We are proud to welcome the following teachers to the 100.1 WJRZ Teachers Who Rock Class of 2019!

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE WHO’S BEEN INDUCTED INTO THIS YEAR’S CLASS

Sponsored by:

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ESP OF THE YEAR

CALLIE PETERS
Student Assistance Counselor at Neptune High School
Nominated by Vice Principal Kevin McCarthy

As Student Assistance Counselor, Callie Peters helps create a positive culture among staff and students at Neptune High School. She is an experienced LPC and is able to utilize her therapy background to support students in need. Callie has also taken on leadership of Neptune’s Early College High School program, helping students transition into college while also attending high school.

A wonderful co-worker and employee, Callie’s smile greets all students and helps create an atmosphere of support for them. She has created an emotionally safe environment and always looks for opportunities to help students make positive choices about themselves and their bodies. Callie also serves as the school’s anti-bullying specialist, helping many students deal with difficult situations.

The Scarlet Flier family is lucky to have Callie Peters, and we’re thrilled to honor her as an Education Support Professional Who Rocks!


ESP OF THE YEAR

RENEE AGRO
Transition Coordinator at Regional Day School in Manchester Twp
Nominated by co-worker Carol Liik

Look!! Up in the sky!  It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Renee Agro!  As Transition Coordinator in Manchester Township, Renee sets the path for achievement for students with special needs at not only her Regional Day School, but also at the High School and Middle School.  

Starting during the middle school years, Renee finds appropriate job placement for students to learn employment skills and increase their social skills.  For those students who might not fit into the workforce after graduation she assists in finding adult training centers where they can continue to work on skills they need for success.  

Renee also organizes several parent information forums every year which include representatives from the Division of Developmental Disabilities, SPAN, Social Security, and other agencies, making sure that the path these students follow leads them to success. She provides them with the skills they need to succeed once they graduate, whether they continue in the workforce, attend an adult day program or advance their education.  

Renee has a knack for making each family feel that they are her priority and tops on her to do list.  Preparing students for a successful future is an educators job and no one puts as much effort and dedication into it as Renee. She has a big job and a bigger heart and that’s why Renee Agro is an Education Support Professional Who Rocks!


JENNIFER SHAPPELL
3rd Grade Teacher at Whiting Elementary School
Nominated by fellow teacher: Meagan Drapkin

Whiting Elementary SchoolTo be an extraordinary teacher doesn’t mean your room looks like a Pinterest or Instagram board, it means you are 150% dedicated to your students and that is exactly Jennifer Shappell.

Jennifer is constantly analyzing her teaching, teaching style, and lessons to make sure she is meeting the needs of every single student in her classroom. Jennifer is a lifelong learner and always makes personal connections with her students. The students in her class feel safe, respected, and love coming to school. She provides a room where taking risks and failing are allowed as long as you’re putting your best effort forward.

The way Jennifer teaches her students to commit to something and follow through is truly amazing. In the 21st century it can be hard not to get caught up in the social media glam but for Jennifer it’s about making a difference in the lives of every student that has ever walked into her classroom.

To know Jennifer and to have her as a colleague and a building teacher is to be lucky. Jennifer Shappell deserves to be recognized for making strides and leaps in her classroom, and that’s why we are pleased to name her as a Teacher Who Rocks!


TODD GOING
Health & Physical Education Teacher at Howell High
Nominated by fellow teacher: John Gagliano

Howell HighTodd Going has been teaching and coaching wrestling at Howell High School for the past 16 years. In that time he has been a great role model for determination and perseverance. As a health and physical education teacher he has made it a priority to make sure all his students understand the benefits of life long physical health. Todd is e He also has a specialty of adapting physical activity to each individual he teaches.

Todd has faced many physical challenges himself. He has had several hip, neck, and back surgeries over the last 8 years, but he never lets that be an excuse to stop being fit, and he is always compassionate towards others who struggle.

One of the most powerful motivators in the wrestling room, Todd can be counted on for good counsel and direction and always has a listening ear. He strives to show by example how to work through adversity and pain. Todd Going is a great teacher, coach, and leader, and without question a Teacher who Rocks.


