Local Teachers Awarded For 'Amazing Contributions' In Madison Schools

MADISON, NJ — Four teachers were recognized for their outstanding work throughout the district at this week's Madison Board of Education meeting.

The Madison Board of Education established The Innovation and Teaching Award for staff three years ago. This award is given to staff members who have made outstanding contributions, particularly during the pandemic.

According to the board, more than 21 staff members were nominated for the award this year.

• Maria Spangler
• Jessice Blier
• Katherine Spelker
• Anne Marie Mastaglio

Maria Spangler, who is a 7th-grade science teacher at Madison Junior School, "goes above and beyond when she wrote a new cycle for the middle school focusing on public speaking," Brooke Phillips, the principal of Madison Junior School, said. "The seventh graders had the opportunity to use Ted Talks curriculum and programming. They explored topics of their choice while practicing public speaking and critical presentation skills."

Jessice Blier, who works as an ESL teacher for Madison High School was recognized for her highly effective teaching style. "The number of nominations she received shows what an incredible impact she's had… She was awarded for a number of initiatives that she undertook," Daniel Ross said.

Blier assigned her students to write bilingual personal narratives, which were then published and displayed in the library. The books were written in both their native language and English. She has also developed a transitional math course for ESL students who are transitioning to high school, Ross said.

The final group of award recipients was nominated as a pair. Katherine Spelker teaches Special Education at Central Avenue School, and Anne Marie Mastaglio teaches First Grade at Central Avenue School.

"They are co-teachers in first grade at Central Avenue School and they really have been incredible leaders in the district not only in Central Avenue School for promoting the science of reading," Ross said.

Both Spelker and Mastaglio have advocated for the importance of a structured reading program at the elementary level. They have provided useful resources to staff members and converted their classrooms into a learning lab, Ross said.

Mark Schwarz, the Madison Public Schools superintendent concluded by saying, "I’m very glad we have this award to highlight the amazing things that are happening in the district."