May 22 nd Board of Education Teacher/Educational Service Professional of the Year Recognition The Principals introduced the recipients for 2012: Jennifer Smith – High School North Subject/Grade taught: Social Studies Jennifer Smith’s teaching abilities far exceed the boundaries of the four walls of her classroom. She has succeeded as a Social Studies teacher by actively involving her students in the community with the Monmouth County FoodBank, providing gifts to needy families during the holidays, Fleece for Friends and the Ronald McDonald House initiatives. This year her Civic Leadership students earned the Silver Jefferson Award for their commendable public service projects. Her presence has truly been known, heard, felt and applauded during her 14 years at North. In addition to her teaching schedule of US History, Sociology and Civic Leadership, she has been on committees to revise curricula and write exams, supervise student teachers and provide training on conflict resolution and peer mediation. Jen has been the advisor of several co-curricular activities, including the Sophomore and Senior Councils and Varsity Cheerleading. She has also earned a reputation for her culinary expertise in the Iron Chef Competition and the Cupcake Wars at North. Jennifer Smith is dedicated and determined in always giving 110% to her profession and to her students. Frederick DeJaager – Bayshore Middle School Subject/Grade taught: Mathematics It is an honor and a pleasure to introduce to introduce Bayshore Middle School’s teacher of the year, Mr. Rick deJaager. For the past seven years, Mr. deJaager, has taught mathematics to our sixth and seventh grade students. Mr. deJaager understands that the constructivist approach to teaching mathematics is key for the success of his students. Students don’t memorize formulas and mnemonic devices in his class but rather they discover the reasoning behind mathematics. Connections are made to between mathematics and real-life problems. His class is exciting and students progress with confidence that they can learn, Mr. deJaager’s care and concern for his students is evident, as he possesses an extraordinarily giving nature that truly sets him apart from most.
William C. Durr – Thompson Middle School Subject/Grade taught: Special Education – In-Class Support US President Theodore Roosevelt was once quoted as saying: “Believe you can and you're halfway there.” Mr. Bill Durr, Thompson Middle School’s 2012 Teacher of the Year, persistently plants into the minds of children the fact that they can believe and can achieve anything…and in fact, all things…by believing positively, by working diligently, by never giving up. It is our privilege to recognize him as Thompson Middle School’s Teacher of the Year for 2012. John Cholette – Thorne Middle School Subject/Grade taught: Mathematics – 8 th grade He does not profess to be a leader – but he is by example. He does not seek formal recognition – he receives it in positive student feedback that continues long after students leave Thorne. A famous quote: “It is amazing how much you can accomplish if nobody cares who gets the credit”; That is John Cholette. Jennifer Fichner – Bayview Elementary School Subject: Third Grade Ms. Fichner is a fine example of a teacher leader. Ms. Fichner’s nomination not only reflects her accomplishments, but also represents the outstanding teachers at Bayview and throughout Middletown. Ms Fichner is a teacher who does more than impart facts; she shapes the way her students perceive the world. The teachers who teach every day lessons like Ms. Fichner will always be remembered. Ms. Fichner, thank you for teaching and caring for children.
Fatima Kameno – Fairview Elementary School Subject/Grade taught: Fourth Grade Mrs. Kameno exemplifies all that an elementary school teacher should be. She demonstrates her dedication to student growth on a daily basis through sound instruction and meaningful interactions with the children. Mrs. Kameno is an educator whose commitment to developing a positive climate and a shared educational vision has had a profound impact on the entire Fairview community. Doreen Cohen – Harmony Elementary School Subject/Grade taught: Physical Education & Health Doreen Cohen teaches health and physical education at Harmony Elementary School. She is an advocate for healthy living and promotes wellness throughout our school community. Whether she is volunteering her time to coordinate the safety patrol or walk with students in Harmony’s walking club, Mrs. Cohen’s dedication extends beyond her instructional lessons. It is said that a good teacher is one that stands beside you to guide; Mrs. Cohen is the beacon for healthy living and advocates for all students to live healthy and active lifestyles. Patricia Cino – Leonardo Elementary School Subject/Grade taught: Third Grade When I think of third grade teacher Mrs. Cino, I think of nurturer, innovator and an advocate for children. Each day she demonstrates her very best qualities that include passion for teaching, compassion for her students, kindness, enthusiasm, a positive and caring attitude, consistency and flexibility. She is a true asset to our school and community.
Maria Fitzgerald – Lincroft Elementary School Subject/Grade taught: Kindergarten If you were to walk into Maria Fitzgerald’s kindergarten classroom, you would hear sounds of the beginning of life-long learning for all her students. She has dedicated herself to building strong educational and social foundations for young children for many decades and she does this with grace, professionalism and charm. Susan C. Dzugan – Middletown Village Elementary School Subject/Grade taught: In-Class Resource Grade 5 Mrs. Dzugan recognizes we are all more than the sum of our academic abilities. She believes in everyone’s strengths and with fierce determination works to help her students believe in their abilities while continually raising the bar. Mrs. Dzugan is truly that exceptional teacher; one you remember long after the lesson has ended. Monica Roth Hogan – Navesink Elementary School Subject/Grade taught: School Nurse Testimony: Monica Hogan serves the students, staff and families of Navesink School by implementing the highest standards of her profession. She routinely updates her training which enables her to provide the best medical care for our student. If Monica were to have a specialty – it would most definitely be cardiology because this is a woman who does her job with her head and, most definitely, with her heart. Monica has unlocked the mystery of how to allow one’s heart to grow exponentially in direct proportion to the needs of our students and staff. The size of her heart allows her to nurture us through any crisis – large or small, heal our wounds both visible and invisible. The unlimited capacity of Monica’s heart also allows her to be the consummate provider of all forms of TLC. Anytime we have a family in need especially during the holidays, Monica sets in motion her intensive network of in-school and private donors so that no family ever goes without. She does all this quietly and without fanfare and never looks for praise or thanks. Put simply Navesink is so very fortunate to have Monica Hogan, RN and practitioner of “Extreme Nursing” as our very own.
Alexis Maresca – New Monmouth Elementary School Subject/Grade taught: Fifth Grade Respectful, understanding, amazing, courageous, fabulous, awesome and epic: these are just a few of the words the students used to describe New Monmouth’s Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Alexis Maresca. It is said “What the teacher is, is more important than what she teaches Mrs. Maresca has the great ability to motivate her students to achieve beyond what they thought capable, not only because of what she knows, but because of who she is. Anne Marie Mennona – Nut Swamp Elementary School Subject/Grade taught: Co-teacher The educational community of Nut Swamp School is thrilled to congratulate Mrs. Anne Mennona as our Teacher of the Year. Her unwavering dedication to students is manifested daily in the classroom. Meticulous preparation, high expectations, inexhaustible patience and a passion about seeing students succeed are but a few of the reasons Mrs. Mennona is deserving of this honor. Justine Amici – Ocean Avenue Elementary School Subject/Grade taught: Second Grade Ms. Amici demonstrates competency, consistency, and confidence in her teaching practices and makes sound decisions to meet the needs of all learners. She utilizes instructional approaches and strategies to promote thinking and understanding. Mrs. Amici treats all children with care, understanding, and respect and is an asset to Ocean Avenue School!
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