Emily Bergman is a math teacher at Point Pleasant Boro High School.  Nominated by school nurse Deborah Ewtsuhek, Emily has been teaching for 14 years and Deborah says, “Emily is a teacher with passion for teaching and enthusiasm for her student’s success! Her community contributions and positive attitude radiates to her students.”   Emily kindly goes out of her way to help not only her students, but their families and colleagues.

It is often she is at school early or late working on projects with students and also serves as the Varsity Cheerleading Coach.  She not only teaches her Cheerleaders the importance of “Team” spirit, but instills the importance of giving. Quite often you will see her Cheerleaders at many fundraising events and them holding their heads high with pride is a true reflection of Emily.  She participates in the Relay for Life every year, and has her cheerleaders form a team to raise money for cancer research. She helped to organize a school fundraiser for Hurricane Sandy victims. Emily is always there within the school to volunteer. When the math department needed her to teach an extra class, she took on the role.

Ms. Bergman has also served as a mentor to multiple teachers in the district.  In the classroom, students enter and leave her classroom every day with a smile.  Ms. Bergman has enthusiasm for her students, she builds their self-esteem and nurtures them into successful young adults, and she cares about their families. She has the innate ability to understand what it takes to educate students at their individual level. Now, she’s also one of Jersey’s Greatest Teachers.

Susan Smith was nominated by fellow teacher Helene Wolson and has been teaching for 14 years.  Helene says that Susan is hands-down one of the unrecognized exceptional teachers in the field.  She is relentless in her effort to do her very best every single day.  Susan possesses unconditional patience, compassion, dedication, and professionalism.  She is often times not recognized for incredibly well planned lessons, activities, and her thoughtfulness.

In addition to providing excellent instruction in the area of ELA, Susan never misses an opportunity to make her students feel special.  As a recent example, Susan hand-punched heart shapes along unused paint sample strips (all colors were in the pink/red/burgundy families) and tied red ribbons on all of them to create bookmarks for Valentine’s Day! It helped that one of her daughters works for Sherwin Williams and was discarding old color wheels for paint.  “Her kindness trumps everything.  Susan is a true gem.”

Natalie is was nominated by fellow teacher Jeffrey Martin, who says that Natalie embodies the word “caring”.  She truly cares about her students, her teaching colleagues, support staff and the entire school community. “I don’t think she ever says “no” to anyone who needs her help or needs something done media-wise.”

Natalie has motivated her students to be self-motivators. The students take what Natalie offers them and they run with it and allow their own creative instincts to flow.  Natalie also motivates her colleagues to create too.  Natalie can often be found at the school well after hours once the students and most of the staff has left for the day, finalizing a video or recording video at a school event. Jeff says he knows first-hand that Natalie spent the first day/night of Christmas Break 2014 finalizing video of the Holiday Show that the staff performed earlier that morning so that the school community could view over the holidays. This is just an example of the dedication, pride and love Natalie has for her students, her colleagues, and her profession.

Finally, Jeff says “the highest praise I can give Natalie is by watching her example, she makes me want to be a better teacher. I am truly lucky to have been able to work with Natalie during my career.”

Krista DesJardin has been teaching for 8 years and was nominated by her principal, Daniel Prima.  Krista is a teacher who takes it upon herself to provide instruction at each individual child’s level of learning.  When the curriculum directs that you use a certain work page from a practice book to support a lesson, she does not just do as her teacher manual suggests.  She takes the time to see if it is appropriate and if it meets the needs of all her students.  If it is not appropriate or does not meet the needs of all her children, she will either create or modify this assignment to fit the needs of the students within her class.

Why  Mr. Prima finds this most impressive is that anyone can teach from a manual and follow the steps prescribed, but to take the time and really learn the students’ abilities within your room and then adjust to their level is extremely remarkable.  She has not only changed the climate and culture in her room, but because of her effort to improve on her own skills she has changed the climate and culture within the building.

Mr. Prima would like to commend Mrs. Desjardin for being the recipient of the $10,000 Model Classroom Grant from Ocean First Bank (2014-2015). This grant was used to create a STEM lab within the school for first grade.  She was also the recipient of a Donors Choose Award – Get Moving (2015-2016).  Mrs. DesJardin is a person who will be extremely humbled by this Jersey’s Greatest Teacher honor, but Mr. Prima could not imagine a person who is more deserving than she.

