September 4, 2009 - Danielle Pezze looked around her cluttered classroom on September 1 and made it known: “There’s still a lot of work to be done.”
 

She wouldn’t have it any other way.

Pezze, who has been a teacher in the North Colonie district since 2007, is starting her first year as a probationary teacher at Latham Ridge Elementary this fall.

“I finally have a classroom of my own,” she said with a laugh. “It’s a very rewarding and fulfilling feeling.”

Pezze spent last year as a maternity leave substitute, teaching fourth grade at Latham Ridge. When she was hired in May to teach fifth grade, Pezze was given the opportunity to meet her future students at “Moving up Day” at the end of the year.

“They were a great class,” she said, referencing the fourth graders she taught and knew of last year. “It definitely helps to know them. It makes the transition a little easier.”

Among Pezze’s responsibilities this year, will be teaching a literacy class three times a week. The book club will be discussing literature that illustrates character education traits. Pezze’s students will be very familiar with the process.

“We did something similar to this last year,” she said. “We read Shiloh. Obviously because of time constraints, we could only read one or two chapters before we discussed what we read. But, the students would beg me to continue reading. They were hooked. I think they’re going to enjoy doing it again this year.”

“As a substitute, she applied an incredible amount of enthusiasm and energy to her work and became an integral part of our fourth grade team,” Latham Ridge Principal, James Martin said. “I'm sure Danielle will bring the same revitalization to her new permanent position in grade five.

Pezze knows that with a new year, new challenges lie ahead. However, she feels comfortable with her surroundings and support system.

“North Colonie does a great job in preparing you…they’re famous for their (curriculum) binders.” she said. “In addition to the training they provide, my mentor and fellow fifth grade colleagues are a tremendous support. It’s wonderful to be able to bounce ideas off of them and receive solid feedback.”

It is that feedback and support that is helping to mold Pezze into a standout teacher.

“I really believe that it’s not until your fourth or fifth year of teaching that you have a complete grasp of what is going on,” she said. “I’m just always trying to get better and learn as much as I can.”

If her fifth graders follow her mantra, they will be advancing into sixth grade with a tremendous passion for learning.