Nominated by: Ava Ogden

My name is Ava Ogden and this is how Mr. Balsano has changed my life. Mr. Balsano has changed my view on math quite a lot. I came to Burr in my 7th-grade year. I really struggle with math and Mr. Balsano has been the greatest getting me through it when math got rough. He is really nice and caring. He's very inclusive and makes sure all students get their work done. Every time I would say that I hate math and that I'm just dumb, Mr. Balsano would reassure me and tell me that it's okay not to know something and that I'm not dumb, I just work at my own pace. He's really changed how I feel about math. At times I would really feel alone when I wouldn't know how to solve a problem and Mr. Balsano would always be there to help me. I really like the fact that he gardens. I can really see that he enjoys what he does. Jonathan Burr's garden is lively because of his hard work. Before I used to believe that I would always suck at math but Mr. Balsano has changed that. Now I feel confident and brave enough to raise my hand and answer a question. He is an amazing teacher and does his job well, he's very funny. He makes math fun and easier to understand. I hope Mr. Balsano continues to teach at Burr Elementary because it just wouldn't be the same without him. When I graduate, it'll be because of Mr. Balsano's effort to give me the help I needed. I know that sometimes I get out of hand but even still he tries, and I thank him for that. And that is how Mr. Balsano has changed my life, and that is why I nominate him.