Superintendent of Greenwich Public Schools Dr. Toni Jones announced today that Central Middle School’s Ms. Allison Fallon is the Greenwich Public Schools selection for the 2022 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Program. She will be acknowledged for this recognition at this evening’s Board of Education Special Meeting.
“We are honored to have Allison represent us at the state level in this prestigious program. I was delighted to have the opportunity to visit Allison’s classroom where the students were highly engaged, and it was obvious that she is a master of her craft,” Dr. Jones said. “Students were thinking critically, asking thoughtful questions, working collaboratively together, and demonstrating leadership. I wish there was a window into this classroom, so that more people could see just how incredible it is.”
“To represent Greenwich Public Schools is nothing short of a humbling honor, especially in a year such as this,” Fallon said. “It is a rare luxury to have a career that you love, and one that teaches you something new every day. These young scholars never cease to amaze me. Their dedication, their imagination, their capacity for empathy will only make this world a better place. And, of course, the educators I have the privilege of working with and learning from, drive my own passion for pedagogy. A sincere thank you.”
“The Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors teacher excellence. It does not attempt to select the “best” teacher; rather, to identify, from among many outstanding teachers of the year, one teacher to serve as a visible and vocal representative of what is best in the profession. The program celebrates excellence in teaching by recognizing teachers who have inspired a love for learning in their students and who have distinguished themselves in the profession.”
CT Teacher of the Year Pogram
Central Middle School Principal Thomas Healy said, “We are so happy for Ms. Fallon for all of her accomplishments and for earning this well-deserved award. Allison Fallon is an exemplary educator whose student-centered approach, passion for learning, and commitment to excellence represent the best of the Greenwich Public Schools. We wish her luck at the state level and know she will make us all proud!”
Ms. Fallon was selected from the six Distinguished Teachers that were announced in April.
The 2021 Distinguished Teachers included: Jennifer Bresler, Greenwich Public Schools, District Secondary Instructional Coach; Jennifer Dunn, North Mianus School, 4th Grade Teacher; Allison Fallon, Central Middle School, English Language Arts; Bruce Johnson, Eastern Middle School, Science and Mathematics; Jane Martellino, International School at Dundee, Library Media Specialist; and Susan Zerman, North Street School, 3rd Grade Teacher.
Ms. Fallon is an eighth grade English Language Arts teacher at Central Middle School (CMS), and has held this role for eight years. One of Ms. Fallon’s favorite aspects of being a teacher is the wide range of students she interacts with daily, building connections in order to guide them to achieve their full potential. In addition, Ms. Fallon has built strong relationships with both staff and parents. She collaborates with other teachers to improve the curriculum and find new ways to help students achieve and she establishes clear communication with parents. She sends emails to parents at the beginning of each instructional unit, outlining the skills and content covered, a description of the learning process, and tips for parents to talk to their children about their English class. She welcomes parents into her classroom as guest speakers, or as an audience with whom her students share their learning. This gives parents insight and firsthand knowledge of what school is like for their child.
Ms. Fallon received her BA in Literature from American University, her MA in Humanities from Wesleyan University, and her MAT from Sacred Heart University.
About the CT Teacher of the Year Program
The Connecticut Teacher of the Year Program began in 1952. It is sponsored by the Connecticut State Department of Education, Talent Office and a number of corporate, organizational and individual sponsors, it begins with the selection of a teacher of the year in each district and continues to the national level, where the Connecticut Teacher of the Year becomes eligible for national honors.
About the Distinguished Teachers Awards Program
Nominations for GPS Distinguished Teachers are submitted by students, parents, and colleagues in early March each year. Each member of the Distinguished Teachers Awards Committee (DTAC), Inc. reviews every nomination packet. At the annual “vote meeting” in April, DTAC members submit their ballots anonymously and without discussion. The ballots are tallied and the six teachers with the most votes are selected to receive the Distinguished Teacher Award. The Distinguished Teachers Awards Committee includes no more than 20 members, with representatives from The Board of Education, The Greenwich Education Association (GEA), The Greenwich Organization of School Administrators (GOSA), the PTA Council, and members of the community including representatives from the Kiwanis and other community organizations, parents and many previously named Greenwich Distinguished Teachers.