Congratulations to the Following Teachers!
Roberta Zsoldos
Ridgeway Elementary School
Nominated by Vice Principal Kerry Young
Roberta Zsoldos is a Registered Behavior Technician at Ridgeway Elementary School in Manchester. Nominated by Vice Principal Kerry Young, Roberta began as a volunteer parent 12 years ago, then became a full-time paraprofessional in 2019 and now the RBT the last year.
Roberta is held in high regard within the school community as her position enhances the overall learning environment & supports the success of students. She is dedicated to implementing strategies to reduce or even eliminate challenging behaviors, which involves collaboration to identify the underlying causes of problematic behaviors & implement interventions to address them.
Roberta plays a vital role in creating a positive & productive learning environment and is committed to helping the classroom teacher maximize learning and make students feel supported. Holding a job as a Registered Behavior Technician can be challenging, but due to Roberta’s commitment and dedication, her students can thrive academically, socially & emotionally and we’re proud to welcome Roberta Zsoldos to our 2024 Class of Teachers Who Rock.
Sean Furnari
Berkley Township Elementary
Nominated By Assistant Principal Michael Conforti
Sean Furnari is the Day Custodian at Berkeley Township Elementary School. Nominated by Assistant Principal Michael Conforti, Sean has been at the school for 10 years. Sean’s impressive work ethic was extremely noticeable when he began as a substitute custodian. Known by the school community as “Mr. Sean”, he’s always smiling and willing to help a student or staff member at any time.
Sean is a hard worker who takes a great deal of pride in what he does and is an exceptional person with many positive qualities. Some of those include truly caring about his work, fulfilling all his responsibilities to the best of his ability, and deeming every single one of those responsibilities as important. Sean’s work ethic is beyond reproach, and he has an uncanny ability to know what has to be done without being asked.
He is very detail-oriented and understands that he’s a big part of the school community. His most important trait is his positive attitude as he comes to work every day with a big smile and an energy that shows he’s happy to be in the school. That attitude is contagious and passing Sean in the hallways will prove that. He is an active participant in Building & Grounds meetings and involved in all discussions that deal with the building. Sean Furnari is a beloved member of the Berkeley Township Elementary School family and now he is part of our Class of 2024 of Teachers Who Rock as an ESP member.
Lisa Lucariello
Tuckerton Elementary
Nominated by Susan Coppolino
Lisa Lucariello is an Art & World Language Teacher at Tuckerton Elementary School. Nominated by fellow teacher Susan Coppolino, Lisa has been in education for 29 years. As the Art & World Language Teacher, she possesses all the qualities of an exemplary educator.
She is patient, always prepared and brings out the best in her students. She inspires and guides students’ creativity in art class and they learn to appreciate & understand fine arts through drawing, painting, lettering & art history. During World Language instruction, Lisa makes learning both interesting & fun while incorporating the latest technology into her lessons. She also participates in leading after-school clubs including the Drawing Club.
As you walk the halls or enter the library at Tuckerton Elementary, you’ll see many amazing murals that Lisa has adorned the walls with. She is always there for her colleagues as well. Should a classroom teacher have a project that needs supplies or guidance, Lisa is always willing to lend a hand to share her creative insights. With nearly 30 years of education experience, Lisa Lucariello has all of the tools and expertise to now join the class of 2024 of Teachers Who Rock.
Jill Turner
Old Mill Elementary School
Nominated by PTO VP Lindsay Kenyon
Jill Turner is a 3rd Grade Teacher at Old Mill Elementary School in Sea Girt. Nominated by the PTO Vice President Lindsay Kenyon, Jill has been in education for 9 years and Lindsay says “Miss Turner is the best of the best!” Often teachers have their strengths & weaknesses, however, Jill is strong in ALL areas. She is never without a smile on her face and always greets everyone warmly.
