LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Maria Gusenfitter upon the occasion of
her designation as recipient of the 2016 Educator of the Year Award by
the Bensonhurst West End Community Council on May 4, 2016

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors and
community service are an example and inspiration to their colleagues,
friends, and family; and
WHEREAS, It is also the practice of this Legislative Body to take note
of and publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and
character whose endeavors have enhanced the quality of education in this
great State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Maria Gusenfitter upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the 2016 Educator of the Year Award by the Bensonhurst West End Communi-
ty Council to be celebrated at its 55th Annual Gala, at El Caribe,
Brooklyn, New York, on Wednesday, May 4, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, Maria Gusenfitter
was inspired by her nurturing teachers in District 21, Brooklyn, to
become an educator; and
WHEREAS, Maria Gusenfitter earned her Bachelor's degree summa cum
laude in Science, Letters and Society from the City University of New
York, and was the Valedictorian of her graduating class; and
WHEREAS, Maria Gusenfitter furthered her education by obtaining her
Master's degree summa cum laude in Elementary Education from the College
of Staten Island; in 2009, she received her Certificate of Advanced
Study in Administration and Supervision from the College of Saint Rose;
and
WHEREAS, Prior to joining the Department of Education, Maria Gusenfit-
ter worked on Wall Street; in 1993, her life was forever changed when
her son, Jack, at 7 months old, was diagnosed with bilateral profound
hearing loss; inspired by the dedicated teachers who changed the path of
her son's life, Maria returned to college determined to make that type
of impact on children; and
WHEREAS, In September of 2000, Maria Gusenfitter began her public
school career as a fifth grade teacher at PS 177; three years later, she
was recognized by Community School District 21 as an exemplary teacher
and her lessons were featured in PROMOTING EXCELLENCE THROUGH BEST PRAC-
TICES; and
WHEREAS, After six years in the classroom, Maria Gusenfitter was asked
to become the Staff Developer at PS 177, as she fully understood the
challenges of teaching and the support teachers needed in raising
student achievement; and
WHEREAS, In 2010, Maria Gusenfitter served as an Instructional Lead
for her school with Children's First Network 409; this experience
provided a tremendous opportunity for professional growth, as well as an
opportunity to learn about leadership from two extraordinary educators,
Neal Opromalla and Ann Marie Lettieri-Baker; and
WHEREAS, In 2014, Maria Gusenfitter was proudly appointed Assistant
Principal at PS 177 where she is proud to be part of a collaborative
professional learning community where everyone is committed to providing
a nurturing learning environment for all students; and

WHEREAS, When she is not at work, Maria Gusenfitter serves as the
Financial Secretary for the Manresa Chapter of the Columbiettes, a
volunteer, not-for-profit organization which supports a variety of char-
ities in the community, many of which involve children; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout has been her motivating son, Jack, who
feels privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her achieve-
ments; and
WHEREAS, Assistant Principal Maria Gusenfitter and her dedicated staff
continue to build a collaborative professional learning community,
committed to providing a rigorous and supportive learning environment
for all of the students that the school serves; and
WHEREAS, Maria Gusenfitter has brought great credit upon herself by
continually demonstrating an impressive dedication, an unparalleled
devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm for the quality of the educa-
tional programs and opportunities offered at the schools where she has
served; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her professional service, a
period of constructive involvement, Maria Gusenfitter has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned the respect and admira-
tion of her colleagues, family and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Maria Gusenfitter upon the occasion of her designation as recipi-
ent of the 2016 Educator of the Year Award by the Bensonhurst West End
Community Council; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Maria Gusenfitter.