December 14, 2017

Dear Staff and Administration:

There is no greater honor for an educator than to be recognized by students, parents, and colleagues for excellence and contribution to the field. Please join me in congratulating the Burlington Township Educators of the Year.

On behalf of the Board of Education, administration, and staff, we honor and thank these educators for their hard work and dedication to the children and families of Burlington Township. The Teachers of the Year will all be honored at a County Teacher of the Year program and during an upcoming public Board of Education Meeting.

Regards,
Mary Ann Bell                       Ann Marie Britt                     Christopher Giannotti
Mrs. Mary Ann Bell                   Ms. Ann Marie Britt                 Mr. Christopher Giannotti
Interim Superintendent            Assistant Superintendent        Assistant Superintendent       

Nicholas Bice                        Elizabeth A. Scott  
Nicolas Bice                            Elizabeth A. Scott   
Board Secretary/                    Director of HR & Community Relations
Business Administrator


B. Bernice Young School
Sheri Guzik-Lesinski 
Teacher of the Year 
Kindergarten Teacher


Mrs. Lesinski has served as a teacher in Burlington Township for 15 years. 
Sheri Lesinski is a skilled and dedicated teacher. She has a close bond with her students and makes learning fun and entertaining for all. Mrs. Lesinski is patient, considerate and kind to children. She is so in tune with what is going on in her classroom that she doesn't miss anything when it comes to her students.

She puts a lot of effort into making sure that her students get what they need to be successful. Mrs. Lesinski has a student centered structured classroom where students feel happy and at home.  

Mrs. Lesinski is an innovative educator always collaborating with colleagues outside the corners of her classroom.  She brings to life the excitement of using technology as a learning tool for students.  Sheri engages children in the exploration of learning using a variety of teaching techniques combined with her humor and laughter which helps the younger learners feel comfortable when correcting some of their mistakes.

She is doing exactly what she was meant to do in life by teaching Kindergarten and our district is lucky to have her.  Sheri takes her job very seriously and takes pride in all that she does.

Sheri's students say:
  • She is fun, great, cool and nice
  • We feel lucky to have her as our teacher.
  • She is the best of the best.
B. Bernice Young School
Sara Cox
Educational Specialist
of the Year
Behavior Therapist

Ms. Cox has been a Behavior therapist in Burlington Township for 4 years.  
Sara Cox is nominated for this award because of the manner in which she handles her job. She can frequently be seen in many hallways of our elementary building and always seems to handle each situation calmly.

As a specialist, Sara is very approachable and supports the staff and students with respect and a positive attitude. In addition Sara is involved with the Positive Behavior Support for Students (Soaring to Success)  program in our school and has done a great deal to create a positive learning environment. With all the emotion that can arise with difficult behaviors in young children, Sara always has a smile and remains calm.

Ms. Cox is extremely attentive when handling matters for students. She is thorough in her work, and is amazing at her job. She is able to relate to students and helps children express themselves while creating opportunities for success. She is understanding of the needs and concerns of parents and is a great resource to have in the school.

Sara's colleagues and students say:
  • She is always available.
  • She is always willing to help
  • She is awesome with her students.
  • She is very knowledgeable.
  • She is flexible.
  • We don't know what we'd do without her.
Fountain Woods Elementary School
Leigh Cattolico-Yago
Teacher of the Year
Special Education Teacher

Mrs. Cattolico-Yago has been a teacher in Burlington Township for sixteen years. Mrs. Cattolico-Yago touches the lives of students, parents, colleagues and the community.  She created our (Dis)-Ability Fair last year and it continues grow.  She also brought  Bucket-Fillers to FWS, and now, Kindness Rocks.  Mrs. Cattolico - Yago is a  strong advocate for CBI and gets her students out often.  She always comes up with new and creative ideas to make learning fun.  Leigh has  excellent rapport with students.  She stays in touch with students after their time at FWS.  Leigh  has a HUGE heart & is a big advocate for integrating students.  She has  an infectious positive attitude, and works tirelessly to spread love and acceptance
 

Leigh's students, parents and  colleagues say:
  • She has the biggest heart in the world.
  • She makes school a better place.
  • She is very kind and nice.

Fountain Woods Elementary School
Tina Dietrich
Educational Specialist of the Year
School Counselor

Ms. Dietrich has been a school counselor in Burlington Township for nineteen years. 
She strives daily to make the school environment welcoming.  Her  enthusiasm is contagious & she truly loves what she does.  Ms. Dietrich  encourages students to be great community members  and  has made student & staff recognition an integral part of FWS. The  positive school climate is a direct result of Tina, her leadership of the Renaissance team and her  innovative ways of encouraging a commitment to academic success.  Tina is  a dynamo and her energy and enthusiasm are a driving force at FWS.  Ms. Dietrich has been  nationally recognized twice for Renaissance and is a regular speaker at national conferences.

