Three Weehawken teachers recently received the annual Teacher Recognition Award for excellence in teaching at a presentation ceremony in the Board of Education office. Each teacher received a plaque commemorating her achievement and a certificate of recognition from the New Jersey Commissioner of Education.
The three teachers – Lorraine Irizarry from Webster School, Dina Mazzacano from Roosevelt School, and Jill Guevarez from Weehawken High School – are well-respected professional educators who have devoted many years of service to the children of Weehawken.
Irizarry has been a kindergarten and pre-K teacher for 25 years, and is currently teaching pre-K at the preschool at Webster School.
“Mrs. Irizarry is a consummate professional,” said Principal Anthony Colasurdo. “She was one of my most responsible and dedicated students when I taught her at the high school, and she continues to maintain very high standards for herself and for her students at Webster School. She is kind, caring and creative, and the children who leave her classroom are well-prepared for kindergarten.”
Dina Mazzacano currently teaches the fourth grade Academically Talented class at Theodore Roosevelt School. Principal Alfred Orchid was effusive in his praise of her ability.
“Mrs. Mazzacano is a highly respected and valued member of the Theodore Roosevelt School family,” he said. ”She is always searching for ways to make her teaching more interesting and informative. Mrs. Mazzacano is firm but yet concerned and encouraging. Students respond well to her gentle classroom demeanor. She is an inspiration and leader for her grade level,” he said.
Jill Guevarez teaches the eighth grade Reading, Language Arts and Social Studies block at the high school.
Former student among the honorees
“Jill was a student here at the high school,” said Principal Dr. Peter J.Olivieri. “Her background as a Weehawken student has made her the excellent teacher she is today. Her mother, and Mrs. Clancy, her mentor, would be very proud of her.”
Board of Education President Richard Barsa and Superintendent of Schools Kevin McLellan also had high praise for the honorees.
“Congratulations to our award-winners,” said Barsa. “These three teachers exemplify the excellence of our school district and underscore why our school system is so highly-rated.”
McLellan concurred.
“These teachers represent the level of quality that we are fortunate to have in our school district,” he said. “A major component of a district’s success is what happens each and every day in the classroom, and our honorees today demonstrate excellence on a daily basis.”