By Julia Barcello
“You’re a shining example of what Greenwich Public Schools has to offer,” said Christina Downing, Board of Education Representative during the 2022 Distinguished Teachers Ceremony. The Greenwich Public Schools Distinguished Teacher Awards (DTA) is a nonprofit organization that over the past 38 years has been a powerful way to showcase Greenwich Public Schools’ outstanding educators.
The DTA Committee consists of 20 members from the Board of Education, PTA, Greenwich Organization of School Administrators, Greenwich Education Association, and residents of Greenwich. Distinguished Teacher Nominations are submitted by students, parents, and colleagues in April of each year. Each member of the Distinguished Teacher Awards Committee (DTAC) anonymously casts their ballots which are counted, with the six highest voted teachers then awarded.
The 2022 Distinguished Teachers are: Ms. Libby Craig, who teaches the Advanced Learning Program at the International School at Dundee; Mr. Ryan Jones, a Greenwich High School Social Studies teacher; Ms. Alison Kistler, a Kindergarten teacher from North Mianus School; Ms. Tyler Mecozzi, a Western Middle School Science teacher; Mr. William Ronk, a Fourth-Grade teacher from Riverside School; and Ms. Darcey Zygmont, a North Street School Third-Grade teacher.
These teachers exhibit how valuable a virtuous role model may be. “The difference a great teacher can make in the lives of a student is undeniable,” State Senator Ryan Fazio expressed.
“Taking Mr. Jones’ Gov. [AP Government and Comparative Politics] class my Junior year was a transformative experience as both a student and a citizen.” said Javi Serra.
Ms. Darcey Zygmont reflected, “Every one of us has been inspired by a teacher during our educational journey. For me, that teacher was Ms. Dina Phelps, my fifth-grade teacher at North Street School. She inspired my passion for learning and re-shaped my life. I left her classroom willing to take risks, brimming with learning strategies, fascinated by current events, and filled with the confidence, as well as the desire to become a teacher.”
“26 years and I don’t think a day has gone by that I haven’t laughed out loud in my classroom” stated two-time award winner, Mr. William Ronk, conveying the gratitude he has for his career to the audience. Celebrating students’ accomplishments and being able to help them grow in each and every way has brought these teachers immense joy. Mr. Ronk expressed his sentiments that many employees do not have the opportunity to experience the joy and passion each of these teachers expressed the night of the ceremony.
Each educator is tremendously proud to work in Greenwich Public Schools and to be a part of such an amazing community. “Greenwich is a community that sticks together and does so with passion and joy,” Mr. Ryan Jones stated. It is the passion and love within each of these educators that has helped them win this honorary award.