Marisa Marco has been teaching for 5 years and was nominated by her fellow teacher Chris Craig,   Ms. Marco is a dedicated teacher who goes above and beyond for her students.  She is consistently offering her time both before and after school to ensure their success in her class.  She spends countless hours editing and reviewing student work so that they can attain the best grade possible.

Ms. Marco always attempts to bring a bit of pop culture into her lessons in order to liven them up.  She uses classic Disney characters to assess students on their ability to identify character archetypes. This deepens their understanding that literary techniques are used all around us even subconsciously.  Ms. Marco uses Dr. Seuss stories to teach the students about allegory.  These activities harken back to the student’s childhood and engage them in new and interesting ways.  The students respond well because on the surface, these activities seem to be of a simplistic nature and therefore they do not realize what they are taking away from it.

Students are constantly seeking letters of recommendation from Ms. Marco, which is a testament to the relationship she has with her students and their respect for her. Above her teaching responsibilities, Ms. Marco also serves as the senior class adviser and dedicates her time to help the students fundraise as well as prepare for homecoming and prom.

Kathy DeGregorio, nominated by her friend and colleague Joseph Fredericks, embodies what it means to be a part of the Boro Family. Kathy is professional, hard-working, dedicated to both staff and students, and, Joseph adds, she’s a great person to carpool with!

Once Kathy has formed a professional bond with you, she is there for you whenever you need her later on. Even after the formal relationship has ended and you are a full-time teacher, Kathy is there to help.  Kathy also serves as the school’s Union Representative, a job she does with grace and class.

Kathy is there for all of Boro’s students, and her door is always open. In the past she has chaperoned, coached and advised Student Council, and now she literally works with the entire gamut at Boro. The work Kathy does with the students in Lead For Diversity program truly captures the heart of what the Boro school community is all about.

Last year’s Valedictorian, Victoria Simpson, mentioned Kathy in her speech on graduation day as one of her role models and exceptional teachers she had in high school.

Joseph says that there are a lot of dedicated and hard-working teachers at Boro, but the more he knows Kathy DeGregorio, the more he think she deserves to be recognized as one of Jersey’s Greatest Teachers.

Robert Sodt is a remarkable man with a true passion for teaching. In his fifteen years at Brick Memorial High School his colleagues, students and parents have all agreed, year after year, that he is a phenomenal teacher.

He teaches all levels of biology with a fun, dynamic and interesting approach. Robert often uses weird and interesting stories to relate difficult biology concepts to his students.  Mr. Sodt’s students appreciate how he encourages excellent study and note taking skills with his use of colored pens and pencils and his organizational love of notecards for studying.

Mr. Sodt’s standards are high and he encourages his students to do their best. His students believe that he gives them many opportunities to excel and is willing to go above and beyond to help them achieve success.

Not only does he help students learn, he also is a great resource for fellow teachers. Science teachers often seek Bob’s advice and wisdom when creating lessons, dealing with grading issues or approaching different situations. He mentors new teachers in the department and encourages others to do the same.

Mr. Sodt is a role model for educators and brings nobility to the profession! He participates in many school functions and supports his students beyond high school years.  For these reasons the faculty at Brick Memorial High School is honored to work with Mr. Robert Sodt, one of Jersey’s Greatest Teachers!

Cheryl has been teaching for 19 years and was nominated by Kathleen Cafiero, a fellow teacher and past winner of “Jersey’s Greatest Teachers”.   Kathleen says, “to be GREAT is defined as an ‘amount, or intensity considerably above the normal or average.  That definition describes Cheryl perfectly.”

The best teachers are those who model for their students and lead by example.  Cheryl is a positive force in the ever so impressionable 8th graders. She strives for each student’s best and never allows them to look below that. If they fall she picks them up and pushes them forward.  If they meet a goal, she pushes them to reach higher. If they exceed it, she makes them dig deeper and rise higher. She NEVER accepts defeat and she NEVER allows her students to either.

At Lacey Middle School, Cheryl volunteers her time to assist the girls soccer team, she helps on the Cross Country course and she volunteers to be part of the new “Walking Club” to encourage students to be active in the school community.  If you want Cheryl to be part of the pep rally, she’s in.  Cheryl is always there and asks, “What can I do to help?” Outside of school, she participates in her church group regularly teaching summer bible school and runs the kids program.

