The Manchester Township Board of Education honored the school district’s 2009 Teachers of the Year at their May meeting, which was packed with students, staff, family and friends who were there to show their support for the honored teachers.
Board of Education President, Mary Walter, congratulated the Teachers of the Year and also extended the board’s appreciation to all of the district’s teachers. “We value the support and guidance, the instruction, and the attention they give to our students everyday.”
Regional Day School - Dr. Mark Stanley
Regional Day School Principal, Ralph Lotierzo, had the honor of not only announcing Dr. Mark Stanley as the RDS Teacher of the Year, but also announced that Stanley was selected as both District Teacher of the Year and Ocean County Teacher of the Year. “This is just a glimpse of this man’s path on the road to excellence,” said Lotierzo. “To observe Mark in action is to observe an art form in progress – there is always a little science and magic going on.”
Stanley began his teaching career in 1975, and came to the Regional Day School as a Special Education Teacher in 1986. Lotierzo praised Stanley for his lifelong pursuit of continuing his own education, having most recently earned a Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Special Education. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Art Education, a Masters of Science Degree in Special Education, and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership.
Lotierzo read a letter that a troubled student wrote to Dr. Stanley. “He hasn’t just made me a better student, but also a better person,” the student wrote. “He’s my hero.”
Stanley remarked, “What I really wanted to say is that none of this would be possible without the board, administration, teachers and staff who support you at every turn. We have one purpose – to make a child the best they can be – and you make it possible.”
Manchester Township High School - Mrs. Joyce Dworkin
Principal Alex George introduced Math Teacher Mrs. Joyce Dworkin as Manchester Township High School’s Teacher of the Year.
Dworkin has been teaching in the district for 21 years. She began her Manchester career as a basic skills teacher at Ridgeway and Whiting before moving to the high school in 1994. She has taught a variety of classes at the high school including contemporary math, integrated math, algebra and geometry. Dworkin also serves as a teacher leader at the high school. She has facilitated faculty workshops on classroom management, has served as a mentor for first year teachers and is a member of the building assessment committee. This year she was also involved in a series of workshops focused on the teaching methodologies needed for the 21st Century Classroom, which she will share with her fellow teachers in the building.
“Mrs. Dworkin creates a warm yet challenging environment that is rooted in mutual respect. Her students are met with a smile everyday, and high expectations for success,” said George. “With her varied schedule, many of her students find math to be a struggle, for others it may be a point of strength, but whatever the case, with Mrs. Dworkin they will be supported and challenged to reach their potential.”
“I find this incredibly overwhelming but greatly appreciated,” said Dworkin. “And I want to thank everyone in Manchester for being a part of my very extended family.”
Ridgeway Elementary School - Mrs. Geri Szoke
Ridgeway Elementary School Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Geri Szoke, has been the Ridgeway School Media Specialist for the past 12 years. “Mrs. Szoke is an outstanding educator who epitomizes the elite of her profession. She is dedicated, caring and continuously strives to foster a love of reading in our students,” said Principal Diane Pedroza. “She is a valuable member of our school community and has created a library that is truly the hub of our school.”
In addition to her duties in the school library, Szoke works with Ridgeway’s gifted and talented students in grades K-2, teaches summer jump start, works on numerous committees, and assists her colleagues by providing research and materials that enhance curriculum. She has also written several grants, including a $10,000 award from the OceanFirst Foundation.
“I am very honored and excited to be standing here in my own media center accepting the honor of Teacher of the Year,” said Szoke. “Ridgeway School has an amazing group of professionals as staff members. You inspire me on a daily basis.”
Whiting Elementary School - Mrs. Michelle Brooks
Mrs. Michelle Brooks is Whiting School’s 2009 Teacher of the Year. Brooks grew up in Whiting and graduated from MTHS in 1995. She is a 2000 graduate of Eastern University in Pennsylvania, began teaching as a long-term substitute at Whiting School in the spring of 2001, and was hired as a full-time third grade teacher that fall. Michelle has taught second as well as third grade and looped with her students this year.
“Michelle is well respected by her students, the staff and her parents. She is extremely patient and has a way of reaching students others might consider difficult,” said Principal Marge Stevens. “She is not afraid to take risks and continually challenges her students with activities that are differentiated in order to meet individual learning needs. She knows all children can learn and be successful and is thrilled to see the light bulb turn on for a child.”
“Being chosen as Teacher of the Year is unquestionably the most extraordinary honor of my career,” said Brooks. She gave credit to her colleagues and her students, many of whom sat on the floor in front of her as she spoke. “I am so grateful to be a part of the Whiting School family.”
Manchester Township Elementary School - Paul Harrigan
Manchester Township Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year, Paul Harrigan, has taught fourth and fifth grades there since 1996. He is also involved in Reading is Fundamental, Book Chat and peer presentations of differential learning strategies. He is currently the Assistant Girls’ Volleyball Coach at the high school. He also holds a Masters Degree in Administration from Glassboro State College.
“Paul is quiet, yet he is one of the most effective teachers in my building,” said Principal Dr. Frances Scudese. “He is always prepared with lessons that challenge each student. When thinking about words to describe Paul, the list would include: professional, talented, caring, creative, team player, leader, and most of all – a role model.” As an example, Scudese read an e-mail from a former student who credited Harrigan with inspiring her to become a teacher.
"This honor should be shared with everyone I work with," said Harrigan. "I have never felt like I was teaching alone. And of course, I thank my students also."
Manchester Township Middle School - Ms. Susan Giannone
Manchester Township Middle School Principal, Tom Baxter, said, “I am very proud to announce Ms. Susan Giannone as the middle school’s Teacher of the Year.”
Giannone has been a teacher for 28 years, 26 of them in Manchester. She came to the high school as a Physical Education & Health Teacher in 1983 and moved to the middle school in 1990. Giannone coached the cheerleading programs at both the high school and middle school during this time.
“She is very, very involved in many of the activities that the students do here at the middle school,” said Baxter as he listed some of those activities, including the middle school dance unit, Hoops for Heart, Project ACES, school dances, and chaperoning the 8th grade trip. In addition, he said, she is certified in TESA and Peer Mediation and uses her Red Cross certification to in-service staff members in CPR.
Thanking her colleagues for the honor, Giannone spoke about her passion for Physical Education and the importance of teaching children healthy habits in a time when childhood obesity has become a national health crisis. “I am very proud to say that I have made a difference and that I am a Physical Education Teacher,” she said. “Thank you for this honor and your confidence in me.”
