Hasbrouck Heights BOE Honors the 2024 Teachers of the Year

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, NJ -  The Hasbrouck Heights Board of Education honored the 2024 Teachers of the Year at its monthly meeting in the high school auditorium.

Each school administrator announced their school's honoree, spoke about why they were deserving of the honor, and presented a certificate.

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Euclid School Teacher of the Year was Joanie Gallucci, who was honored by principal Michael Sickels. He said she was "a true master of her craft." He also noted that six students had perfect scores of 6 in the standard testing, and her SGP, the test that shows growth from fourth to fifth grade, was a perfect 4.0.

Hasbrouck Heights Middle School Teacher of the Year was Amanda Minervini, who was presented by Dominique Vetrano, Director of Curriculum, as principal Joseph Mastropietro was on the Washington, DC, trip.  Vetrano read from notes prepared by Mastropietro, who called her a valued member of the Hasbrouck Heights teaching staff for the past 15 years at both the high school and middle school. Her hard work, dedication and commitment to all of her students is second to none." He called her a "positive role model, mentor, and coach to any student who crosses her path. She is extremely passionate and committed to making sure that she provides the very best learning environment possible for her students. Her professionalism, work ethic and positive attitude that she consistently exhibits each day serves as a shining example for newer teachers to emulate."

The Hasbrouck Heights High School Teacher of the Year was Maria Squillace, was also honored by Vetrano, as principal Linda Simmons was attending the Senior Prom. Squillace is a Spanish teacher in levels 1 through AP, and the advisor of the Spanish National Honor Society. Vetrano read Simmons' comments, and called her "a master of her content. She has a deep passion for what she teaches and an unwavering commitment to our students' success. She inspires and empowers her students and her influence goes way beyond the classroom. Her impact on the lives of her students will be felt for years to come as they carry with them the invaluable skills, life lessons, and insights she bestowed upon them."

Lincoln School Teacher of the Year was Jennifer Martello who was recognized by principal Joseph Colangelo, who called her "a Jill of all trades. She has taught literally every grade level in the elementary school, now is a Basic Skills teacher, and provides a great education for our students who need that support." He called her efforts "exemplary...and has placed Lincoln School in an even better position, has created opportunities for our students to grow as individuals." He noted her efforts to secure several grants for the outdoor classroom and for a bike safety seminar, and additional student trips. "She went above and beyond," he said.

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In addition, two longtime retiring teachers were honored, Laura Beer and Kirstin Krsyz. Beer was with the district for 36 years, and Krsyz taught for 25 years. Board president Lori Cintron, a former teacher in the district, worked with both teachers, "wished them both the very best."

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