New Teachers Introduced at Schools

Kristina Forzaglia will teach third grade at West Elementary School this year for the first time. After attending New Canaan's new teacher orientation this week, she is ready to begin.

"The classroom is all set up—now it just needs to have some kids in it," Forzaglia said. She said she is excited to teach reading, confessing that she can spend hours at the bookstore in her free time. "When I see a kid reading a book and getting lost in it, I know I chose the right profession," she said.

Forzaglia and 14 other new elementary teachers attended the orientation Aug. 18 to 20, along with 13 new middle school teachers and four new high school teachers. On Wednesday, school officials and parents welcomed the new teachers to the district. For the rest of the week, the teachers attended workshops about topics such as the district's special education program, the schools' technology capabilities and safe school environments.

"Not only did they learn a lot of factual information, but I think they've gotten a sense of the culture here—that it's caring, it's hardworking," said Steven Swerdlick, assistant superintendent of schools.

Stephanie Bellino, an occupational therapist who will start at East Elementary this year, said she enjoyed meeting new teachers and said she's excited to have a few familiar faces in the hallway when school starts. "This is the warmest, most welcoming group," Bellino said. "Everyone has a positive energy and you can feel it."

Swerdlick said the district looks for teachers not only with good experience and exposure to important concepts in education but who also have enthusiasm and a spark. "We're excited," he said. "We think we have hired a wonderful, very capable group of new teachers."

Click here to follow Daily Voice New Canaan and receive free news updates.