been active in curriculum work, both as a developer and a contributor. Most recently, she served as facilitator of and contributor to the Grades 9–12 English Curriculum Revision and has provided department members with ongoing feedback and guidance. She continually keeps the department updated on effective methods for teaching and lesson planning, as well.

“She has pioneered a new approach to share and recognize classroom strategies so that the benefits of an innovative method discovered by one teacher radiated out to the whole department,” Euchner said.

To supplement her teaching efforts, Martone has received numerous grants, including KDP Classroom Teacher Grants and Target Field Trip Grants, which have allowed her students to attend enriching field trips and have access to innovative instructional materials. She has been recognized by the National Council of Teachers of English as an Emerging Leaders Fellow for the 2016 cohort. Currently a doctoral student at Lesley University, Martone earned a sixth-year diploma from Quinnipiac University, a master’s degree from Quinnipiac University, and a bachelor’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University.