JOHN FRY
Physical Education Teacher/Lakewood Middle School
Nominated by: Dr. Scott Horowitz, Vice-Principal

Patience and adaptability have been the cornerstone of John Fry’s 34-year teaching career. Knowing that not all students learn in the same way or the same rate, John has always showed patience and creativity, adapting his lessons to include all students regardless of ability.

John has coached football, baseball, basketball, track and wrestling, and he has served as the Special Olympics’ Coach for the last 10 years. He is also a mentor to all of the novice teachers that enter the building.

John arrives to work with a smile each day. With a great range of interpersonal skills, he is a leader and role model to his students. He reflects the critical values of leadership, teamwork, and good sportsmanship. John Fry always treats the people around him with respect each and every day, unquestionably making him a Teacher Who Rocks.


SAMANTHA GREENSTEIN
Special Education Teacher at Ridgeway Elementary School/Manchester Twp.
Nominated by: Nikki Mazur, Principal 

Samantha Greenstein has served the Manchester Township school district for over nine years.  As a classroom teacher, a basic skills teacher, and a special education teacher, Miss Greenstein positively influences students and staff alike. She consistently volunteers to help others, coordinate events and functions, and work closely with the administrative team on many different tasks.

Samantha is passionate about serving the needs of her students. Her ability to present information in a fun and engaging way help students make huge gains in all areas. She is warm and nurturing, with a bag of tricks that captivate her most reluctant learners.  

Samantha wears many hats at Ridgeway, serving as the school’s Dyslexia Coordinator, an Intervention and Referral Services Coordinator, an Anti-Bullying Specialist, and assistant to the Principal.

She does her part each and every day to make a difference at Ridgeway, from taking photos during assemblies to helping organize and keep safe hundreds of students at dismissal. 


Samantha’s co-workers feel fortunate to have her on the staff, and students and their families are even more fortunate to have her as a member of the teaching team.  Her creativity, her understanding of what works best for students, her knowledge about a wide range of topics, and her desire to serve and make a difference in the school are just a few reasons why Samantha Greenstein is a Teacher Who Rocks!


TIFFANY CLARK
3rd & 4th Grade Special Education Teacher at Manchester Township Elementary School
Nominated by: Linda Waldron, Principal

Luckily for the students and staff at Manchester Township Elemntary, Tiffany Clarke decided not to follow her initial career path. She went to school to be a lawyer, but after studying Law and working a summer camp, her passion for teaching won out. With a Pre-Law degree from Liberty University and a Masters from Georgian Court University, Tiffany took a position in Manchester Township and the rest is history! For the past 7 years she has spread her kindness, talents and infectious positive personality to the Manchester Community. 

As a special education teacher, Tiffany patiently assists her struggling students and challenges them to be the best they can be. She can often be found working before and after school to offer students interventions that help them be more successful in the classroom. Her creativity and out of the box thinking makes for engaging and stimulating lessons for all students. 

Tiffany is a sponge for professional development and regularly shares with staff all that she learns, and the positive culture and climate she has developed is contagious. Tiffany Clarke is a dedicated, hardworking professional who believes that every student can learn and under her guidance they do, making her a Teacher Who Rocks!


CHRISTOPHER NYE
9th-12th Grade Business teacher at Jackson Memorial High School
Nominated by: Arlene Wacha, Co-Teacher

Christopher Nye is the teacher who encourages students and teachers to succeed. He nurtures an atmosphere of ultimate learning by reaching for the skies and soaring to new heights. He even has waiting lists of students for his Mock Trial, Business Law, and International Business classes.

Chris leads the students, teacher, and administration.  He is the adviser of the National winning Future Business Leaders of America and has had the winning team in Stock Market Games.  He is part of the Business Department and helps the entire district with knowledge and guidance in investing in their 403B.   He is relentless in making sure colleagues make their best choices for retirement funds.  In addition, he takes on the role of union representative to help keep equality among our teachers. 

Chris has a gentle personality and is extremely approachable by always helping everyone feel and do their best.  Even after more than 10 years on the job, he treats each day as a new day to help the special student thrive, making Christopher Nye a Teacher Who Rocks!


