Preschool teacher named Monroe’s best
MONROE — Teresa Gucwa Heines is the school’s district’s top teacher.
Heines, a preschool teacher at Monroe Elementary School, was named Teacher of the Year on Wednesday.
Acting school Superintendent Joseph Kobza said she was selected by a committee of teachers, administrators and parents from more than 280 nominations.
“Those who nominated Teresa used the words ‘ compassionate, patient, happy, kind, encouraging, respectful, humble, a great communicator and a most loving and gentle soul’ to describe this wonderful educator,” said Kobza.
“Teresa has had a lifelong impact on our youngest learners,” added Kobza. “Her students, their parents and her colleagues agree that they benefit profoundly by learning from her each and every day.”
Heines has an undergraduate degree, a master’s degree in special education and early childhood education, and a sixth- year degree in educational leadership from Southern Connecticut State University.
Kobza said Heines began her professional career in 1985 with the Bridgeport schools and from 1991- 2000 operated her own private tutoring business. She joined the Monroe schools as a permanent substitute and part- time special education teacher in 2000.
She then transitioned to teaching kindergarten at Fawn Hollow School before becoming a preschool teacher at Monroe Elementary.
Kobza said Heines’ fellow teachers stated that she is “always learning, always teaching, always finding ways to make her students succeed.”
Parents stated, “she thinks outside the box to try all different ways to meet a child’s needs until the one that works for the child is found, fostering independence, creativity and kindness.”
“It was clear from the nominations and the discussion of the committee that Teresa is completely dedicated to developing kind, respectful and independent learners with our youngest students,” said Kobza. “Teresa creates the foundation for a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. She is well- deserving of this award and represents all of the outstanding educators in the Monroe public schools.”