CMS Teacher Chosen As Representative For CT Teacher Of The Year

GREENWICH, CT — Superintendent of Greenwich Public Schools Dr. Toni Jones announced on Thursday that Central Middle School’s Allison Fallon is the Greenwich Public Schools selection for the 2022 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Program.

According to the State’s program, "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."

Fallon was acknowledged at Thursday night's Board of Education Special Meeting.

"On behalf of the Distinguished Teachers Award Committee, we want to express our congratulations to Allison Fallon for being named Greenwich Public Schools' representative for the Teacher of the Year program," said Cathy Brunetti, chair of the DTAC, at Thursday's Board of Education meeting. "Ms. Fallon has a true love for teaching, offers endless support and encouragement to her students, and continuously partners with staff and parents for the benefits of her students. We know she will make Greenwich Public Schools proud in this state level program."

In a news release earlier this week, Jones said she was honored to have Fallon represent the school district at the state level.

"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," Jones said in the news release. "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."

Fallon has been an eighth grade English Language Arts teacher at Central Middle School (CMS) for eight years.

"To represent Greenwich Public Schools is nothing short of a humbling honor, especially in a year such as this. It is a rare luxury to have a career that you love; and one that teaches you something new every day," she said in the news release. "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."

CMS Principal Thomas Healy also congratulated Fallon as well.

"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," he said in the news release.

"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," the school district added in the announcement.

"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."

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; Fallon, Central Middle School English Language Arts teacher; 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.

Fallon received her bachelor's degree in literature from American University, her master's in humanities from Wesleyan University, and her master's in teaching from Sacred Heart University.