Jan. 12, 2024
By Emma Bannon
Editor
Students know Coach Tuero for his competitive spirit and encouraging attitude. Now, they will also recognize him as LHS’ 2023-2024 Governor’s Educator of the Year.
Tuero, who started working at LHS in 2009, holds many positions at the high school. He teaches physical education and drivers education in addition to being the head football coach, head girls track and field coach, Class of 2025 co-advisor and Honors Club co-advisor. Additionally, he served as head coach for the flag football team during the previous two seasons.
Tuero moved to Lyndhurst in third grade and graduated from LHS in 2002.
“Growing up here, I had pretty awesome coaches that helped mold me into the teacher and coach I am today,” Tuero said.
After high school, Tuero played football for Montclair State University’s Division III team. In 2007, he graduated from Montclair State with a bachelor’s degree in science with a major in biology. He then completed an alternate route teaching certification.
In 2016, Tuero earned his master’s degree in athletic administration from Ohio University. He completed the program online while teaching and coaching full time.
“Coach [Tuero] goes above and beyond what is asked of him. He is constantly lending a helping hand to anyone who needs it.”
Balancing coaching, family life and teaching can be difficult, but Tuero said he has a strong support system.
“My wife, Koriann, is easily my biggest supporter. Without Koriann, I would be nothing,” Tuero said. “Also, Coach Castagnetti… has guided me throughout my teaching and coaching career. When I need advice, I go to Coach Cast[agnetti]. He is always there for me.”
Castagnetti, who has been a physical education teacher for 26 years and a coach for 30, has worked with Tuero since 2009. Castagnetti said he is proud of Tuero for all he has accomplished.
“Coach [Tuero] goes above and beyond what is asked of him. He is constantly lending a helping hand to anyone who needs it,” Castagnetti said.
He said Tuero inspires him to be a better coach, teacher and person.
“He sets a great example for myself and the younger phys. ed. teachers in the department,” Castagnetti said. “He has taught me how to adapt to the kids of today and also that hard work pays off. He is one of the hardest-working teachers in the district. I’m proud to call him a close friend.”
Mr. Radigan, who is the supervisor of athletics, physical education, health and driver education, has worked with Tuero for 11 years. He said Tuero is well-respected in the LHS community.
“Coach Tuero [is] always putting others first [and] always has the students’ best interest at heart,” Radigan said.
He said Tuero is guided by a strong work ethic.
“He has accomplished a lot, especially on the football field and now as a track coach,” Radigan said. “People look at wins and losses as accomplishments. I look at the bigger picture: how he is able to build a rapport with his students and his athletes.”
Junior Elona Megally, who has known Tuero since her freshman year, said he deserves the Governor’s Educator of the Year Award.
“[Tuero] has been my coach for flag football, football and track. He has taught me so much, and I am happy to [be] on his teams,” Megally said.
She said his coaching style benefits his athletes.
“His energy encourages me to have a good practice and do better,” Megally said. “[Coach] Tuero just brightens everyone’s moods.”
