“A born leader.” That’s how colleagues describe fifth-grade teacher Anthony Petrelis. Fortunately for his students at McGlynn Elementary, Petrelis chose to apply his leadership skills and passion for helping others to education. From early on, it was clear that teaching was his calling.
His enthusiasm for learning is infectious to everyone he meets, from staff and parents to his adoring students. Described as an outstanding male role model, discipline problems in his classroom are virtually non-existent. Petrelis goes above and beyond to know his students both as learners and as human beings. He builds confidence in students by setting high expectations and working hard with each of them to achieve their full potential. His fifth-grade scores have risen above the state average.
Through project-based learning units and educational games including the popular weekly multiplication races, Petrelis instills in his students a sense of excitement in learning. They work hard to make him proud.
In addition to his commitment to creating lifelong learners, Petrelis also believes that kids should have a strong sense of social responsibility. He models his own commitment to the community, for instance, by coordinating a Thanksgiving food drive and reaching out to retailers to donate. In turn, he encourages his students to lead by example. Engaged with students on many levels, he is a basketball coach, skating club lead, and popular director of the Summer Fun Program, which attracts 140 students per week.
Petrelis is a member of the School Council, Teacher Assistance Team and an instructor for the MCAS Prep After-School Program. He participated in alignment of the math program to the common core. Petrelis has embarked on administration studies, with a goal to one day become a principal in his continuing dedication to the education profession.
