Teacher Spotlight: NYC's Michael Colonna 'Truly Inspires' Students

NEW YORK CITY — Great teachers matter. In New York City, we're fortunate to have teachers like Michael J Colonna.

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize teachers and show them how much they’re valued and appreciated.

This submission comes from Stacy E Colonna who nominated Michael J Colonna of New York City.

Teacher’s name

Michael J Colonna

How do you know the teacher?

Husband

What does this person teach?

Junior High Art in an inclusion based school

Why do you believe the teacher should be recognized or honored?

He’s been a dedicated educator and a founding teacher at his ground breaking school for 24-25+ years. It is one of the first in the city to include children of all needs placed in a traditional school setting without stigma and with individualized attention to ensure their success. It takes a super special person to be able to consistently deliver a quality art education, that changes and engages all kinds of art media, while mentoring talent and ensuring everyone has a smile from one of his endless awful jokes). He has received very little recognition for truly inspiring and changing the lives of many of his students by giving them the competency to be accepted at top art high schools and a way to channel their creativity!

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the teacher?

What a dedicated person he is to his profession and to his students. He has students long after they graduate that continue to stay in touch. He is beloved by his kids and has weathered a long career in the public school system, loyal to his native borough of Brooklyn, to give these kids a real chance (despite meeting & marrying me & thereby living on the Upper West Side for 2.5 decades!). And he follows in the steps of a beloved art teacher in a NYC classroom that changed his life.

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Know an outstanding teacher who deserves a shout-out? Nominate them here.