Congratulations to the Following Teachers!
Brought to you by:
Kimberly Grigoli
Kindergarten Teacher
Spring Lake Heights SchoolKimberly Grigoli is a master teacher and a natural educator. She works tirelessly to make sure all of her “kinders” are met with love and high expectations. In addition to being a teacher, she is the key player in the local all mom band, Mamadrama. She brings her love of music into the classroom each day. She is often seen at morning meeting playing guitar and having her students sing along with her.
Last year Kimberly was selected as the teacher of the year and then went on to WIN the Monmouth County Teacher of the Year Award! She was also recognized by the State as one of only a small number of teachers to be named a New Jersey Department of Education Exemplary Educator. Kimberly has one more award to put on her shelf now as she is recognized as a Teacher Who (literally) Rocks!
Jason Bloom
Social Studies Teacher
Brick Memorial High SchoolJason Bloom has been an outstanding Social Studies educator at Brick Memorial High School for 24 years. He has taught students about US history, Sociology and Holocaust & Genocide studies.
His preparation and presentation of material that motivates students to participate and want to learn, and Mr. Bloom’s active participation within the Brick Memorial HS community truly makes him stand out as a special Mustang. He has coached girls’ tennis, boys basketball, and track. He is the current voice of BMHS Basketball and Wrestling.
Mr. Bloom has been a co-advisor to the E-Sports team, National Honor Society, the Yearbook, and he’s even gone so far as to get his haircut live on stage for a Key Club Fundraiser.
Jason Bloom is a much loved teacher at Brick Memorial, and now in addition to being the reigning champion of the Teacher-Student Jeopardy Tournament, he’s also a Teacher Who Rocks.
Kathy Palagonia
Media Specialist
Berkeley Township Elementary School, BayvilleAs the media specialist at the Berkeley Township Elementary School Mrs. Palagonia shares her love for reading with her students, always going the extra mile for them.
Her passion and enthusiasm for her programs are evident in the extracurricular activities she offers to her students. In order to foster a community of readers, she annually holds creative events like the Battle of the Books and Readers Theater.
Mrs. Palagonia also shares her love of the outdoors with her students, coordinating a 3-day, 2-night trip to Stokes State Forest, and creating the Potter Creek Crusaders. She also helped found the Berkeley Township Educational and Environmental Foundation, assisted in programs such as Trout in the Classroom, and even created a nature trail right in the schools back yard.
For Mrs. Palagonia’s enthusiasm and passion for learning, we’re proud to honor her as a “Teacher Who Rocks”.
Rachel DeBari
Art Teacher
Red Bank Primary School, Red Bank“Just make a mark and see where it takes you.” This is a quote from “The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds, a book that Mrs. DeBari shares with her students at the beginning of each year. This quote sums up Mrs. DeBari’s entire teaching philosophy. Her students are always encouraged to start where they are artistically, but know that they will grow in leaps and bounds by the year’s end, thanks to her patient instruction and love of her subject matter.
Mrs. DeBari has an uncanny eye for zeroing in on the best in her students and for recognizing struggles and accomplishments that her students are experiencing simply by analyzing their artwork.
When art supplies are donated to the school, Mrs. DeBari is always beyond thoughtful when gifting them to certain students. She makes sure to give them to those who will truly appreciate them, have a real love for Art, and are in the most need.
Mrs. DeBari is in charge of numerous large Art-related projects throughout the year including helping her students create the Ofrenda at Count Basie Theater for La Dia de Los Muertos, guiding her students in making award-winning, class-created CROP Walk posters, and the huge task of coordinating the school’s Spring Art Show.
Mrs. DeBari is a fabulous teacher with an unassuming and humble presence. She’s part of the backbone of the school and richly deserves the title of a Teacher Who Rocks!
Jessica Parsons
Kindergarten / 1st Grade Teacher
Ridgeway Elementary School, ManchesterJessica Parsons teaches a self-contained classroom for students in kindergarten and first grade. She takes the students who have the most difficulty with learning and puts in the extra time and effort to make sure that they have a positive learning experience. Her students are excited to come to school each day because of the engaging lessons she creates for them.
