Weston Awards: Meet Watchung Elementary's Christina Sparacino

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This is the latest in our series spotlighting the winners of the 2025 Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching. Follow along each week to learn more about the impact these educators are making in the Montclair Public Schools.

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The theme in Christina Sparacino’s third grade classroom at Watchung Elementary School is “Rockstars,” but as those who nominated her for this award said, it’s more than a theme. 

As one parent put it: “It’s a whole vibe.” 

Ms. Sparacino welcomes students into her “band,” where everyone has something to contribute. She also chooses a "Rockstar of the Week" and gives students a special pin to keep on their desk to remind them how deserving they are. Her classroom buzzes with creative energy, with glow parties or 80s-themed learning days. And she incorporates “Rock Star Dance Breaks” into the day, letting kids move, laugh, and recharge.

Ms. Sparacino finds ways to make learning fun. For example: Last year, she was awarded an MFEE grant for a project designed to gamify learning and increase student engagement across all subject areas, including language arts, math, science, and social studies. The interactive buzzer system provided through the grant allows students to participate in classroom "game shows" where they actively engage in reinforcing concepts. 

Parents said how much they value Ms. Sparacino’s passion and love of math. “She shows them that math is everywhere, and in everything, even when they don't notice it,” one parent wrote. 

Another said: “While writing used to be [my daughter's] favorite, she now says it’s math due to Ms. Sparacino’s own passion for the subject and mission to teach her students—especially the girls—to love it. She even has her students create a math journal where they glue in worksheets of their lessons, so they can review it when they can’t remember something later in the year.” 

Ms. Sparacino, for bringing Rockstar energy to your classroom, striving to build confidence in your students, and encouraging them with daily affirmations and personalized support, the Montclair community is proud to call you an inspired teacher. Congratulations.