According to teachers at the elementary school, third-grade teacher Alison Casillo always shows up with a positive attitude and a determined mindset, and her students love her classroom.

“Her dedication to her students is very inspiring. Mrs. Casillo’s passion and commitment to excellence sets a high standard for all staff,” elementary teacher Lauren Garda said.

Casillo inspires both her students and her fellow teachers and has been a huge help in bringing shy students out of their shells and learning to be themselves.

Mrs. Casillo is a Tyrone High School graduate herself. She began her teaching career at Tyrone at the middle school level where she taught English, but moved to elementary school where she currently teaches third grade.

It’s not every time you see someone capable of making an entire classroom smile but Mrs. Casillo definitely can. Her teaching methods and contagious energy continue to lift the school spirit and make every day a joy.

EE: Why did you choose the subject you teach?

AC: My mother was a teacher, and I always enjoyed helping her with projects when I was a child. Her school stories, which were a mixture of humor and challenge, inspired me to pursue the same career.

EE: What’s your favorite thing about teaching at Tyrone?

AC: I love that I teach where I grew up and the familiarity of it all. Teaching in a small community brings with it a sense of family. I get to work with some amazing teachers, some of whom are lifelong friends. It’s been kind of neat to start off teaching alongside my former teachers to now teaching alongside my former students. And of course, the kids here just bring the magic.

EE: What are some of your favorite hobbies and interests?

AC: My time outside of work is spent with my husband Dan, and children Nick, Annalise, and Aidan. There’s always an extra-curricular activity or sport on the schedule. When there is free time I enjoy crocheting blankets, sitting with a good book and coffee, and snuggling with my doodles, Finleigh and Poppy.

EE: What is some good advice you’ve been given as a teacher?

AC: I’ve been told by fellow teachers and mentors to stay flexible and be prepared for the unexpected. It’s okay when things don’t go as planned, in fact, sometimes that’s when the most learning happens.

EE: What’s the hardest part of teaching and why?

AC: One thing that is predictable with teaching is that the unpredictable will inevitably occur on a daily basis. It can be a challenge to just roll with it and try to make the best on-the-spot changes for a successful day in the classroom.

EE: What are some jobs held before you got into teaching?

AC: Before teaching I worked in food service at DelGrosso’s Park and the deli at Jubilee, now known as Martin’s.

EE: What’s your favorite movie?

AC: I like all sorts of movies from various genres. But since I teach third grade I’ll share my favorite Disney film, Toy Story.

EE: What is your spirit animal? Why?

AC: So I must admit I needed to do a little research on spirit animals in order to answer this question. A short quiz revealed my spirit animal to be the tiger. ??‍♀️