While her students are all on different levels, she is able to seamlessly differentiate her methods so each students’ needs are met, all while feeling like that they are part of one classroom family.
Outside the classroom Ms. Parsons helps wrap Christmas presents for needy families, she purchases food and clothing for students that are in need, and she also runs tutoring programs both in school and privately.
Jessica Parsons goes above and beyond and truly puts her heart into her job and the lives of her students. She is a model teacher and person, and in addition to a prior Teacher of the Year award, Ms. Parsons is also now a Teacher Who Rocks!
Candice Schultz
Spanish Teacher
Toms River High School EastCandice Schultz has been teaching for 17 years, and she is as dedicated, enthusiastic and passionate about teaching children today as she was on day one. She is a role model to so many young adults and is always willing to lend an ear for a student in need.
Candice teaches Spanish 3 and Spanish 4/5, and her estudiantes are always excited to learn from Ms. Schultz because they know she cares about them. In addition to teaching Spanish, Candice also coaches track, mentors students, and she even takes time to coach fitness classes for young children at a local gym.
Nominated numerous times for Teacher of the Year, we are proud to award Candice Schultz the title of Teacher Who Rocks!
Kaitlin Coghlan
Preschool Teacher
Clara B. Worth Elementary, BayvilleMrs. Coghlan is a passionate, understanding, and dedicated preschool teacher. She invests her own time and money into her classroom to create meaningful projects and activities for her students. Mrs. Coghlan has a true passion for early childhood; she sings her own songs, makes up rhymes, and countless creative lessons and center choices for her students. Her families, students, and colleagues see her as a patient and nurturing teacher.
Mrs. Coghlan is the school’s humble, unsung hero. She is dedicated and empathetic towards students and families. Everything she does in her classroom is thoughtful, intentional, and purposeful and always in the best interest of her students! Her students are lucky to have her, her colleagues are blessed to work with her, and her administration is proud to have her on their team.
Kaitlin Coghlan makes Clara B Worth Elementary an amazing place to work, learn, and play, and for those reasons she is now officially a Teacher Who Rocks!
Elizabeth Schappert
8th Grade Basic Skills Teachers
Lacey Township Middle SchoolElizabeth Schappert started her teaching career at Lacey Middle School, and what a diamond was found! Beth has taught every discipline in 7th grade: Honors students, General education students, and Special Education students. She has diversified her lessons to ensure that ALL her students have the best education that fits them.
Beth is your “go-to” girl whenever you need to be sure of the curriculum. Beth has spent numerous hours reviewing and editing the curriculum so it fits all the requirements issued by the State. Beth makes sure all of the extra tech-tools are user friendly and she is there to assist any teacher with their tech needs.
Switching career goals, Beth became the new Basic Skills teacher for 8th grade and she completely overhauled the program. This endeavor was the rebirth of an educator that has so much to offer and so much knowledge to share with students, fellow educators, and supervisors.
So when you think about a Teacher Who Rocks, think about Elizabeth Schappert – an educator who turns things around and continues to make a difference!
Arlene Comstock
Special Education Teacher
Clara B. WorthArlene Comstock has a reputation second to none. She treats every student as one of her own. She has incredible patience and brings out the best in her students, preparing them for success.
Mrs. Comstock makes learning fun for her students. They all strive to do their best for her, especially when a visit to the special prize box awaits those who do well on their tests.
Mrs. Comstock regularly takes time out of her day to touch base with parents to keep them updated on how their child is progressing. She really enjoys what she teaches and it’s easy to see that the students are receptive to her. Not only does she give her all in the classroom but she also goes above and beyond with extra-curricular activities that further engage her students.
Last year Arlene Comstock was named Teacher of the Year, and now this spring she gets the added distinction of being a Teacher Who Rocks!
Maria Gkionis
Honors Pre-Calculus / AP Calculus B/C Teacher
Jackson Memorial High SchoolEvery day, Mrs. Gkionis starts each class as Mr. Rogers did, “It’s such a beautiful day in the neighborhood.” Even if her students are having a bad day, or just don’t like math, her welcoming manor and enthusiasm for the subject makes the class a better place to be.
