Hall High School instrumental music teacher and band director John Mastroianni was named Teacher of the Year Thursday night at the West Hartford Education Association/West Hartford Administrator's Recognition Dinner.
In addition to teaching and directing at Hall, Mastroianni is a professional musician. He has performed and recorded with notable artists such as Mel Lewis, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Smokey Robinson, and Louie Bellson.
Mastroianni came to Hall from New Canaan High School 15 years ago. In 2002, he was named one of the “50 Directors Who Make a Difference” by School Band and Orchestra Magazine.
For Mastroianni, the Teacher of the Year selection process happened at the same time as Hall's nationally-recognized Pops 'N Jazz show, his biggest event of the year. However, when named a finalist several weeks ago, he said he would encourage anyone to go through the selection process which provided a great chance for self-reflection through preparation of two essays and a videotaped lesson.
Mastroianni has a Bachelor of Science in Music Education and a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of Bridgeport and a Master of Arts in Jazz Performance/Composition from New York University.
Melissa Behrens, a science teacher at Smith STEM School and Jeff Billing, a math teacher at Hall High School were the other Teacher of the Year finalists.
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