Knudsen Named East Haven’s Top Teacher
Three East Haven teachers were recently named Teacher of the Year at the three school levels, including Allison Santoro at the elementary level, Jordan Imperati at the middle school level, and Gladys Knudsen at the high school level. Knudsen, a science teacher, took the district’s top honor in a May 27 ceremony.
“For us as a district, it is important to acknowledge and affirm the important work our teachers are doing and the difference they make in the lives of our children,” said Dr. Portia Bonner, superintendent of East Haven schools. “There are good things happening in our schools and teachers are pivotal in making that happen. Those in the teaching profession know that our job is not easy and the ever-increasing needs of our students requires a special person to be willing to take on the challenge.”
This is the second year that East Haven has participated in the Teacher of the Year program. The 2014-’15 East Haven District Teacher of the Year was Michael Martino (K-2). Melissa Cooper (6-8) and Doug Gardner (9-12) were also nominated. Each school submits a teacher for consideration and the Teacher of the Year Committee selects the finalists at each level.
Gladys Knudsen
Gladys Knudsen has taught in the science department at East Haven High School for more than 31 years, teaching courses ranging from general science to Advanced Placement and Early College Experience, as well as having written biotechnology curriculum. She has also dedicated 25 years of teaching in the East Haven Adult Learning Center.
Knudsen works with all students to reach their potential, differentiating curriculum and incorporating positive strategies. She also works with the new teacher mentoring program. She was instrumental in bringing the Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences to East Haven High School, where she has served as site coordinator for several years. She is a previous recipient of the East Haven High School Teacher of the Month as well as the 2010 Celebration of Excellence Award.
Knudsen currently teaches honors chemistry, biology, and two digital classes—biology and chemistry. The digital classes are preparing for an EXPOFEST at the Oakdale where students will present project ideas related to empathy by design.
“These students in particular have been preparing for this competition all year, and other than exams, this is their culminating event for the course,” said Knudsen, who sees the Teacher of the Year Award as an affirmation of her teaching methods. “As an individual who prefers to encourage students from where they are to where they can go, this recognition is simply an acknowledgment that what I have been striving to accomplish has been recognized.”
Jordan Imperati
Jordan Imperati has taught special education at Melillo Middle School for the past five years. She has worked as a co-teacher in language arts and math, and was the caseload manager for all 6th-grade special education students. She has also been involved with the school’s Extended Year program, the Crisis Team, and the PBIS committee.
Imperati helped bring the Unified Sports team to the middle school as a way for regular education and special education students to work together as athletes. Additionally, she has brought the international “Peace Day” event to the school where students planted pinwheels for peace, wrote poems, sang songs, and created a living peace sign. She has continued to expand the Peace Day celebrations through online collaborations with students from Brighton & Hove, England, as well as Como, Italy.
Imperati strives to create a memorable and positive experience for every student. She works each day to ensure that students feel protected, inspired, respected, encouraged, and nurtured each day.
Allison Santoro
Allison Santoro has worked as an elementary school teacher in East Haven since 2007, teaching 1st and 2nd grade. She is currently a 1st-grade teacher at Deer Run Elementary School. Santoro believes that all students can be successful and grow when properly challenged and her small-group instruction and classroom stations enable students to have meaningful conversation and fun in an ideal learning environment, allowing students to build confidence in themselves and their own abilities.
“I am honored to have been recognized for my hard work and dedication to both the students and the School District of East Haven,” said Santoro. “I am humbled because I work with so many outstanding and deserving educators here in East Haven that inspire their students each day.”