The Hilton Central Schools Teachers Association (HCSTA) 2013-14 selection of the Teacher of the Year was presented at the annual staff convocation at Hilton High School in September. This year’s honoree is Merton Williams Middle School earth science teacher Steve Cudzilo, who was honored for his witty personality, passion for teaching, and for always striving to be a lifelong learner.
Cudzilo has been teaching for 16 years, 14 in the Hilton School District. “I am proud to call myself a Hilton teacher!” he said. “I have taught eighth grade earth science at Merton Williams the entire time and have loved every minute of it.” Cudzilo is also co-advisor for the Hilton Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society and Science Olympiad.
This year, Cudzilo earned his National Board Certification, a process that took him about a year to complete. National Board Certification is a voluntary, advanced teaching credential that goes beyond state licensure and is supported by the National Education Association. Cudzilo wrote four detailed essays about his teaching practices, submitted two 20-minute videos of his lessons and took a four-hour written exam that addressed how to successfully teach science concepts to middle and high school students, and how to respond to science misconceptions students often have.
Cudzilo was inspired to begin teaching after coaching swimming and working as a camp counselor. “What I love most about my job is when students genuinely get excited about learning something new and share stories about how they applied it to their lives or how they taught their parents what they learned,” he said. “They are so proud of themselves. It’s great to see students excited and engaged.”
Cudzilo and his wife, Stacey, have two sons, Matthew and Jonathan, who are students at Hilton’s Quest Elementary School.
Provided information
9/22/13
