ATLANTIC COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION

Atlantic County Executive Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Thomas J. Dowd is pleased to announce the recipient of this year’s Atlantic County Teacher of the Year as well as Atlantic County’s nominee for New Jersey State Teacher of the Year, Mr. Frank Marascio.

Mr. Marascio is a Mathematics teacher for students in grades 9 through 12. He has been teaching for 18 years, 8 of which he is currently serving in the Mainland Regional High School District. Frank was selected as Atlantic County’s New Jersey Teacher of the Year for school year 2011-2012 by a panel of judges consisting of an administrator, a teacher, a local education association member and a parent.

Mr. Dowd stated, “Mr. Marascio’s extensive involvement in the mathematical community and dedication not only to the science of mathematics but to his students is highly commendable. He has demonstrated a strong sense of professional development in the field of education and is highly visible in many professional associations whose focus is teaching, math, and computer sciences. Frank is a 2011 nominee of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. His philosophy of teaching is one that believes in a multifaceted approach that teaching doesn’t end outside the classroom doors. This is reflected in his relationships with his students as well as his peers. Mr. Marascio is a highly professional, outstanding educator whose influence is notable and apparent through his continued growth and contribution to the educational community. He exhibits strong leadership qualities and is well versed in current educational issues and trends.  Mr. Marascio will serve as an effective advocate for emerging issues in education. 

Mr. Marascio is quoted as stating, “While I still believe the primary goal of the teacher is to ensure that his students leave the classroom with the skills necessary to become contributing members of society, I have also come to learn that one’s educational philosophy must include not only the education of the student but also the education of the teacher. The two are inexorably linked. The most effective teachers resolve themselves towards constant growth, especially when this is what so many of us ask of our students. In other words, an effective teacher leads by example.”

Mr. Dowd affirmed, “Mr. Marascio applies this philosophy to his everyday interactions with his students, providing them with a secure environment filled with positive support. He is a positive role model and a very talented teacher of mathematics.  I admire his passion for mathematics as well as for his application of technology throughout the curriculum. It is without reservation that I recommend Mr. Frank Marascio as the 2011-2012 Atlantic County Teacher of the Year for nomination as State Teacher of the Year.”