Her innovative activities in the classroom include “Haunted House ad writing” where students had to write a ‘for sale ad’ for a haunted house; “Dogsgiving” where they plan a fest for pups rather than just giving them leftovers; and her “Turner-ment” which is a book competition bracket that models March Madness.
All of these show her dedication to engaging students. Jill is also a published author of the book “Close at Heart: A Sea Otter Story” and a lover of all animals. Her communication with parents is in most cases immediate, making the home & school connection seamless, which is an extremely valuable trait to families.
She serves as a volunteer at many school & community events like the Old Mill Fun Run & Manasquan Candy Cane Hunt. While she has less than 10 years of experience as a teacher, Jill Turner is making a major impact on her students and now can add the title of “Teacher Who Rocks” to her already impressive list of accomplishments.
Lauren Treshock
Bayville School
Nominated by Principal Steven Rieder
Lauren Treshock is a first-grade teacher at Bayville School. Nominated by principal Steven Rieder, Lauren has been in education for 19 years. Lauren has been described as “the quintessential first-grade teacher” who truly cares about her students and creates a nurturing, positive classroom environment.
She has incredible patience & warmth for her students’ well-being. Although Lauren is a veteran teacher who excels at academic instruction, her value to the school and her students goes far beyond the typical grade-level material by creating student-centered & interest-based lessons that help develop a love of learning for her students.
Lauren recognizes different learning styles and emotional needs in her classroom and can often be seen teaching multiple groups through different modalities simultaneously. Although she values technology, she created a “screen-free week” at Bayville School for students & their families to meet after school at parks and community establishments.
Lauren uses an innovative approach to nurture her students’ social & emotional intelligence and develop an appreciation of the world beyond screens. Above all, Mrs. Treshock exemplifies an unwavering commitment to her students and Bayville School as a whole and for that & many more reasons, Lauren Treshock is a Teacher Who Rocks!
Stephanie Rebecchi
Lanes Mills Elementary
Nominated by Heather McGowan & Melissa Hall
Stephanie Rebecchi is a Third Grade Teacher at Lanes Mills Elementary in Brick. Nominated by fellow teachers Heather McGowan & Melissa Hall, Stephanie has been in education for 18 years. She began as a Kindergarten teacher before moving to third grade and is currently teaching an in-class support classroom that includes children with IEP’s, 504s, Multi-Lingual Learners & Excel students.
Stephanie juggles all her students’ needs seamlessly daily and they all know they are loved & well-cared for when they come to her room. She will meet with students in groups and one-on-one as needed and has changed her lessons on a whim to meet the changing needs in her room.
This year, Stephanie has taken on the added responsibility of being the PTA liaison which requires her to work closely with the PTA to communicate the needs of teachers to the parents and vice versa. Stephanie is patient, kind & enthusiastic about what she does within the classroom and puts forth the extra effort to make students feel special. For these and many more reasons that didn’t fit the 500-word maximum to submit this story, Stephanie Rebecchi is a “Teacher Who Rocks!”
Kristy Soltmann
Emma Havens Young Elementary
Nominated by Lisa Soltmann
This year’s NJEA Community Spotlight Award Winner is Kristy Soltmann from Emma Havens Young Elementary in Brick. Nominated by a fellow teacher and her aunt Lisa Soltmann, Kristy has been in education for 8 years. Winning the annual Community Spotlight Award recognizes how a school staff member not only excels in the classroom, but especially within the community Kristy piloted a new service called “Allach Club” where they created a beach bucket for children at Brick Beach and children of parents who cannot afford toys can take & return them at the beach.
She is also helping to make a communication board for the children at the playground. Kristy is also a part of a food drive for the Seeds of Service. In the classroom, Kristy returned to the same elementary school she attended as a child. She has been on several committees including the Early Act Club, School Community Outreach Program, Reading Adventure Night and Professional Development Inservice. She is also a mentor for novice teachers, including her own cousin Haley who is also a special education teacher at Emma Havens Young.
