Guest speaker invokes excitement about the year ahead  

Sept. 15, 2009—Duanesburg educators are energized about the year ahead thanks in part to a restful summer and a presentation by John Perricone—a veteran teacher, author and motivational speaker.

“I’m as excited today as I was when I started teaching 30 years ago,” said Duanesburg High School English and journalism teacher Tom Reiter.

As part of the district’s Superintendent Conference Day on Sept. 8, Perricone explained how teachers and staff districtwide can develop a “philosophical identity.”

It is his belief that one’s philosophy in life is intimately tied to one’s philosophy of education, and that it is this “philosophical identity” that ultimately distinguishes those who find joy and passion in the teaching profession from those who simply pick up a paycheck.

“He offered insight on developing a philosophy for education and striving for excellence in teaching,” said Duanesburg Middle School Principal Peter Reyes. “He discussed what it means to be a teacher and why it is a higher calling. He inspired faculty to remember why they chose this profession in the first place.”

According to Reyes, Perricone encouraged Duanesburg staff to treat each and every class like it’s their last—whether it’s on the first or last day of school.

"This was the best opening day presentation yet," said special education teacher Carol Lotano. "John Perricone helped me to refocus and reenergize!"

According to Duanesburg Superintendent Christine Crowley, the response from teachers and staff has been huge.

“We are still receiving formal thank you letters and e-mails from staff expressing their appreciation for his visit,” said Crowley.

Perricone is the author of The Zen and the Art of Public School Teaching, and has been a health teacher in the Maine-Endwell School District for 25 years. He has received numerous local, state and national excellence-in-teaching awards. For eight consecutive years, he has received his district’s Distinguished Teacher Award, which is voted on by the senior class.

To learn more, visit Perricone's Web site.