School Social Worker Maria Fontaine with EGTA President Drew Romanowski and Red Mill students.
One doesn’t need to be a traditional classroom teacher to help students learn and grow at school. Social Worker Maria Fontaine is proof of that as she serves students at Green Meadow and Red Mill Elementary Schools by providing individual and group counseling services; class lessons for character education traits, life skills and wellness topics; intervention services; and offering consultation to school staff and parents.
In recognition of her daily positive impact on students, Ms. Fontaine was named Teacher of the Year by the East Greenbush Teachers Association. The annual award, which was first given out in 1970, is voted on by the hundreds of members in the EGTA.
“To be recognized as support personnel was even more of an honor for me because it truly means that my colleagues appreciate not just the support I may be giving them, but also their students and families,” said Ms. Fontaine. “I’m very humbled and grateful.”
Ms. Fontaine has worked in East Greenbush Central School District for the past 14 years. Prior to that, she worked as a school social worker in Florida.
In addition to her regular job duties, Ms. Fontaine contributes to special programs that directly benefit students. She coordinates the After School Enrichment Program, the annual Character Education Walk and the new Backpack Program at Red Mill. She also serves on the Red Mill and Green Meadow Instructional Support Teams.
“My favorite part of my job is connecting with the students,” Ms. Fontaine said. “Just knowing that I am one part of their life that hopefully is meaningful and positive is so gratifying.”
Ms. Fontaine received the Teacher of the Year award from EGTA President Drew Romanowski at a surprise announcement on April 15 at Red Mill.
“The East Greenbush Teachers Association Teacher of the Year award is one of the most distinguished honors that any teacher can earn as it is decided upon by our teachers,” said EGTA President Drew Romanowski, who teaches social studies at Columbia High School. “Maria Fontaine is celebrated as one of our very best and joins some of the finest educators ever to earn the award.”
School Social Worker Maria Fontaine receiving the East Greenbush Teachers Association Teacher of the Year Award! Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/EDNxywdPmm
— East Greenbush CSD (@EGreenbushCSD) April 15, 2019
EGTA Teacher of the Year Award
2019 Maria Fontaine
2018 Scott Siver
2017 Wendy McAlonie
2016 Curtis Sankey
2015 Melissa Gilligan
2014 Nancy Boucher
2013 Monica Blanchfield
2012 Bob Halek
2011 Diana Prout
2010 Jean Decker
2009 Lisa Westman
2008 Linda Kaminski
2007 Peter Zilgme
2006 Christina Rogone
2005 Denise Nahal
2004 The Staff at CHS
2003 Sean Crall
2002 Larraine Gillette
2001 Nikki Carter-Piechnik
2000 Susan Owens
1999 Sally Sroka
1998 Virginia Congemi
1997 Kevin McCann
1996 Mary LaFleur
1995 Linda McCabe
1994 Lynda DeCelle
1993 Denise Poost
1992 Barbara Poole
1991 Kathy DeWeese
1990 Henry Kolakoski
1989 Robert Crosby
1988 Benedict Schaefer
1987 Elizabeth Lyman
1986 Shirley Howard
1985 Carlton Eno
1984 Louise Pearce
1983 Peter Citrolo
1982 Michael Angelo
1981 Marilyn Reeves
1980 Kileen Stone
1979 Edith Cosgrove
1978 Thelma Donahue
1977 Robert King
1976 Jean Burgess
1975 Raymond Gietz
1974 Elizabeth McMaster
1973 Alfred Viola
1972 Bernice Pechenik
1971 Paul Bourgeois
1970 Ruth Herr