EARL MOSELY
10th-12th Grade Social Studies Teacher at Brick Township Memorial High School
Nominated by: Michael Fitzgerald, Co-Teacher

Earl Mosely has a rich history that has helped give him a unique perspective on educating.  Earl is a Naval Academy grad and served in the Marines for 14 years, followed by another 10 years in the reserves. Earl shifted his service toward his community and entered education over twenty years ago, the last 12 years at Brick Memorial High School.

Earl constantly challenges his students to think deeper about the world they live in. He sets clear expectations and treats all students with respect.  Earl is an outstanding role model and students show great respect for him and what he does for them.

Earl has been the Anti-Bullying Coordinator for the past 6 year, overseeing every reported case of harassment, intimidation, and bullying for all 12 schools in the district.  He helped author codes of conduct for extracurricular activities governing behavior on school grounds and on social media.  He is a voice for students who have none and does all that he can to ensure students have a safe learning environment where they can reach their full potential.

Earl’s positive attitude and kind nature extends to the entire staff as well.  You can count on him and his unique sense of humor to make every situation better. Earl gladly gives his time to anyone who wants a friendly ear to listen to them.  Known as “Dad” to many, he’s a genuinely caring person who makes the days better simply because he’s there.  Whether you call him friend, colleague, husband, father, or grandfather, Earl is an inspiration to all who know him, and he’s absolutely a Teacher Who Rocks.


NINA BRITTON
4th Grade Teacher at Bayville Elementary School
Nominated by: Regina Avenoso, Co-Teacher

There’s a saying, “Jack of all trades, master of none”. Well Nina Britton is a Jack of all Trades and master of all. Nina can be found jump starting a car in the staff parking lot, weeding the school/community garden, constructing set scenes for a school play, collecting cans for a food drive, cooking her famous pork roll, egg & cheese at the school’s flea market, and most importantly integrating these experiences into meaningful lessons for her fourth grade class.

Nina initiated the Beautiful Earth and Air Keepers club where students prepare, plant, maintain, and harvest produce grown in the community garden. The environment and being stewards of the environment is a priority for Nina, and she shares this love and passion with every Berkeley student she comes into contact with.

As an active member of Berkeley Township Educational and Environmental Foundation, Nina launched the Nature Study Building. Each year she devotes one week to supervise students at Stokes State Forest, an outdoor program run by Montclair State University School of Conservation.

Nina sees the beauty in nature and in Bayville School’s students. She’s always there with her camera to capture once in a lifetime moments such as holiday concerts, the fun fair, PTA sponsored events, and awards assemblies.

Mrs. Britton ensures that every student she teaches has an unforgettable experience at Bayville School. The personal experiences she shares with her students, as well as her caring soul, passion, and dedication, definitely make her a Teacher Who Rocks.


MARIBEL ROMERO
1st Grade Teacher at Red Bank Primary School
Nominated by: Dana Slipek, Reading Interventionist

Maribel Romero is an example of a model teacher whose ability to educate students comes naturally.  She is energetic, nurturing and determined, and she keeps students happy, laughing and engaged throughout the school year.  Maribel’s dedication and determination to help students succeed is at the forefront of her instruction.  

Maribel creates hands on learning experiences within her classroom.  If students are reading a story about ice cream, not only will Maribel build background knowledge though additional texts and media sources, but she will go the extra mile by bringing in an ice cream maker and engaging her students in a hands-on learning project by making ice cream from scratch.  If they are learning about the life cycle of animals, Maribel will seek out local farmers to teach student the life cycle of a chicken, while growing and hatching baby chicks in her classroom.  

One of Maribel’s most admirable characteristics is that she goes above and beyond by sharing her classroom materials and experiences with the entire school.  Students from all grade levels can be seen taking turns in Maribel’s room, learning and engaging with those experiences.

Maribel works hard to make sure her colleagues succeed as well. She works tirelessly to support, guide, and comfort not only her students and colleagues, but also the families of her students.  From back to school night, conferences and daily phone calls home, Maribel makes instant connections to the families to ensure all students are supported both in school and out.

