By Tony Kang — Correspondent
Ms. Marie Cioffi, a mathematics teacher at Sharon High School, is retiring after a rewarding and impactful 34-year teaching career.
Cioffi was a 1981 graduate of SHS, then studied chemistry and math in the University of Vermont, and eventually focusing solely on mathematics. From 1986-1989, she taught 7th grade math at Sharon Middle School. Then she moved to Vermont and taught 6th-8th grade math and science until 1999. She later taught at SMS for another two years before transferring to SHS, where she has been ever since.
In her free time, she enjoys biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, construction/landscaping work around the house, and taking walks with her math colleagues and friends. She was also the winner of an MCTA honor educator award.
Teachers who have known her for such a long time cherish the greatest moments they have had with her.
Ms. Eileen Alberico, another mathematics teacher at Sharon High School, says that she has a lot of unforgettable memories, working with her and having fun with her for 20 years. “Mrs. Cioffi and I have done so many things together it is hard to pick one favorite memory. I enjoy her company no matter where we are or what we are doing.” she said.
Ms. Lesley Reardon, another mathematics teacher at Sharon High School, says that she won’t forget the conversations and support they had, even during a pandemic. “Some of the best memories will be our walking & talking sessions, her being a tremendous support during the Covid/hybrid year not just to me, but to everyone, and her summer luncheon pool parties.”
Students who had her throughout their high school careers say they really enjoyed her classes.
Edward Li, a 2022 graduate from SHS, says that she did such a great job educating students online. “I had her during remote learning, and she was very engaging even though Zoom. She explained the material well and I learned a lot in her class,” he said.
Evan Jaffe, another 2022 graduate from SHS, says that she was eager to get to know every single student she has every year. “I always really appreciated how she connected with students. She made an effort to get to know us outside of the classroom and that helped her connect with us inside the classroom,” said Jaffe.
They all found Ms Cioffi’s knowledge and taste in mathematics beneficial for their learning.
Daphne Theiler, another 2022 graduate from SHS, says that as she’s a hands-on learner, Ms Cioffi would know how to educate people like that. “She was always super accommodating and helped me do that,” she said.
Junior Apurva Varigonda says that she was an inspiration to her in her perspective, as she enjoyed her class. “Back when I was in Mrs. Cioffi’s class, I volunteered tutoring students in math and she inspired me to also put 100% into my own teaching like she did every day. I appreciated having a role model who loved math as much as I do, and I’m really grateful to have had Mrs. Cioffi as a math teacher,” she said.
Once she retires, her teaching personality will be greatly missed by every student who had her along with every teacher who collaborated with her. Best of luck in your retirement, Ms Cioffi!