Kristy always has a positive attitude and a way to make all her students feel like they’re the most important person in the room. So not only is Kristy a “Teacher Who Rocks” for her work in the classroom, she is also the 2024 NJEA Community Spotlight Award Winner for her tremendous work when away from the classroom.
Cara Schwartz
Clark Mills Elementary School
Nominated by Shannon Riehl
Cara Schwartz is a Math Teacher at Clark Mills Elementary School in Manalapan. Nominated by fellow teacher Shannon Riehl, Cara has been in education for 19 years. During Cara’s time at Clark Mills, they’ve won the title of a “Blue Ribbon School” for the last 14 years. After graduating from Rutgers with a BS in Environmental Science, she received her Masters of Elementary Education from Monmouth University and her work as a math teacher exemplifies her as a Teacher Who Rocks.
Her students consistently rank among the top achievers in the district and qualify for advanced placement under her guidance. During the pandemic, Cara worked in the Manalapan School District’s virtual academy, developing and implementing virtual instruction as a pioneer during the most trying school year.
Students continued to flourish despite the learning obstacles. During her career, Cara has coached Frax learning groups, run high-impact math tutoring programs, and trained her colleagues on conducting math labs in the classroom setting. She also piloted the ST math program for the school district. Cara’s love of students, education & community is visible in everything she does and now she can add “Teacher Who Rocks” to her list of accomplishments.
Jill Kramer
Clara B. Worth Elementary School
Nominated by Maureen Palheta
Jill Kramer is a 3rd Grade Teacher at Clara B. Worth Elementary School in Bayville. Nominated by fellow teacher Maureen Palheta, Jill has been in education for 23 years. While currently a 3rd grade teacher, Jill has taught 1st, 4th & 5th grade over her career. She treats her students as her own children and always pushes them to do their personal best. She will motivate kids to make good choices and become thinkers & problem solvers.
She reminds them through daily affirmations that they are smart, strong & loved. Mrs. Kramer loves watching her students learn & grasp new things while they turnkey their knowledge. Her students are afforded many opportunities to extend their learning. For example, they go to Jake’s Branch Park to learn more about the Lenape tribe, the planetarium and Cattus Island. They also get to meet pen pals from other districts. Outside of the classroom, Jill is involved in the annual Berkeley Township Association Holiday Food Drive.
She was named Teacher of the Year in 2016 and last year was named “Teacher Who Goes Above & Beyond” in the Berkeley Patch. If you have (or had) Mrs. Kramer as your teacher, chances are you’ll have her for a lifetime and she will be forever named a “Teacher Who Rocks.”
Lisa Marotto
Toms River High School
Nominated by Principal Erin Anders
Lisa Marotto is a Math Teacher at Toms River High School East. Nominated by Principal Erin Anders, Lisa has been in education for 40 years with the past 23 years spent at Toms River East and this is her final year in education as she’ll be retiring this June. Lisa holds her students to the highest of standards, spending countless hours creating, grading & perfecting her craft. She’s known for her outstanding bulletin boards and keeping a weekly calendar of events up to date in a crafty & visually pleasing way for students in the hallways. Currently, Lisa teaches Algebra II and Pre-Calculus classes but for many years, she was involved in school plays and photography club. During the pandemic, she embraced the changes in instruction by taking on new technology challenges that were out of her comfort zone. Lisa is a respected colleague by her peers and always sought after for advice and guidance. She’s impacted so many students over her 40-year career and before riding off into retirement, we welcome Lisa Marotto to the Teachers Who Rock Class of 2024!
