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Rye Schools Announce Teachers Of The Year

RYE, N.Y. -- Iris Arest and Karen Kozan have been named the Teachers of the Year by the Rye City School District.

Iris Arest, a psychologist at Rye High School, was named one of the Teachers of the Year by the Rye City School District.

Iris Arest, a psychologist at Rye High School, was named one of the Teachers of the Year by the Rye City School District.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Rye City School District
Karen Kozan, a kindergarten teacher at Milton Elementary School, was named a Teacher of the Year by the Rye City School District.

Karen Kozan, a kindergarten teacher at Milton Elementary School, was named a Teacher of the Year by the Rye City School District.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Harrison Central School District

Arest is a school psychologist at Rye High School, where she is responsible for the coordination of testing, evaluations, counseling, observations, CSE meetings and student reviews. She also provides guidance to students and their families. She was named a Teacher of the Year for her work ethic, availability, support, resourcefulness and commitment to her students. She often works long hours after school and on weekends, and makes herself available to students in off-hours.

“It is clear that she is a valuable mentor to her colleagues, a source of support and encouragement, said Superintendent Frank Alvarez. "She has given a great deal of her life to Rye High School and loves what she does, and we are proud to give back to her with this honor today.”

Arest often is seen attending school events, such as athletic games, and even has taken roles in school shows and musicals. She was class adviser for the Class of 2004, and often receives cards and letters from parents and students, thanking her for the effect she has had on their lives.

Kozan is a kindergarten teacher at Milton Elementary School, where she has worked for the past 15 years. She has served as president of the Faculty Club and currently is a union representative. She has led many programs at Milton, including the K-5 Buddy Program, the annual UNICEF drive, and the NYSUT-sponsored food drive. She works closely with the PTO Philanthropic Committee to organize charitable events.

Kozan was named a Teacher of the Year for her ability to develop different ways to teach curriculum and integrating new tools and teaching styles. She often uses song and dance to teach. She works closely with her colleagues, as well as with special education students and ELL students.

“Several years back, before some of us were here in the district, Milton classes were relocated to portables at Midland during a construction project. Ms. Kozan was one of the teachers assigned to the new setting for about a year, and she embraced the change," Alvarez said. "She was calm and enthusiastic in providing a nurturing, comfortable learning environment for students during this time.”

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