For these reasons and so many more, Maribel Romero is a Teacher Who Rocks!


LANCE SAMPIERI
7-8th Grade Science and PE Teacher at Lacey Township Middle School
Nominated by: Mallory Krakovsky, Child Study Team

Lance Sampieri is a very passionate teacher, who has a unique role as both a science teacher and a Physical Education teacher. He is a true team player, who helps all students and staff members without being asked.

Lance can be found motivating students in gym as well as through exciting lessons in the science lab.  He coaches girl’s volleyball, co-ed track, and he’s the assistant coach for the boys basketball team. 

Outside of the classroom Lance volunteers his time to help supervise at sporting events, school dances and he oversees the 8th grade promotion. He’s also very handy with fixing technical issues for staff members on his free time.

 Lance is a member of the CORE team at LTMS that supports students in crisis.  He is also a district trainer for teaching teachers and support staff in CPI crisis intervention training.  

Lance Sampieri is a valued member of the Lacey Middle School community and does not always receive the credit that he deserves, but that changes now as he is named as a Teacher Who Rocks!


LISA BOYLE
Spanish Teacher, Red Bank Regional High School
Nominated by fellow teacher Jamie Maritz

Lisa Boyle has been teaching Spanish at Red Bank Regional since 2002 and has served as the advisor for the Spanish National Honor Society for the past 10 years. In addition to her roles during school hours, Lisa helps at a community tutoring program after school.

Lisa dedicates so much time and energy to her students, colleagues, and the school. The students love her. They can feel how much Lisa truly cares about each and every one of them. She exudes positive energy and enthusiasm, making learning fun for every student. She and her students volunteer their time for various community service opportunities, such as stuffing stocking for the military and acting as translator during middle school parent teacher conferences.

Lisa goes above and beyond for each child in the school, even if they don’t have her as a teacher. Which is why she has such a positive reputation at our school. Everything Lisa does she does with passion and biggest heart. This school year Lisa won Teacher of the Year at RBR, and now she can add another award to her mantle as a Teacher Who Rocks!


CHRIS HENSEL
Music teacher, H&M Potter Elementary School in Bayville
Nominated by assistant principal Melissa Gallagher

Chris Hensel has adapted to his role of elementary music teacher with ease and grace, taking the music program to a new level. Chris orchestrated the integration of chorus and band, all while attending to his daily lessons and acting as an integral member of our annual school play. He even went as far as to embroider hats for each chorus member so they would stand out at the holiday shows.

Chris works collaboratively and cooperatively with staff members to foster a learning environment and promote a school culture that is second to none. His wonderful personality and expertise in his craft brings out the best in each of his learners. Whether it is in the classroom, hallways, lunchroom or one of his many practices, Chris Hensel’s passion and dedication to the students most deservedly make him one to be celebrated as a Teacher Who Rocks.


TRACEY JAROSSY
4th Grade Teacher at Clara B. Worth
Nominated by Cara Burton, Principal

Tracey Jarossy, is one of the most dedicated, hard-working, loving, caring, and compassionate teachers anyone could ever ask for.   

Tracey is not only looked up to by her students, but she is greatly admired by her colleagues, parents, and administration.  Ms. Jarossy’s students are guaranteed an unforgettable year, and that’s illustrated by the number of CBW graduates who come back to catch up with her.

One of Tracey’s greatest strengths is her unique ability to connect personally with any student, often sharing life lessons from her personal experiences to help students understand and connect.  She goes above and beyond to make sure students feel safe, loved, and cared for.  Outside of the classroom, Tracey serves as a club coordinator and Stokes chaperone.  She volunteers her time as a mentor to aspiring teachers, and she works at the Camp Paw summer program to further serve the students of Berkeley Township.

Ms. Jarossy deserves recognition for her devotion both in and out of the classroom. She works hard to provide the best education possible for all her students.   She is not afraid to take risks, and encourages her students to do the same.  She is always up for the challenge, and therefore the definition of a Teacher Who Rocks!