Cheryl has also prepped many students in taking the MATES test, with guidance and confidence boosting techniques.  A former student recently reached out to Cheryl to thanks her.  While all teachers might have experienced that, this particular student works at NASA and said that it was her inspiration and her love of Science that motivated him to reach for literally the stars. Cheryl is that unsung hero who never wants to be noticed but always there to help.

Dora has been teaching for 10 years and was nominated by Principal Troy Henderson.  She began her career in Little Egg Harbor as a preschool teacher, one of the most challenging positions a person can hold.   However, Dora ran her classroom in a fun and engaging way. Preschoolers enter the room at all different levels, but Mrs. Lupo found ways to challenge the higher students and differentiate for the lower students while holding them all to high expectations. She worked hard to help them progress through the developmental levels, ensuring that each child had their best chance at success and a firm foundation on which to build their education. Her classroom was even used as a model classroom for the district, meaning it was the first room chosen to show to visiting parents and others interested in the preschool program.

Last year, Mrs. Lupo was offered the chance make the jump to third grade. She took the assignment without hesitation and has thrown herself into learning the curriculum, managing her classroom.  While it is challenging to make a large jump in grade levels, Dora has made the transition from Pre-K to 3^rd grade look easy. Her students take ownership of the positive class climate and respectfully inspire classmates to improve by offering suggestions and compliments using standards-based language. There is always a focus and a purpose to all of her academic lessons and activities. 

Lori Byron has been teaching for over 25 years and was nominated by fellow teacher Tom Ettari (a member of the Jersey’s Greatest Teachers Class of 2015),   Lori is, without a doubt, the most amazing teacher Tom has ever had the privilege of working with. Her dedication and knowledge of the teaching craft is second to none. Her thoughtful and caring nature is reflective in not only her classroom, but also the way her current and former students feel about her.

Although she is a 26 year veteran teacher, Mrs. Byron still puts in time that would rival any novice. Never complacent, she comes in early every morning and is consistently one of the last to leave the building. Her organization and attention to detail is evident to anyone who walks by her class. Mrs. Byron epitomizes the type of teacher that anyone would want their child to have.

Tom wrote, “Fourteen years ago I started my first year teaching. I was eager, excited, and, totally lost. The best thing about that year was working side by side with Lori. She was always there to help guide me in the right direction and gave me the tools, knowledge and confidence to grow into the teacher I am today. She continues to be my “unofficial” mentor and is always the person I turn to for advice and guidance in both my professional and personal life.”

Lori goes above and beyond in all aspects of her life. She is a chairperson on the contract negotiations team that represents the entire staff. She puts in countless hours to be sure that everyone is treated fairly and professionally. She is always willing to volunteer for student events. You’ll find her painting faces at a carnival or being a tailor fixing costumes for the school play. Not only is Lori selfless in her profession, but in her personal life she is a devoted mother of 3 daughters and amazing grandmother of 3 grandchildren- Lily, Jennie, and Lainey. She gives 110% to everything she does.

Mrs. Anders is an exemplary educator says her nominator, Principal Patrick Thomas.  She has been teaching math for the past 10 years providing quality education and promoting critical thinking skills to support student success beyond the classroom setting.

What separates Mrs. Anders from her peers is her selfless acts of kindness and concern for the well-being of our student population, particularly the at-risk students. Mrs. Anders is our school student-mentoring coordinator and runs a program of more than 100 students and 70 teachers; supporting student success of our most challenging population. Mrs. Anders runs activities, events, and facilitates professional development to support the growth and development of the program’s mission.

She additionally volunteers her personal time to participate in 6 separate committees aimed at improving school curricular, climate, college and career readiness, safety, attendance, behavior, and community outreach initiatives. Mrs. Anders has tremendous pride in her school and is willing to make personal sacrifices to improve her community!  She makes a difference!

Nancy Patterson is a 7th grade English teacher at Southern Regional Middle School.  Nominated by fellow teacher Barbette Lovas, Nancy has been teaching for 24 years.  She has inspired the love of literature and the confidence to communicate through written words to thousands of students during that time. She is a highly effective teacher who goes beyond the Common Core Standards to enrich her student’s educational experience. Her “Authors Project” has students not only research a current author, but write a letter to them requesting any information that would be beneficial to the classroom.