Daniela Barbaccia
St. Mary Academy
Nominated by Brendan Ryan
Daniela Barbaccia is a Kindergarten Teacher at St. Mary Academy in Manahawkin. Nominated by fellow teacher Brendan Ryan, Daniela has been in education for over 10 years. After many years of selfless dedication as a parent volunteer at St. Mary Academy, Daniela returned to the classroom. She began working as a receptionist while waiting for a teaching position to become available and once becoming a teacher, her commitment to her students is evident by fostering an environment of learning an encouragement and spending countless hours after school preparing lessons. Her meticulous decorations in the classroom also serve as learning tools as she excels not only educating with books but nurturing them in a kind, caring & fun atmosphere. She will also take time to teach traditional children’s songs. Her impact on students a presence in the school improves morale among the teachers as well as the entire St. Mary Academy community. Away from the classroom, Daniela has helped with Spring Musicals, co-directed the Theater program and is a Parent Coordinator at ASRC. For all she does for the students and the school community at large, we’re proud to announce Daniela Barbaccia as a Teacher Who Rocks
Donna Palumbo
H&M Potter School
Nominated by Principal Andrea Cimino
Donna Palumbo is a Preschool Teacher at H&M Potter School in Bayville. Nominated by Principal Andrea Cimino, Donna has been in education for over 40 years. She’s been at the Potter School since 2018 and ensures that her young students’ first school experience is a positive one.
Her classroom is bright, welcoming and the perfect place for students to learn through play & imagination. Donna designs hands-on lessons that help the children grow and explore their environment. The two years that students spend in preschool are critical to their development and Donna makes sure that they get the most out of that time.
She’s also an important part of the school community as an active PTA member and a trusted colleague in the preschool department. Donna Palumbo goes above and beyond daily in providing a strong foundation for her students, and now is a Teacher Who Rocks.
Kelly Bourke
Grunin Performing Arts Academy
Nominated by Vice Principal Kyle Seiverd
Kelly Bourke is a Dance Teacher at the Grunin Performing Arts Academy in Toms River. Nominated by Vice Principal Kyle Seiverd, Kelly has been in education for 16 years. The Grunin Performing Arts Academy is not your typical high school.
Students each have a major that focuses on a performing art and Kelly is one of the school’s dance teachers. She takes students from diverse backgrounds and teaches them to move fluidly and in sync. Kelly builds bridges between all her students, as dance relies on groups moving together as a whole. She emphasizes the importance of self-respect and seeing each other as a family. If a student is having a rough day, Kelly recognizes that and goes out of her way to speak to them with a calm, approachable & empathetic attitude.
Outside the classroom, Kelly runs the Dance Club, provides students with the basics of Yoga to help their breathing & mindset as well as teaches Yoga to staff during professional development. She’s also involved in “Angels Play”; an organization started by her father, Bill Lavin. His idea was to build 26 playgrounds in communities destroyed by Superstorm Sandy, each playground honoring the memory of teachers or students lost in Newtown, CT. They continue to build playgrounds to this day. Kelly makes the school, staff & district better because of her passion and the gifts she brings to the Grunin Performing Arts Academy, and for that, she’s now a Teacher Who Rocks.
Bre Hartman
Red Bank Middle School
Nominated by Athletic Director Isaac Nathanson
Bre Hartman is a 6th-grade Math Teacher at Red Bank Middle School. Nominated by Athletic Director Isaac Nathanson, Bre has been in education for 6 years. In addition to her work in the classroom, Bre has volunteered at Red Bank EMS, aiding those in need in the community.
She’s also pursuing her dream of becoming a volunteer firefighter, further highlighting her commitment to public safety and community well-being. She’s also a coach of two recreational softball teams where she serves as a role model for young athletes – nurturing their skills, promoting teamwork, and instilling valuable life lessons.
She also coaches the school’s softball team, adding to her already impressive coaching portfolio. Moreover, Bre’s efforts extend beyond competitive sports. She leads a before-school baseball & softball clinic that caters to 4th-8th grade students, and takes charge of the home club after school which provides a safe & enriching environment where students can get extra academic support.
Finally, you can always find Bre cheering on the student body at every school athletic event serving as a morale booster & inspiring students to give their best on and off the field. Bre Hartman is definitely a Teacher Who Rocks!
