Lafayette teacher named state DAR outstanding teacher of the year

LAFAYETTE — Brad Dragone, a middle school social studies teacher at Lafayette Township School has been named the Sussex County American History Teacher of the Year by the New Jersey Daughters of the American Revolution.

According to local Chinckewunska chapter members of the DAR, Dragone demonstrates a dedication to and passion for American History that makes the country’s past come alive for his students. With a creative philosophy that engages students’ interest in the “story” of America , Dragone’s enthusiasm for and knowledge of his subject breathes life into his lessons.

Dragone’s “American History Immersion Project” allows his eighth-grade students the chance to experience many facets of life during Revolutionary War times. “Patriots” and “Loyalists” are visible throughout the corridors of the school, as students live the history they are learning about. Activities including “Loyalist” and “Patriot” debates and “Stamp Act Day” make “Revolution Week” at Lafayette School memorable for all students.

In other areas of Social Studies, students spend time preparing for the “Geography Bowl” challenge which pits them against parents and faculty. Sixth-graders are involved in a Roman Architecture Presentation. he creation of a model and blueprint, along with a “no notes” presentation stresses the value of public speaking with knowledge of the topic, an important lifelong skill that his students use often during their tenure in Middle School.

Dragone will be honored at Awards Ceremonies at the DAR Elias VanBunschooten Museum in Wantage on March 29, and at NJDAR Awards Day in Princeton on April 25 as part of the 122nd NJDAR Spring Conference.

His application will now go on to judging at the national level.