Middletown, Lincroft

Jan 31, 2023

Dominique Perrone Named Nut Swamp School Teacher of the Year

By Les Pierce

Nut Swamp School Teacher of the Year Dominique Perrone

Dominique Perrone has been named Nut Swamp Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year. She has been a member of the special education faculty there for 10 years, beginning with the 2012-13 school year.  

She is the Pull-Out Replacement teacher for English language arts grades two to four, and she is also the In-Class Support teacher for first grade math and second grade writing.  

Previously she had taught the second and third grade Pull-Out Replacement math class, as well as a fifth grade ELA class. In addition, she has been an In-Class Support teacher for kindergarten, second and third grades. “I have been a special education teacher in every grade throughout my 10 years,” Perrone said.

Prior to joining the Nut Swamp, she taught first grade as a one-year maternity leave substitute position at Milford Brook School in Manalapan.  

The recently named Teacher of the Year was born in Long Branch, grew up in Tinton Falls and graduated from Red Bank Catholic High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education K-5 and history at Monmouth University and holds a Teacher of Students with Disabilities endorsement. She also completed her master’s degree in the science of teaching reading at Arkansas State University. 

Perrone and her husband, John, of two years reside in Clinton, for his job. Both were raised in Monmouth County, and long-term plans are to return to the shore area to raise a family.

A favorite pastime of Mrs. Perrone is baking. “Christmas is my favorite time of year because I typically bake around 10 different types of cookies that I always share with family and friends,” she said. “I also bake cupcakes and many birthday cakes.  A favorite of my family is my tres leches cake.”

Traveling is another favorite diversion. Last summer, she vacationed in Italy with her husband, and they are already planning a return visit.  

When asked how she occupies her summer months, she replied, “All summer long you can find me at the beach. It is my absolute favorite place to be! I enjoy reading mystery books in my beach chair with my toes in the ocean.”

Nut Swamp Principal Neil Leone said, “Mrs. Perrone is an empathetic teacher-leader who goes above and beyond for her students each and every day. I am so proud of her for this wonderful achievement!”