I would like to nominate Mark Daliessio for Educator of the Year; he teaches Social Studies at Everett Meredith Middle School. When I went to school there, he was my 8th grade teacher. Throughout the school year, he continually put so much effort, time, and planning in all of the lessons he did. Not only does he put effort into lessons, he also puts effort into each and every single one of his students. I have never met a teacher who has invested so much time and effort into my education.

Social Studies to me is usually the class that is boring, but Mr. Daliessio made class fun by creating simulations; the simulations made the class more collaborative. Simulations like trading fake gold and crops to symbolize supply and demand, and simulating historical wars using fake bow and arrows (meter sticks) and swords (pool noodles). The simulations helped us understand the content, while having fun. Everytime I took a test, all I had to do was remember the simulations and what they symbolized.

When it comes to assigning projects, Mr Daliessio doesn’t just allow us to work in groups; he allows us to choose more creative ways to express what we learned. Sometimes it can be a simple powerpoint presentation, and sometimes it can be something fun like creating a music video to summarize the American Revolution. These new ways to express what we learned allowed us to be more creative in the way we approach assignments. Our class went on a trip to Washington D.C.; our project was to create a scrapbook of all the places we toured. The project served a dual purpose, to get an easy grade and to have something to remember the trip.

Whenever we had a controversial topic or a two sided scenario in a unit, Mr. Daliessio would allow us to have a courtroom debate to settle the argument. During this time, we were either assigned a side or we could choose. Our debates would almost always get serious because everyone was trying their best to prove their point. During the debate, Mr Daliessio would add random points to get the debate to a certain point of conversation. After every one, Mr. Daliessio would tell us that everything we did was what actually happened in the real situation. The debates gave us an understanding of the topic because during the unit we researched our evidence to prepare for the debate.

There is no one more deserving of this award than Mr. Daliessio because he always puts his students needs above his own. Mr. Daliessio teaches in a style unlike anything I have experienced in a school.We learned things without even knowing that we are learning. Mr Daliessio made school fun and enjoyable for every student he teaches. Mr. Daliessio was always open to my crazy ideas and questions. Whenever I asked a question, no matter how elaborate; he would make sure that I knew the answer. Most teachers that  I had would just dismiss my question or give me a short answer. Mr. Daliessio is a great teacher and should be strongly considered for Educator of the Year.