Susan Swart
Susan Swart was born and educated in New Jersey, graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Wilson College, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and from what is now Southern Connecticut State University, with a Master of Science in Reading. She began her teaching career in Branford in 1970 as a fourth grade teacher at Harrison Avenue School, currently the Branford Community Dining Room. She continued her career at Eades Street School in an open spaced fourth grade classroom and relocated to St. Mary’s “Public” School while Eades Street School was renovated. She then spent twenty years at JBS (John B. Sliney), first as a classroom teacher and later as a reading consultant. From 1999 to her retirement in 2010, she was a reading consultant at Mary R. Tisko School.
During these years, Sue contributed to the Branford School System in many ways. Beyond the classroom she arranged many science activities such as subject related field trips to collect and analyze rocks and minerals, visits to museums such as the American Museum of Natural History and Hayden Planetarium in New York City and hands-on science activities for JBS Family Science nights. Two especially memorable events were the two fourth grade overnight field trips in 1975-1976 to Washington, D.C. In addition, she served on the District Professional Development Committee and conducted language arts workshops at the school and district levels dealing with assessment, critical reading and comprehension strategies using authentic literature. She also presented workshops on portfolio assessment in reading and writing at the Connecticut Reading Association and National Council of Teachers of English conferences. With Diane Kaczynski, she implemented the Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge and they continued the Tisko traditions of the Beach Party Read In and the Fourth Grade Sleepover. In 2002, both Sue and Diane were recognized by the Branford Board of Education for demonstrating their high level of professionalism and teamwork in enhancing the working and learning environment of the school.
Sue’s family is an important part of her life. She is the daughter of Lorraine and Emil Horvath and the sister of Jill Horvath. Sue and her husband, Charlie, have lived in Branford for many years and will be celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary this May. Their son Andrew, who graduated from Branford High School and Gettysburg College, now lives on Long Island with his wife, Melissa. Since retirement, Sue has remained active in her community by volunteering at Connecticut Hospice as an assistant unit clerk and as a member of Women Recreating Retirement. She enjoys visiting with family and friends, reading, creating photo books, antiquing and traveling. Charlie and Sue have traveled to Hawaii, Niagara Falls, Florida, France and Italy, with many more trips planned for the future.
The dedication, energy, expertise and enthusiasm shown by Susan Swart during her 40 years have greatly benefited the Branford School System.
During these years, Sue contributed to the Branford School System in many ways. Beyond the classroom she arranged many science activities such as subject related field trips to collect and analyze rocks and minerals, visits to museums such as the American Museum of Natural History and Hayden Planetarium in New York City and hands-on science activities for JBS Family Science nights. Two especially memorable events were the two fourth grade overnight field trips in 1975-1976 to Washington, D.C. In addition, she served on the District Professional Development Committee and conducted language arts workshops at the school and district levels dealing with assessment, critical reading and comprehension strategies using authentic literature. She also presented workshops on portfolio assessment in reading and writing at the Connecticut Reading Association and National Council of Teachers of English conferences. With Diane Kaczynski, she implemented the Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge and they continued the Tisko traditions of the Beach Party Read In and the Fourth Grade Sleepover. In 2002, both Sue and Diane were recognized by the Branford Board of Education for demonstrating their high level of professionalism and teamwork in enhancing the working and learning environment of the school.
Sue’s family is an important part of her life. She is the daughter of Lorraine and Emil Horvath and the sister of Jill Horvath. Sue and her husband, Charlie, have lived in Branford for many years and will be celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary this May. Their son Andrew, who graduated from Branford High School and Gettysburg College, now lives on Long Island with his wife, Melissa. Since retirement, Sue has remained active in her community by volunteering at Connecticut Hospice as an assistant unit clerk and as a member of Women Recreating Retirement. She enjoys visiting with family and friends, reading, creating photo books, antiquing and traveling. Charlie and Sue have traveled to Hawaii, Niagara Falls, Florida, France and Italy, with many more trips planned for the future.
The dedication, energy, expertise and enthusiasm shown by Susan Swart during her 40 years have greatly benefited the Branford School System.