Mrs. Gkionis started her career teaching algebra I, and she now not only teaches Honors Pre-Calculus but is also the AP Calculus B/C teacher, which is the highest math class available at Jackson Memorial. The students she educates put all of their efforts into their studies in order to get that 4 or 5 on their AP exam. To help them be successful, Mrs. Gkionis makes videos for her students so that they can watch them repeatedly in order to be the most prepared for their AP test each May.
Not only is Mrs. Gkionis a fabulous teacher, but she is an amazing mother to 3 sons and a daughter, and grandmother to many. She gives 100% all the time to her family and her Greek Church. Already a Math Honor Society Honoree Math Teacher of the Year, now Maria Gkionis is also a Teacher Who Rocks!
Marjorie Browning
Math Teacher
Southern Regional Middle School, ManahawkinMs. Browning has been teaching middle school Mathematics for twenty-eight years and is a gifted educator whose work stretches far beyond the walls of the classroom.
It is widely known that Ms. Browning is the backbone of the Southern Regional Middle School Math Department. She wants all children to grasp the necessary math skills and concepts that are so vital in today’s world. She continues to develop, maintain, and change the curriculum as necessary to meet the ever-evolving needs of her students with enthusiasm and excitement.
Beyond the classroom Ms. Browning runs two incredibly important programs that help students and their families. The Builder’s Club this year provided complete Thanksgiving food baskets to almost forty families in the district, followed up with holiday gift bags for those same children.
Ms. Browning also runs the Southern Outfitters Program, and she was able to secure funding from local businesses to provide over forty children with $100.00 each to purchase items they needed at Kohl’s.
These are just a few examples of how Marjorie Browning is immensely dedicated to her students, and without a doubt a Teacher Who Rocks!
Kelly Sharkey
Phys Ed Teacher
Forked River ElementaryA teacher for 20 years, Kelly Sharkey is always going above and beyond to help students and staff in need. She’s a problem solver and rises to every occasion.
As PE teacher, Kelly interacts with every child in the school. She is in tune to both their needs and abilities. She can challenge one student while discreetly helping another not to be embarrassed at the same time. She holds them to expectations that helps them grow and gives students a sense of pride.
With staff shortages, Kelly is always willing to cover a class or help prepare plans. She is always a team player. When a local family is in need she helps coordinate relief and community involvement. Kelly is the kind of co-worker that makes going to work fun, meaningful, and connected. These are just some of the reasons that Kelly Sharkey is a Teacher Who Rocks!
Vanessa Gomen
Third grade teacher
Hugh J. Boyd Jr. Elementary School, Seaside HeightsVanessa Gomen was born to be a teacher. In her own school life she struggled with ADHD and that experience has helped turn her into the most compassionate and patient teacher she is today. Vanessa understands her students’ needs and goes above and beyond to meet them. Her students come first, and she does everything in her power to make them feel accomplished.
Vanessa builds her students up and gives them the self-confidence they need to grow and become successful in and out of the classroom. A sure sign of her impact is the number of students that return year after year to thank her for never giving up on them.
Hugh J. Boyd students couldn’t ask for a better role model in their lives. She truly cares, giving of herself every day to make a difference for her students. Already once named Teacher of the Year, Vanessa Gomen is also a Teacher Who Rocks!
Kimberly Cincotta
Social Studies Teacher
Howell High SchoolKim Cincotta is an amazing educator. She is able to get her students to perform at a high level while still cultivating close and caring relationships with them. She teaches freshmen and seniors equally well and gets them all excited to come to her class. Kim inspires her students to think about topics in different ways while encouraging them to improve themselves each and every day.
Not many high school teachers can pull off the combination of being strict and holding high standards for her students while also having a great relationship with all of them. A veteran of two decades of teaching, we are thrilled to honor Kim Cincotta as a Teacher Who Rocks!
Tracy Brenman
2nd Grade Teacher
Clifton Avenue Grade School/Lakewood, NJTracy Brenman has been teaching in the Lakewood School District for over 20 years where she enjoys working with her students and seeing them learn and grow.