Tina's students, parents and  colleagues say:
  • She is a team player.
  • She is nice.
  • She is funny.
  • She makes the world a better place.
  • She is everywhere.
  • She is a Renaissance star!

Burlington Township Middle School at Springside
Elizabeth Grande
Teacher of the Year
Special Education Teacher


Ms.Liz Grande, multi-grade level teacher of students with disabilities, is a highly dedicated and motivated
teacher. She goes above and beyond for her students every day and works hard to integrate them into the general education setting, making sure they are never excluded. Liz plans meaningful activities and presents them with excitement. She understands the individual strengths and needs of each of her students, and she challenges them accordingly while also sensitively addressing their weaknesses to promote high levels of success. Outside of the classroom, Liz combines her love of fitness with her passion for helping students with special needs.  She runs fitness classes at a local gym each week for students with special needs and is heavily involved with Special Olympics. This recognized Educator of the Year supports her current and former female students, as they are members of the Sparkle Cheerleading Squad.  As a co-worker, Liz is easy to talk to and always willing to help with a passion for raising awareness of the many disabilities represented in the Middle School's diverse population. She prepares awareness displays and shares lessons about a variety of disabilities. She has also taken on larger projects such as organizing the (Dis)-Ability program that serves to inform students about the successes that students of disabilities can enjoy in their careers and their lives. The students in Liz's room are truly lucky to have such a caring, committed, and passionate teacher.

Liz's students say:
  • She's cool.
  • She uses teaching techniques that help us learn more.
  • She explains everything that is going to happen.
  • She leaves room for improvement for herself.
  • She never forgets to put homework on the website.
  • She lets us be creative.
  • She makes us want to do work.


Burlington Township Middle School at Springside
Kimmberly Baker
Educational Specialist
of the Year
Behavior Specialist




Kimmberly Baker, District Behavior Specialist, is a highly trained and greatly appreciated member of the middle school team. Her service in working with students with disabilities and the staff is recognized by her colleagues and the families who count on her "being there" for them every day. Kimmberly is diligent in assessing student needs and creating behavior plans in collaboration with teachers, parents, and administrators. She is relentless in finding solutions to support behavior management and follows up with her students throughout their time in the school district. Her broad knowledge of supports for behavior, passion to promote success of students, and a truly sensitive nature have earned Kimmberly the title of Educational Specialist of the Year.  In addition, as a district employee servicing students in all of our schools, Kimmberly has embraced her role in the middle school by serving as a lead staff member on our PBSIS (Positive Behavior Support in Schools) team. In that capacity, she demonstrates her ability to brainstorm and her talent for creativity. The middle school community is grateful to have the support of Mrs. Kimmberly Baker.

Kim's colleagues say:
  • She's always volunteering to help people.
  • She is always solving problems and doing it quickly.
  • Mrs. Baker is in a positive mood.
  • She is very nice.
  • Mrs. Baker puts full effort into everything she does.
  • She is a good listener.

Burlington Township High School
Kim Lamanteer
Teacher of the Year
History Teacher

Mrs. Lamanteer is serving her 16th year as a teacher at Burlington Township High School. She has
volunteered her time tirelessly for the betterment of her students and the community. Mrs. Lamanteer serves as the varsity soccer coach, volunteers with the track team, and is a driving force behind Black and Gold night. Mrs. Lamanteer is also a tremendous asset in the Social Studies Department. She has worked closely with her peers to create innovative lessons and assessments. Her AP History students
have excelled at one of the highest levels in the state.


Kim's students and staff say:
  • She keeps the atmosphere light so you don't feel pressure.
  • She knows her content.
  • She is willing to work with us to help us catch up.
  • She makes sure that we are successful.
  • She has a real connection to the students.
  • She pushes us to do our best.  
  • Her classes are never boring.
  • She can make us laugh and has the best corny jokes.


Burlington Township High School
Alicia Hayes
Educational Specialist
of the Year
School Counselor



Ms. Hayes has been a tremendous addition to the guidance department. She is compassionate and
driven to help each individual student with their specific needs. She is sought out by staff and students because of her knowledge and demeanor. Ms. Hayes has volunteered for several events and activities after school and attends the plays and sporting events because she truly enjoys seeing various aspects of her students' lives. Ms. Hayes is a true professional and displays amazing empathy towards everyone she meets.  

Alicia's colleagues say:
  • She is an advocate for every child.
  • She supports the needs of all students.
  • She is very accessible.
  • She is always patient and professional.


District Mission
The Burlington Township School District will develop the intellectual, creative, and social potential of each child through an active partnership with all members
of the community.


Burlington Township Schools  | 609-387-3955  |   www.burltwpsch.org