Congratulations to Birchwood Teacher of the Year, Ms. Deanna App. A South Huntington alumna, Ms. App came back to the district as a teacher in 2001, and has spent all her years with us as a third grade teacher at Birchwood. She is described as a true professional who has dedicated herself to making a difference in the lives of students, inspiring them to reach their true potential.

Colleagues, parents, as well as her students, all agree that Ms. App creates a comfortable, structured environment in the classroom that’s also fun for her students. Ms. App was inspired to become an educator because of her third grade teacher at Countrywood, Ms. Denker. Ms. App says she was a shy kid, and Ms. Denker made her feel very safe and comfortable in her class. It’s the same feeling Ms. App now tries to provide to all her students. Her favorite part of the school day is when she gets to see the smiling faces of her students as they show up for class first thing in the morning.

Birchwood Principal Anthony Ciccarelli says Ms. App is one of his “go-to” people for anything Birchwood.   She has served as a Grade Level Coach and has been involved in the implementation of many programs and activities at the school. As a district alum, she tries to attend as many events as she can - her favorite is the Homecoming Day Parade because she gets to catch up with former students. And you’ll also find her wearing her spirit wear every Friday!

Ms. App received her Bachelor's Degree in Childhood Education from St. Joseph’s College, then went on to get her Master’s Degree from C.W. Post in Special Education and Reading. What she’s learned outside her studies is that it’s important to first reach the children on a personal level before you can teach them on an academic level. It goes back to providing them with a safe environment, she says, so they are willing to take risks, both socially and academically, in the classroom.

Principal, Mr. Anthony Ciccarelli (left), and Assistant Principal, Mr. Dimitri Bernadel (right), proudly present Ms. Deanna App as Birchwood's 2022-23 Teacher of the Year.