Mrs. Brenman teaches her students to think strategically and turn their motivation intrinsically. She takes time to help them learn how to make good choices. A sure sign of Mrs. Brenman’s impact on her students is how many come back to visit year after year as they remember their positive learning environment and the love of their teacher.
Mrs. Brenman is always willing to lend a helping hand, having assisted many students, families, and staff members over the years.
Having previously been named Teacher of the Year, Tracy Brenman is now also a Teacher Who Rocks!
Mrs. Brenman teaches her students to think strategically and turn their motivation intrinsically. She takes time to help them learn how to make good choices. A sure sign of Mrs. Brenman’s impact on her students is how many come back to visit year after year as they remember their positive learning environment and the love of their teacher.
Mrs. Brenman is always willing to lend a helping hand, having assisted many students, families, and staff members over the years.
Having previously been named Teacher of the Year, Tracy Brenman is now also a Teacher Who Rocks!
Geraldine Bayle
5th Grade Teacher
Lanes Mill Elementary SchoolGeraldine Bayles is a leader to everyone she encounters. She inspires, she is innovative, she is authentic, and she always has her students’ best interests in mind.
Mrs. Bayles excels in her ability to create a learning environment that fosters excellence for her students and their families. She provides strategic planning to ensure that her students are prepared to transition from elementary school into middle school with a foundation that allows them to thrive.
Mrs. Bayles has played an integral role in her students’ lives, which is evident through many former students requesting her presence at their college signing ceremonies.
Mrs. Bayles has recently completed her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, and she is working to complete her Superintendent license and is expected to graduate with this endorsement in this May. She’s been a two-time Teacher of the Year, and now Geraldine Bayles is also now officially a Teacher Who Rocks!
Maria Hernandez
Custodian
Bayville SchoolSchools are more than just a place for education. For many, it’s a home and all who enter are part of a family. Nobody embodies this belief more than Maria Hernandez.
Ms. Maria has worked as a custodian for Berkeley Township School District since 1995. She is a consummate professional, always going above and beyond to ensure a clean environment for the students and staff of Bayville School. As an employee, she is top-notch, but her value far exceeds the accomplishments of her job requirements.
The first one in before the sun rises, Maria turns on every light, unlocks every door, and greets everyone with a smile as they enter. Even after 27 years of service, she still genuinely looks forward to work each day and loathes the thought of taking a day off. On Fridays, she plays music to welcome the staff and students and to celebrate their weeks’ worth of hard work.
Maria doesn’t just go to work, she goes to her second home. She views each staff member and student as part of her family. Her familiar face and constant smile is always welcoming to those at Bayville School.
Maria is retiring this month due to medical concerns, and while she may not be physically rising before the sun anymore, or racing down the hallway to beautify the school, her legacy, her impact, and her love will certainly be felt by the staff and students who had the luxury of working with her. She will forever be part of the Bayville School Family and we’re proud to honor her as an ESP Who Rocks!
Jason Brandl
Special Education Teacher & Assistant Wrestling Coach
Howell High SchoolJason Brandl is a most caring and passionate teacher who always puts his students first. A Howell graduate himself, Coach Brandl has spent 19 years as a sub varsity wrestling coach where he has developed inexperienced young men into very competitive varsity wrestlers. Coach Brandl has also taken on the challenge of developing our girls wrestling program.
An excellent role model for any young athlete. Coach Brandl is often found giving up his own time to open the weight room for wrestlers get an extra work out, helping students in the classroom, and making sure that every kid has a pair of wrestling shoes to compete in, even if that means taking the shoes off his own feet so they can wrestle.
He doesn’t want any recognition for his efforts and will always deflect to others and avoid taking credit, but we are happy to recognize Jason Brandl as a Teacher Who Rocks!
Jamie Tesoro
Work Based Learning Coordinator
Toms River High School NorthJaime Tesoro works diligently to provide students and families with guidance and alternative options for student success. She is a student-centered educator, who seeks out opportunities to engage students in the active learning process as they prepare for their futures beyond the classroom. Jamie works closely with every student, helping them create a digital portfolio during their senior year which includes a resume, cover letter, and reference sheet. These students have created a career plan and have developed both personally and professionally as a result of the high standards she has set for them.
