News Release
Contact
Nicole S. Rowe
Administrative Assistant,
Public Relations
320 DuPont Highway
New Castle, DE
19720
nicole.s.rowe@wilmu.edu
Wilmington University Alumnus Named Delaware's Teacher of the Year
Joseph Masiello, a Wilmington University alumnus, has spent 26 years trying to be the best educator that he can be. Last night, at an awards dinner held in Dover, Del., Masiello was honored for his years of service and for his excellence in education when he was named Delaware's Teacher of the Year. Hailed as "a phenomenal teacher" and a "talented, caring educator" by Red Clay Superintendent, Merv Daugherty, Masiello graciously accepted the award upon being selected from 19 educators across the state.
Mr. Mazz, as he is affectionately called by his students, is a 6th grade English teacher at Cab Calloway School of the Arts in the Red Clay School District. He has received considerable national attention for his innovative teaching strategies including the use of dance to teach English. "He makes an effort to reach out to all students, whatever their interests or abilities," said Cab Calloway Dean, Julie Rumschlag in a letter recommending Masiello.
"Mr. Masiello's reputation as an imaginative and effective teacher is well established in Delaware and beyond," said Dr. John Gray, Dean of the College of Education at Wilmington University. "His successful use of multiple instructional strategies to teach English and creative writing send a powerful message to all those genuinely interested in improving student achievement. We are very proud of Mr. Masiello's accomplishments. He is a wonderful representative of Delaware's extraordinarily talented and dedicated corps of public school teachers."
Nominees for the Delaware Teacher of the Year program were selected from 8,800 teachers statewide. Winners are chosen by a panel of judges including representatives from the Delaware State Education Association, the state Chamber of Commerce, the state Congress of Parents and Teachers, the state Board of Education, the state Professional Standards Board and the former Delaware Teacher of the Year (Mary Pinkston).
Masiello, a 1991 graduate of Wilmington University's Master of Education in Leadership and Instruction program, will receive numerous awards and grants. He also accepted a complete classroom set of "Smart Technology" equipment and software, as well as substantial cash grants from organizations and the Delaware Department of Education.
Dr. William Barkley, who coordinates Wilmington University's Office of Program Review and Development (in the College of Education), also made a special announcement about the award dinner. He explained that Wilmington University will be offering Joseph Masiello a full scholarship to the University's Doctor of Education in Innovation and Leadership program.
Congratulations to Joseph Masiello!