Stephanie Faille
Forked River Elementary School
Nominated by Brenda Camaligan
Stephanie Faille is a Music Teacher at Forked River Elementary School. Nominated by fellow teacher Brenda Camaligan, Stephanie has been in education for 28 years. Stephanie is a past finalist for the Grammy Music Education award and provides the students of Forked River Elementary with a top-notch music education experience.
She understands how music can positively impact the academic, emotional & social growth of a child by improving their memory as well as listening and motor skills. Last year, Stephanie used the power of music to help students learn academic content such as math & science by incorporating songs about those topics into the chorus concert. She also had her band students working together on rhythms on plastic buckets, much like the Broadway show “Stomp.”
Equity & inclusion are also important to Stephanie, so this year she taught her 90 chorus students how to sing holiday songs in multiple languages including “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” in American Sign Language. Stephanie believes that all kids should have the opportunity to learn and experience the joy of music. She is currently working on her Doctorate in Education, Policy, Leadership & Management.
In addition to her work as a music teacher, Stephanie finds time to serve on the school district’s professional development committee and is a district music curriculum writer. The students of Forked River Elementary are fortunate to have such a talented & dedicated teacher and we’re proud to welcome Stephanie to our class of Teachers Who Rock.
Stephanie Danziger
Mill Pond School
Nominated by District Supervisor Mallory Krakovski
Stephanie Danziger is a preschool instructional coach at Mill Pond School in Lanoka Harbor. Nominated by District Supervisor Mallory Krakovski, Stephanie has been in education for 15 years and has dedicated her whole self to every task she takes on.
She lives and breathes preschool and there’s no one you’ll find that has as much passion for the littlest learners. Stephanie is THE model teacher who can make students’ first exposure to school both positive and fun. She sings songs with the students, dances like no one is watching, and will do anything to get them to smile.
Stephanie made the transition to Preschool Instructional Coach, even though that was a difficult decision for her to leave the classroom. However, she’s been able to share her skill set with all of the preschool teachers. As she built the confidence of her students, she’s been able to do the same with her colleagues, providing them with feedback to let them develop into strong teachers themselves.
Stephanie is involved with many parent & community events like art shows & game nights. She’s also worked with Unified Champions and the Special Olympics to host events in the district. For her work in and out of the classroom, Stephanie Danziger is a Teacher Who Rocks!
Jacqueline Clayton
Silver Bay Elementary School
Nominated by Allison McConnell Tracy
Jacqueline Clayton is a first-grade teacher at Silver Bay Elementary School in Toms River. Nominated by one of her students’ parents, Allison McConnell Tracy, Jacqueline has been in education for over 20 years.
Allison asks “How do you know your child loves school and their teacher is awesome?” The answer is that they wake up every day ready to go to school and during the weekend ask “Is it Monday yet?” Allison says Jacqueline is the shining example of why her son loves her class. Their family’s first interaction with Jacqueline was a letter requesting to describe their child “in a million words or less, opening the door for parent-teacher communication.
She recognizes her students making great choices and in turn, celebrates their successes. As students earn points throughout the day using Class Dojo, they have the option to be the teacher’s assistant for the day, have a class dance party, or other choices that motivate the class of 25 students magnificently. Jacqueline also keeps in close contact with students’ families with information about special events, learning experiences, and more. Her kindness, dedication & innovation have made the year incredible for her students.
At Winter Break, parents were invited into Jacqueline’s classroom for a family gingerbread house-making activity which allowed parents to see their children in the classroom with their peers and teacher, which they were all thankful for. For all of her hard work, Jacqueline Clayton is a worthy member of the Class of 2024 of Teachers Who Rock!
Alicia Marino
Hugh J. Boyd Elementary School
Nominated by Vanessa Gomen
Alicia takes the time to get to know her students both academically & socially. The ability to relate to her students on a personal level allows them to feel truly comfortable and confident. Students leave Alicia’s class with a sense of accomplishment as she monitors each student’s success and allows children to see their progress & reach their full potential. For these and so many more reasons, Alicia Marino is now, officially, a Teacher Who Rocks.