ELIZABETH BRADLEY
Basic Skills Teacher at Ocean Acres Elementary in Manahawkin
Nominated by Principal Susan D’Alessandro

Elizabeth Bradley has been teaching in the Stafford Township School District for just over eighteen years.  As the basic skills teacher Elizabeth is responsible for providing comprehensive intervention support to Ocean Acres’ neediest 1st and 2nd grade students.  

Mrs. Bradley offers her students a welcoming environment that promotes academic success, and throughout the school year she spends time researching cutting edge ideas to strengthen the classroom environment and to help prepare her students for life beyond the classroom.

Mrs. Bradley believes that every student can learn, but that every student does not learn the same way. She strives for each of her students to achieve as much independence as possible by shaping her lessons to each student’s individual learning ability.  Her positive “yes you can” attitude helps her students feel safe, that they are free to learn from their mistakes, and that they can work together as a community of learners.

Mrs. Bradley takes her role as a teacher leader in our building quite seriously.  She is always willing to assist when needed to help strengthen the abilities of her peers in any needed area.  The entire school community is fortunate to have a teacher of Mrs. Bradley’s caliber not only providing our students with expert instruction but also being available as a resource when the staff needs something as well.  

The passion Elizabeth Bradley brings to the classroom has changed the lives of her students and the entire Ocean Acres educational community, making her a Teacher Who Rocks!


CAOLAN SINISI
Teacher of the Handicapped at Marlboro Middle School
Nominated by Sue Hermann, co-teacher

Caolan Sinisi teaches math to students with various disabilities, tailoring each lesson to benefit each and every one of her students.

This year Caolan began teaching a multiply disabled class, with each lesson functional in nature.  As these students grow older, they need to acquire skills to help them be as independent as possible.  Caolan works very hard with each of them on time, money, and budgeting.  She has taken them out to restaurants and the mall to work on purchasing what they need.  They have worked on adding monetary amounts, calculating tips, as well as how to behave appropriately and interact with others.

Caolan also works with her students on the school store where they sell items to their peers, take inventory, and interact with others, as well as the Snack Shack where the kids follow recipes and serve food to their peers.  All of these hands-on experiences help her students with critical math skills that they will need to know for the future.

Caolan has tremendous adoration for her students as she spends time preparing lessons, researching methods and strategies, and making materials to help them succeed.
Caolan Sinisi is loved by students, teachers, parents, and administrators alike, making her a Teacher Who Rocks.  


SARA CIMINO
Special Education Education Teacher at Southern Regional Middle School
Nominated by fellow teacher Sara Line

Sara Cimino has been a special education teacher at Southern Regional for six years and is known for her big heart and her ability to give a kind word of encouragement. As a special education teacher, Sara has to be familiar with all subject matters. She is a jack of all trades, certified in Language Arts and Mathematics, allowing her to assist students with whatever concepts they find difficult.

Sara illustrates patience daily, with a gentle tone and positive reinforcement for children who often feel that they will fail before they even begin. She finds a way to brighten their mood, either by giving them a compliment or an offer to stay after school with them to give them extra help.

Sara has been on several committees, currently serving on the SCIP committee, which develops and improves programs for student success. She also advised the Leo Club, which is involved in helping those in need. From collecting warm winter clothing for the Salvation Army, to volunteering for Clothe a Child, to sending supplies to hurricane victims, Sara is always lending support to others.

Outside of school, she and her husband are very involved in their church and assist with their special needs youth group. One of her favorite days is a “Day of Pampering”. Where, once a year she takes the mothers of special needs children to a spa so they get a day of attention and appreciation. She is also very passionate about the Ocean County ARC program and has been a volunteer with their group for many years. She assists in their dances and social events such as the “Night to Shine”, which is similar to a prom for special needs adults.

Sara is a strong advocate for students with special needs and makes sure that their emotional and educational requirements are being met, which is not an easy task. Her ability to make a difference in her students’ lives, her fellow teachers’ lives and her community makes her a Teacher Who Rocks!


HEATHER SCOTT
Special Education Teacher at Warren Wolf Elementary School in Brick
Nominated by Amanda Marinaro, 8th Grade Science/STEM Teacher at Memorial Middle School

Heather Scott may have started her teaching career only five years ago, but when you walk into her class you’d think she is a seasoned vet based on the love she has for and from her 12 LLD (Learning/Language Disability) students.