Mrs. Patterson’s kind classroom demeanor leads to her joking at the number of students who call her “mom.”  It’s one of her favorite compliments. Outside the classroom, Mrs. Patterson served on the Executive Board of the NJ Council of Teachers of English as the New Teacher Representative and Coordinator of the Teacher of the Year Program. She has also volunteered as a teacher at Ocean Fields Juvenile Detention Center. Within the Southern Regional District, she is a member of Instructional Council and Principal’s Advisory Committee, acted as the Middle School Testing Coordinator, and was a member of the Restructuring Council that transformed our school into teaming. She is her team leader, coordinating activities and communicating with the administration all while teaching full time and raising a family!

Mrs. Patterson has served as advisor for the National Junior Honor Society and is currently the advisor for both the Drama Club and the Variety Show.  Nancy Patterson is a model teacher who accepts nothing less than success for her students and now she can add that she’s one of “Jersey’s Greatest Teachers” to her resume.

Nominated by Asst. Principal Susan Field, Mr. Monafis has been teaching for 7 years.  His enthusiasm, love, and passion for teaching is evident in all that he does. He is creative, energetic and a caring individual. The most impressive aspect of Mr. Monafis’ teaching is his demeanor with students. He is always positive and a great role model to others.

While remaining current with the latest instructional strategies and technologies, he can still reach a troubled or struggling student with simple, yet profound, instincts and empathy coupled with complete professionalism. Likewise, he can accelerate and challenge his brightest of students because of professional development experiences and innovations he has pursued and mastered.

Mr. Monafis has served as a mentor teacher to other teachers, where he assists with lesson planning, classroom management, and daily activities for new teachers. As a coordinator for Professional Learning Communities for staff, Mr. Monafis is an inspiration not only to students but to our entire school community. He has also served as the advisor for the Latin Club and the advisor for the Gay Straight Alliance. The growth of the Latin program can be attributed largely to his efforts.

Mr. Monafis was recently the guest speaker, chosen by the students, at Freehold Township High School’s National Honor Society Inductions ceremony.  He was also recently voted as Teacher of the Year at the school and will now also be known as one of 100.1 WJRZ’s “Jersey’s Greatest Teachers” as well.

Michelle McNeary is a teacher of Kindergarten through 3^rd grade at Drum Point Elementary in Brick.  Nominated by principal Allison McConnell, Michelle has been teaching for 15 years and she says “dedication, compassion and diligence are all attributes that describe Michelle McNeary.”

This outstanding individual who cares deeply about the education of all students and leads the Drum Point Social Committee has always taught to make the school community a better place. Over the six years Principal McConnell has known Michelle, she has never once seen her waiver from her exemplary character and high expectations in education. She has served as a mentor teacher to many over the course of her career. She is inherently a leader within her craft of special education and remains on the cutting edge of recent trends. Michelle has developed her own curriculum to meet the diverse needs of her students and maximizes their learning potential.

As you enter Michelle’s classroom, you are greeted with respect and the love of learning is clearly shown through her creative hand crafted lessons. Michelle’s commitment is recognized and appreciated by students, parents, colleagues and administrators. She’s a positive driving force Drum Point’s Social Committee.

In addition to teaching, Michelle’s long list of duties range from budgeting for staff needs to arranging monthly activities for fun and interactive staff involvement.  Michelle is an incredible advocate and role model for the students, staff and community of Drum Point Road School making her one of “Jersey’s Greatest Teachers.” 

Janeen Weedon is a 1^st grade teacher at Midtown Community Elementary School in Neptune.  Nominated by principal Arlene Rogo, Janeen has been teaching for over 15 years.

A lifelong Neptune resident who graduated from Neptune High School, she received her teaching degree in interdisciplinary studies at Virginia State University.  She remains an active member of the community today where she is a soccer coach and attends many district events. Principal Rogo says Janeen is “enthusiastic, nurturing and always has the best interest of her students at heart and that all of her students can feel the genuine love and concern that she has for them.” Janeen is never looking for recognition as she is quite humble and would rather be “under the radar”.

However, many of her colleagues and community have selected her as one of “Jersey’s Greatest Teachers so this probably puts her “ON the radar” now.  As Midtown’s Teacher of the Year, Janeen is an inspiration to her students as well as her co-workers.  She has high expectations and is always raising the bar as well as being a team player whom her colleagues depend upon for assistance regarding creative ideas as well as curriculum.