Jacqueline Castellano
Brick Memorial High School
Nominated by Darren St. Jean
Jacqueline Castellano is a Biology Teacher at Brick Memorial High School. Nominated by fellow teacher Darren St. Jean, Jacqueline has been in education for over 20 years. In addition to her teaching duties, she is involved with the AP Biology Program, the District S.T.E.M. Academy, a National Honor Society Mentor, and teacher liaison for the School Parent Teacher Organization. Jacqueline is a teacher who teaches both in and out of the classroom.
She makes sure that her students achieve the best possible outcomes every day, taking difficult subject matter from AP Biology and Sophomore Biology Honors classes and making it easier for students to absorb that knowledge. Jacqueline’s lessons inspire and prepare her students for future endeavors with a nurturing character to ensure she gets the best from her students. Most of her colleagues would say that Jacqueline “inspires the uninspired” and this is why she’s now a member of the 2024 Class of Teachers Who Rock.
Paul Harrigan
Manchester Township Elementary School
Nominated by Tierny Henderson
Paul Harrigan is a Basic Skill Teacher at Manchester Township Elementary School. Nominated by fellow teacher Tierney Henderson, Paul has been in education for over 25 years. Paul is a past Teacher of the Year at Manchester Elementary and when he was nominated again this year, he respectfully declined as he felt other teachers were deserving of the award.
Paul & his wife, who is also an educator, typically donate money every year to different organizations during the holidays. In the classroom, Paul goes above & beyond to create a positive, engaging learning experience. His passion for teaching is evident in the innovative & inspiring lessons he delivers, captivating the minds of students and fostering their love for learning. Paul recognizes the unique strengths & weaknesses of each student and tailors his approach to accommodate diverse learning styles.
Outside the classroom, Paul is involved in school initiatives, extracurricular activities, and professional development opportunities. He takes the time to explain things to his colleagues with the same patience as he would a student. He’s also working on a grant to help fund after-school clubs. This year, he was tasked with working amongst 4 different classrooms, all using different programs as they’re spread over 3 different grade levels, but his bank of knowledge allows him to accommodate each student. Paul Harrigan – welcome to the 2024 Class of Teachers Who Rock!
Marc Troccola
Clara B. Worth Elementary School
Nominated by Principal Cara Burton
Marc Troccola is a Language Learning Disability teacher at Clara B. Worth Elementary School in Bayville. Nominated by Principal Cara Burton, Marc has been in education for 18 years. Principal Burton tells us that Mr. Troccola is a dynamic, committed educator who continues to thrive in the special education classroom and has done so since 2006.
He is consistently complimented by his colleagues, students, and their families. Currently, Marc teaches 3rd & 4th grade LLD and prior to that, he worked in the school’s Autism program. Affectionately known as “Mr. Marc”, his dedication and compassion have benefited countless students at Clara B. Worth as well as their families. He has a unique way of connecting with his students to bring out the best in each of them. Outside the classroom, Marc is a loving & dedicated father & husband and the values he instills in his children have carried over into his teaching.
He’s a shining example of the hard work needed to positively impact the lives of students and any student would consider themselves lucky to walk through his classroom door. For these and many other reasons, we’re proud to say that Marc Troccola is a Teacher Who Rocks!
Ali Brown
Southern Regional Middle School in Manahawkin
Nominated by Marjorie Browning
Ali Brown is an English teacher at Southern Regional Middle School. Nominated by fellow teacher Marjorie Browning, Ali has been in the education field for 30 years.
During Mrs. Brown’s time in the district, she’s left a loving handprint on her students, colleagues & community. She runs the student store which includes a student-staffed concession booth in the afternoons and provides practice in money-handling, following a job schedule, and social interaction with peers. Mrs. Brown also created the Southern Regional Middle School’s “Welcome Wagon” where every year, an incoming student from each of Southern’s sending districts is drawn and visited by school staff, clubs, and the school mascot who brings a pizza and school gear. This gives incoming students a chance to meet the staff and have a friendly face to look for on the first day of school.