In each class Jamie engages students in discussions about current workplace topics including time management, workplace values, soft skills and plan guest speaker presentations each marking period for students to learn about interviewing techniques, personal development, career paths, and managing their own personal finances.
Collaborating with community partners is one of Jamie’s strengths. She has become involved with the Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce. As a result, several of her students have attended networking events, helping them to develop confidence and sharpen their presentation skills
For all she does to prepare her students for life after high school, we’re proud to honor Jamie Tesoro as a Teacher Who Rocks!
Jodi Hughes
Special Education Teacher
Lanoka Harbor Elementary SchoolJodi Hughes, a special education teacher at Lanoka Harbor Elementary School is our next Teacher Who Rocks. She has been able to manage a wide array of medical, behavioral and academic issues by creating strong relationships with students and parents alike.
Jodi is dedicated to her students, each of whom have unique challenges but who all are deserving of what every kid needs and wants: teachers who “get” them, inspire them, and accept who they are in each way. Jodi takes the “diss” away and focuses on the “ability”.
Beyond the classroom, Jodi supports her students in many ways: be it in the Special Olympics or Social Skills Club or by supporting special needs students in chorus and drama.
Kathy Rose
1st Grade Teacher
Saint James Elementary SchoolToday we’re honoring Kathy Rose, a first grade teacher at Saint James Elementary School.
For 31 years, Kathy has been a rock star at Saint James. All learners in her classroom are encouraged to dream big. Each student has potential inside of themselves and it is Mrs. Rose’s passion for teaching that helps them reach for the greatest part of that potential.
Watching Miss Rose in action, she teaches each day by example. She is funny and loving but also instills core values that will stick with her students long after they leave first grade.
Kathy knows that a passion for learning needs to be instilled in kids early in the education process. How she’s brought that each and every day for the last 31 years is magic.
Nicole Langer
2nd Grade Teacher
H&M Potter SchoolPositive, enthusiastic, and dedicated are just a few ways to describe this amazing educator. When you walk into Mrs. Langer’s room you are instantly welcomed into her classroom family. She offers flexible seating and space for students to learn in the way that works best for them.
Mrs. Langer introduces new experiences and hands-on learning to ensure that she is reaching all students. Her room is always bustling with activity and positive energy, and you can feel the learning that is happening! In addition to her classroom practices, Mrs. Langer is also an active part of the school community. She always takes time to volunteer and has great ideas on how to motivate everyone. She has recently taken on a staff wellness project which has been met with great success.
Nikki Langer goes above and beyond daily for not only her students, but the entire H&M Potter School, which is why she is a Teacher Who Rocks!
Mark Howie
HVAC/R Teacher
Monmouth County Vocational School DistrictMark Howie creates lessons and activities that address industry standards that will prepare his students for the workforce. He challenges students to apply their knowledge rather than just recite facts. He is skilled in the field of HVAC/R and can adapt instruction as needed, often planning awesome trips and relevant speakers for his students.
Each aspect of Mr. Howie’s classroom is reflective of the intellectual, social, and emotional needs of the age group. He is fair and consistent, and he makes school interesting again. Students go home and talk excitedly about school for the first time since elementary school.
Mr. Howie’s students are going out to work in HVAC before even graduating high school! Having already once been named Teacher the Year, Mark Howie is a tradesman turned Teacher Who Rocks!
Jennifer Mantegna
4th Grade Teacher
Cedar Creek SchoolJennifer Mantegna is the best teacher. She is the teacher who notices everything and will pick up the phone and call when your child is off.
Though she sets the bar high, Mrs. Mantegna always helps her students clear it by making learning fun and interesting. She is animated in her teaching, and she makes her students laugh, smile and know she is there for them. Mrs. Mantegna does so much for her students, including celebrating every student’s birthday when turn the big 1-0 so parents and students can have that milestone memory forever.
She is one of the first teachers in the building and the last to leave. When a parent gets in touch, she will always answer messages regardless of the time. Her students are her priority, and that forges a forever bond with her students.
For all these reasons and more we are proud to honor Jennifer Mantegna as a Teacher Who Rocks!
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