Heather’s dedication to the special needs population began long ago, working for many years as a job coach for adults with disabilities before entering the world of education. She brought with her a solid real-world background for special education teaching along with great energy and enthusiasm.

But the true beginning of Heather’s experience with working with individuals was when her son Justin was born under extraordinary circumstances.

Heather doesn’t every really get to leave her work in the classroom as many of us do. She is always “working.” Her commitment to the special education community goes beyond the school day, putting in extra hours, being involved with challenger basketball and baseball with her son, as well as playing an active roll in the curriculum development for her building.

Heather’s excellent classroom management skills, volunteering, rapport with students and colleagues, and impact on the community are immeasurable, making her a Teacher Who Rocks!


PAIGE GRAY
4th Grade Teacher at Walnut Street Elementary School
Nominated by Shea Gainey, Kindergarten Teacher

Every student at Walnut Street Elementary School, and beyond, deserves a teacher like Paige Gray. After teaching early education for the first six years of her career, Paige made a huge jump this school year from kindergarten to 4th grade, and she did so seamlessly. Having already made a reputation for herself at Walnut Street Elementary School as a teacher who can take all students to great heights, parents know when they recommend their children to have Paige as a teacher (which they do quite often) that they will be receiving a top notch, prestigious education.

Paige models what it is to be a lifelong learner to her students, by continuing her education and always researching the latest strategies and teaching styles in each subject area in order to engage and reach her students as effectively as possible. She devotes the immense amount of time it takes to research and implement the most current methods of teaching her students. Walk into Paige’s classroom at any given time and you will see students working together in what she calls a true classroom community of learners who respect and care for one another.

The classroom walls are adorned with positive and encouraging words for students, reminding them that they are all readers, writers, mathematicians, scientists, historians and engineers. When they leave Paige’s classroom in June, not only are they prepared academically, but they leave with the confidence that all students need from their teachers.

Paige serves the entire 4th grade ESL population at Walnut Street, some of whom are new to the country. It is extremely important to her that these students, and their families feel comfortable and confident entering her classroom. She even devotes time after school to a program designed to help struggling students pull ahead. Paige’s classroom is frequently used as a model classroom in the district, for other teachers and administrators to come and observe highly effective teaching.

Paige is most definitely a Teacher Who Rocks!


MARK COSTA
8th Grade Science Teacher at Red Bank Middle School
Nominated by Mary Wyman, Vice Principal.

If you were to ask any Red Bank Middle School graduate what teacher they most revere and remember you can bet that they will say Mr. Costa. He has owned the 8th grade science teaching position for almost 20 years. Mark has brought energy, enthusiasm, and rigor to the classroom each and everyday.

His passion for all things science has been evident through his infamous teaching lessons in the science lab. Mark leads students in creating outstanding interactive notebooks, he plans and prepares for numerous lessons involving explorations and dissections, and he uses technology in order to captivate his students and make the learning meaningful. He provides fun and hands-on experiences that his 8th graders remember for years to come!

Mark is also a valuable contributor to the whole school community through his work as the yearbook editor and in-house photographer. His award winning photos have captured the true spirit of our students and community for over a decade.

Mark has also contributed as a volunteer athletics coach. The connection he makes with his student-athletes carries over into the classroom because he encourages his students to be their best selves in all they do.

Mark Costa rocks, rolls and does whatever it takes to be an outstanding teacher at the Red Bank Middle School, making him a Teacher Who Rocks!


ELIZABETH ENGLISH
12th Grade English Teacher at Freehold Township High School
Nominated by fellow teacher Erica Latz

“Hi, I’m Ms. English, and I teach English,” is Beth English’s go-to line. A teacher for 18 years now, Beth teaches inclusion all the way up to Honors. All of her lessons are thought-out and have clear intention, and her students want to work hard for her.

