For the second year in a row, an East Ridge Middle School teacher is the Ridgefield Public Schools Teacher of the Year. The District surprised this year’s honoree, seventh-grade English teacher, Jessica Margiotta, with flowers, gifts, and fanfare, during Teacher Appreciation Week.
In their support of Ms. Margiotta for this honor, East Ridge staff writes, “She inspires and motivates her students through her enthusiasm and deep understanding of students and their relationship with the content. She uses her personality and experiences to encourage them to take academic risks that broaden their exposure to literature. Regardless of the topic, she makes it live and breathe in the classroom. She requires her students to think about the reason for their learning, which helps the students create meaningful connections that will stay with them long after they leave her classroom.”
“Margiotta is a leader among her fellow teachers,” their praise continues. “She is involved in organizing the food drives at ERMS. She participates in the Connecticut Youth Forum to provide opportunities for teenagers to come together to create a safe space for Connecticut youths. On her own time, she is having her dog certified as a therapy dog so the dog can be a comfort animal within East Ridge.”
East Ridge Principal Jennifer Phostole addressed Ms.Margiotta directly in her announcement to the staff: “Thank you for your continued dedication to your students and our school community. Thank you for the joy you bring to your profession every day. You are not only a role model for your students but for your colleagues. You are amazing! You deserve all the praise!”
Last year’s RPS Teacher of the Year, Hilary Brown passed the mantle to Margiotta with a warm hug and tote bag.
Congratulations to all the RPS Teacher of the Year School Winners!
Barlow Mountain Elementary - Julia Kolakowski; Branchville Elementary - Jennifer Phippen; Farmingville Elementary - Anna Harkins; Ridgebury Elementary - Deirdre Rolfes; Scotland Elementary - Thomas DiMarzo; Veterans Park Elementary - Mike Faloon; Ridgefield High School - Michael Murphy; East Ridge Middle - Jessica Margiotta; Scotts Ridge Middle - Kathy Beall.