Outstanding teachers honored

William Roberts (l-r) with outstanding teacher Thomas Risoldi of Rumson-Fair Haven High School and Monmouth University student Edward Stapley-Brown

WEST LONG BRANCH - Two local educators are among the outstanding New Jersey secondary school teachers who were honored by Monmouth University.

The Monmouth University-Roberts Charitable Foundation Outstanding School Teacher Award recipients are Thomas Risoldi, Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School; Michael D'Antonio, Freehold Township High School; and Anthony Cianciolo, Masuk High School, Monroe, Conn.

The award was instituted last year to recognize outstanding secondary school teachers who made an important contribution to the education of current Monmouth University students. Each teacher receives an award of $1,500.

The recipients were nominated by a Monmouth University senior student for their outstanding teaching skills and dedication to education.

Risoldi, Long Branch, has been a social studies teacher at RFH since 1997. He was nominated by former student Edward Stapley-Brown, who said Risoldi made a "lasting impact on my future."

Risoldi is an innovative teacher. His classes are multidimensional in their approach. He uses music, film, daily activities, narration, short debates and more in his classes. His creativity is demonstrated in all of his classes, but most notably his unique elective courses: the 1960s and Conflict Analysis.

D'Antonio has been a teacher of English and special education English at Freehold Township High School since 1999. He was nominated by his former student Kate Fogler, who stated, "Mr. D ... has inspired me to put others before myself, to strive for excellence, and believe that I can overcome any obstacle."

D'Antonio, Freehold, is an educator, coach, mentor, and capable leader who is committed to educational excellence. He was selected as Teacher of the Year in 2004.

Cianciolo has been a teacher at Masuk High School since 1975 and currently is an instructor of photography and graphic arts. He was nominated by his former student Jennifer Young, who stated, "He started out as my teacher and ended up as a mentor and friend."