Mrs. Brown has also developed creative assessments like the “Literary Food Truck Festival” where students create food trucks based on novels they read during the school year where choices on the truck need to relate to the themes of the novels they read. Afterwards, a real food truck is brought in and students are treated to lunch. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Brown helps to deliver Thanksgiving baskets to families, chaperones trips to Kohls with “Southern Outfitters” to provide children in need with school clothes, and later in the year, she puts together holiday gift bags for those same children each Christmas. Mrs. Brown is the kind of teacher every student dreams of having and we’re proud to welcome her to 100.1 WJRZ’s “Teachers Who Rock” Class of 2024!
Susan Pirchio
Frog Pond Elementary School
Nominated by Lori Mahan
Susan Pirchio is a 4th-grade teacher at Frog Pond Elementary School in Little Egg Harbor. Nominated by 3rd-grade teacher Lori Mahan, Susan is an educator of 25 years and a past “Teacher of the Year” at Frog Pond.
Lori tells us that during the 8 years she’s worked with Susan, her mind is continuously blown by her commitment and passion for education. She never grows complacent and this was proven by Susan taking on the challenge of helping the school find a new math curriculum while putting in hours of her own time to learn the strategies.
Not only has this allowed her to teach her students more effectively, but it assists other teachers in learning the curriculum as well. Susan is a leader and one of the first people the staff looks to for guidance.
Whether mentoring a new teacher, tutoring after school, or simply helping other teachers design their lessons, she’s right there. She never gives up on struggling students, but rather does one-on-one work to find new ways to teach the same skill until it connects with the student. Susan’s patience, kindness, and passion for the subject are just a few of the reasons she’s now a “Teacher Who Rocks.”
Gayle Gruber
Brick Township High School
Nominated by Carol Shaw
Gayle Gruber is a fine arts teacher at Brick Township High School and has been in education for 21 years. Nominated by fellow teacher Carol Shaw, Gayle has won multiple awards throughout her career. She’s a two-time Middle Division Art Educators of New Jersey Teacher of the Year winner, the Moss Foundation Children’s Education National Art Teacher, and the VSA of New Jersey Education in Arts Awards & Creativity Award from the Art Educators of New Jersey.
Gayle can bring out the “inner artist” with her students whether they’re gifted & talented or special needs learners. After spending 16 years at the middle school, Gayle was transferred to Brick Township High School where she quickly established an amazing classroom environment where students feel safe to create. She also serves as a student mentor and in addition to art, she’s currently obtaining a Ph.D in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Gratz College. Even with all the in-school work, she wrote a published children’s book all while battling breast cancer. We wish Gail the best in her fight for good health and welcome her to the 2024 Class of “Teachers Who Rock!”
Victoria Guy
Berkeley Township Elementary School
Nominated by Principal Daniel Prima
Victoria Guy is a 6th-grade classroom teacher at Berkeley Township Elementary School. Nominated by principal Daniel Prima, Victoria has been in education for 14 years and was named Teacher of the Year at the school in 2021.
During her time at Berkeley Elementary, she began in Basic Skills and transitioned into a 6th-grade general education teacher. One of the most notable traits Victoria has is the relationships she builds with her students and their families. The students truly appreciate her caring personality and the parents know that she has their child’s best interest at the top of the list.
When students enter 6th grade, she is highly requested which is a direct result of her work and care for the students. She also takes every opportunity to volunteer at school events including “Battle of the Books”, “Uno Night”, “Fun Fest”, “Holiday & Ornament Building” & lots more. She has created the annual school’s wax museum, and recycling program and has joined the autism program. Victoria’s colleagues hold her in high regard, and she goes the extra mile for her team. Now, celebrate her in that same light as a Teacher Who Rocks.
Do You Know A Teacher Who Rocks?
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