In addition to her classroom duties, Beth is in charge of multiple committees, and she implemented Patriot Nation Week to boost morale among the students and staff. This year Beth started the Patriot Female Athletic Mentorship program, in which she prepares female upper-classmen athletes from different sports to be mentors to female under-classmen athletes. Beth also coaches varsity tennis, JV basketball, and freshmen softball, and over her career she was one state sectional titles, divisional titles, and Coach of the Year awards.

Outside of school, Beth is currently taking graduate level courses in order to earn her Principal certificate. She does everything with a smile and positive attitude that is rare and unique. She recently won Teacher of the Year at Freehold Township High School, and Patriot Nation is lucky to her, as Beth English is definitely a Teacher Who Rocks.


LAURA TOAL
Art Teacher at Hazlet Middle School
Nominated by Principal Christine McCoid

Laura Toal is an exceptional educator, creative and talented, as all art teachers must be. She is also the biggest cheerleader, supporter and advocate for all of her students. She recognizes that students who might struggle academically and behaviorally can excel in the arts, and she welcomes every student with open arms. It’s incredible to visit the art studio and see a diverse group of students working side by side, chatting, collaborating and truly enjoying themselves as they create unique projects, such as mini masterpieces in clay, self-portraits, and original paintings.

A few years ago, Laura turned her Art Club into the Art of RAINE Team. RAINE is a local organization that supports children and families in need. Laura saw an opportunity to use the arts to benefit the community, so she transformed the art club into a group of students who use their talents in support of others. The Art of RAINE Team makes clay pots and bowls, which they sell in order to donate funds to “fill others’ bowls” at Thanksgiving. They also design and make jewelry and ornaments to sell during the winter holidays, in order to make a donation to the RAINE holiday toy drive.

Laura has truly created a team of students who are not only developing their artistic abilities with her guidance, but who are learning to give rather than receive, to reach out to the local community, and to generously support those in need.

Laura Toal is a teacher who rocks, because she loves her job, loves kids, loves helping others, loves to teach and loves to learn, and Laura uses this love to make a difference in her students’ lives.


MARYJO IACHETTA
7th Grade Math Teacher at Lacey Township Middle School
Nominated by fellow teacher, Kathleen Cafiero

MaryJo Iachetta, or MJ as she is known by staff, is that individual who does it all. From the start of her career she has strived for the best from herself and her students.

MJ has a magical connection to her math students. She is able to help already nervous 7th graders acclimate as they navigate a new building, helping them through everything from going to the wrong classroom, locker problems, and finding the cafeteria . But what she sets her apart is being a part of every activity the evolves in the middle school.

Whether it’s rocking PJ’s or crazy spiked hair day during Spirit Week or riding a scooter during a pep rally, MJ puts herself out there so the students know she is part of them.

MJ makes special connections with her students, from greeting everyone in the morning to participating in after school activities.

On top of her teaching duties MJ even makes time to coach field hockey and lacrosse at the high school level in addition to serving as head coach for the middle school field hockey team. As if that weren’t enough, she is also a student counsel advisor and union rep.

One of the greatest testimonials for MJ is when former students who are now in college tell current 7th graders how lucky they are to have Mrs. Iachetta as a teacher for not just math, but for life in general. MaryJo Iachetta is unquestionably a Teacher Who Rock

ANGELA FRAWLEY
Special Education Teacher at Berkeley Township Elementary
Nominated by Daniel Prima, Principal

Angela Frawley is a special education teacher who takes a great deal of pride in her profession and her students.

Angela knows the importance of establishing strong connections with her students and their families, holding several family activities throughout the school year. She works hard with everyone to ensure each child’s success, and when a child is placed in Mrs. Frawley’s class – the whole family becomes part of that class.

Angela continually pushes her students daily to do their best and refuses to accept anything less. Her students know there are no shortcuts and realize that Mrs. Frawley will not cut them any slack if they are not working to their maximum potential.

She believes in every student and continually challenges them daily. She takes pride in what she does and is always looking for ways to improve. She is someone who is a lifelong learner and the students within her classroom are lucky to have such a caring and nurturing professional. The entire staff at Berkeley Township Elementary is fortunate to work with such a talented, caring professional each and every day.

Angela Frawley is truly a “Teacher Who Rocks.”


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