I received my Bachelor of Arts from Iona College in New Rochelle, NY and my Master of Arts Degree at Columbia University’s Teachers College in Manhattan, NY.
I developed and directed a self-selected educational program serving up to 60 fifth and sixth graders in the public school system in Mamaroneck, NY. I created an integrated curriculum that focused on active learning in a fun-filled environment, Actionville.
In 1999 I was awarded the Disney American Teacher Award for general elementary education. In 2000 I was selected as one of 50 teachers in the US featured in “Teachers: Tribute”
Enlightened, the Exceptional and the Extraordinary”, by author John Yow and photographer Gary Frirstenberg.
The Actionville program was selected as the top program in Westchester County in New York State by Westchester Gannett Newspapers. We received the Golden Apple Award with a $20,000 grant.
Our staff facilitated Actionville’s CSPAN Runner -up Award in 1997 for excellence in its Political Awareness Unit, a full scale election unit.
The program also received awards for technology in 2000 for directing Actionville students in revitalizing the Thomas Paine Museum in New Rochelle, NY, by creating a child-friendly environment using state-of-the-art technology and interactive learning experiences. Also, in 2001, we received an award for the program: C.A.B. (Children Against Bigotry).
I have taught fifth and sixth grade in the Mamaroneck pre and post Actionville and completed my teaching career at the Westchester Day School. Actionville’s goals and philosophy were used in all of my teaching experiences.
More about Don Tedesco:
Donald Scott Tedesco is a second-generation Italian whose grandparents came to the United States via Ellis Island. He attended Iona Prep and Iona College in New Rochelle, NY and received his master’s degree at Teachers College, Columbia University, in New York City.
He has written a book about the education program, Actionville, which he created for fifth and sixth graders in Mamaroneck Public Schools. In 1999, he was awarded the prestigious Disney’s American Teacher Award for creative education at the elementary level. He is also featured in the book, “Teachers: A Tribute to the Enlightened, the Exceptional, the Extraordinary by John Yow and Gary Firstenberg. Don’s second book:” Lactose Free for You and Me” is a book of lactose free recipes for those, who like Don, suffer from lactose intolerance. Both books are available on Amazon. Don now spends his time walking, reading, writing, cooking and traveling.
Don splits his time between Larchmont, New York and Kihei, Hawaii. For further information about his books “Lactose Free for You and Me”, or “Actionville” please contact Don at [email protected] or visit his web site at: dontedesco.com
Press about Don Tedesco:
Check out this write up about Don in the NY Times: http://www.nytimes.com/1999/11/18/nyregion/teacher-whose-field-trips-are-an-art-is-honored.html
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