Marguerite Izzo
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NYSUT salutes Howard T. Herber Middle School (Malverne) 5th-grade teacher Marguerite Izzo, the state's 2007 teacher of the year, as "a model teacher who represents the very best of what our profession has to offer." The New York State Education Department announced its selection of Izzo last summer.
"New York state has the most highly qualified teachers in the nation," said NYSUT President Richard C. Iannuzzi. "As the 37 th New York State Teacher of the Year, Marguerite Izzo is the best of the best. She is a dedicated teacher who believes teaching is the most important profession in the world."
Izzo, a member of the Malverne Teachers Association, believes teaching cannot be a solitary profession. "Collaboration directly benefits the children. Sharing with administrators, colleagues and parents - both our triumphs and failures - helps us be better teachers," she said.
In addition to her 5th grade classroom duties, Izzo is also an adjunct professor at Adelphi University's School of Education.
Izzo is an active member of the district's Parent-Teacher Association, serves as a policy board member for the Malverne Teachers Center and is a trustee of the board of the Malverne Public Library, along with being involved in many other community projects.
"Marguerite maintains high standards for her students - and for herself," said NYSUT First Vice President Maria Neira. "She never hesitates to take the time to reach out to any child - no matter what is challenging them. We are proud to have her representing NYSUT."