DO YOU KNOW A TEACHER WHO ROCKS? NOMINATE THEM
Roberta Zsoldos
Ridgeway Elementary School
Nominated by Vice Principal Kerry Young
A big shout out to the newest Teacher Who Rocks member, Roberta Zsoldos of Ridgeway Elementary School in Manchester. It’s E.S.P week, Educational Support Professional Week on The Rat’s Teachers Who Rock, Class of 2024.
Mrs. Zsoldos started as a volunteer. That was over a decade ago. She’s been in the role of a paraprofessional since 2019 and a Registered Behavior Technician for a year. Roberta’s role is to reduce challenging behaviors. Students and teachers both feel supported, thanks to her dedication to learning.
Students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally thanks to Roberta’s calming presence. Her ability to communicate with everyone involved allows her to play a vital role in creating a positive and productive learning environment. She is – literally – glue that keeps it together.
It’s Educational Support Professional Week as we begin to wrap up the 2024 Class of Teachers Who Rock here at The Rat, we’re proud to honor Roberta Zsoldos of Ridgeway Elementary School.
Sean Furnari
Berkley Township Elementary
Nominated By Assistant Principal Michael Conforti
A big shout out to our newest Teacher Who Rocks member, Sean Furnari of Berkeley Township Elementary School. It’s E.S.P week, Educational Support Professional Week on The Rat’s Teachers Who Rock, Class of 2024.
Everyone knows Mr. Furnari as “Mr. Sean” so that’s what we’re calling him too. Mr. Sean is a custodial expert beyond expectation at Berkeley Elementary. What sets him apart is his positive attitude. It’s “get things done” all day long.
Mr. Sean’s work ethic is beyond reproach. He has this uncanny ability to know what needs to be done without being asked. He pays attention to the details. Everyone understands that he is a big part of our school community. So much so that Mr. Sean is always part of any discussion that deals with the building.
It’s Educational Support Professional Week as we begin to wrap up the 2024 Class of Teachers Who Rock here at The Rat, we’re proud to honor Sean Furnari of Berkeley Township Elementary.
Lisa Lucariello
Tuckerton Elementary
Nominated by Susan Coppolino
A big shout out the newest Teacher Who Rocks, Lisa Lucariello of Tuckerton Elementary School.
Ms. Lucariello serves as both the Art Teacher and World Language Instructor at Tuckerton Elementary School. Patience and preparedness describe her vibe each day. Her World Language classes are interesting and fun. Lisa is excellent at using technology to further her teaching goals while maintaining a healthy distance from depending on screen time.
As an art teacher, Lisa and her students bring the open spaces of Tuckerton Elementary School to life, providing colorful murals that bring color and energy to the daily experiences of students and teachers, alike.
As we continue the 2024 Class of Teachers Who Rock here at The Rat, we’re proud to highlight the efforts of Lisa Lucariello of Tuckerton Elementary School.
Jill Turner
Old Mill Elementary School
Nominated by PTO VP Lindsay Kenyon
A big shout out to the newest Teacher Who Rocks, Jill Turner of Old Mill Elementary School in Sea Girt.
In the off time, you’ll find Mrs. Turner volunteering at the Old Mill Fun Run and Manasquan Candy Cane Hunt because she loves running into students outside of the school. Jill’s lesson plan is filled with fun ways to learn.
For example, the Haunted House ad writing led students to write a “for sale” ad for a haunted house! Her “Dogsgiving” was a planning session for a puppy feast, not human. And this time of year, Mrs. Turner’s “Turner-ment” of books is a readers bracket competition like March Madness. Teachers who just heard that last one are welcome to steal it from her.
What’s more, her communication with parents is top-notch and immediate – very important. And she serves on multiple school committees.
As we continue the 2024 Class of Teachers Who Rock here at The Rat, we’re proud to highlight the efforts of Jill Turner of Old Mill Elementary.
Lauren Treschock
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!
Kristy Soltmann
Emma Havens Young Elementary School, Brick
Taking a moment to shout out our Teacher Who Rocks, Kristy Soltmann a kindergarten special education teacher at Emma Havens Young Elementary School in Brick. Kristy is the 2024 NJEA Community Spotlight Award Winner.
Mrs. Soltmann earns the spotlight award for being a crucial colleague to other teachers in her building. Kristy shows leadership like showing new teachers how to do lesson plans, make important student observations, and – most importantly – communicate with parents.
Always a positive guide, Mrs. Soltmann excels during staff in-service days. What’s more, she volunteers extra time for the Early Act Club, the School Community Outreach Program, Reading Adventure Night, and more. Plus, she leads her students with a project for young beachgoers at the Brick Community Beach and a local food drive.
Congrats are in order for the NJEA Community Spotlight Award Winner: Kristy Soltmann of Emma Havens Young.
95.9 The RAT Is Excited To Announce The NJEA 2024 Community Service Spotlight Award Winner
Stephanie Rebecchi
Lanes Mills Elementary
Nominated by Heather McGowan & Melissa Hall
Taking a moment to shout out our Teacher Who Rocks, Stephanie Rebecchi of Lanes Mill Elementary School in Brick.
Mrs. Rebecchi is the definition of versatile. She juggles students from many walks of the educational system in her 3rd-grade class. She moves from multi-lingual learners to excel students to 504’s to kids with IEP’s with the style and class of an educational angel. From working within small groups to one on one teaching; Stephanie rocks each situation. She brings a sense of fun and accomplishment to every learning opportunity.
This year she has taken on the added responsibility of being the PTA liaison meaning she’s become an extension of parents for the school, and visa versa a representative of the school for parents.
As we continue the 2024 Class of Teachers Who Rock here at The Rat, we’re proud to highlight the extra efforts of Stephanie Rebecchi of Lanes Mill Elementary School.
Cara Schwartz
Clark Mills Elementary School
Nominated by Shannon Riehl
Taking a moment to shout out our Teacher Who Rocks, Cara Schwartz, a math teacher at Clark Mills School in Manalapan.
Clarks Mills was recently named a “Blue Ribbon” school and Mrs. Schwartz is certainly part of the reason why. A product of both Rutgers and Monmouth Universities, Cara can point to the success of her students as proof that she’s got the skills. Her 5th-grade students consistently rank among the top achievers in the district and qualify for advanced placement.
From pioneering virtual instruction during the most trying school year to coaching Frax learning groups to running high-impact math tutoring programs, Mrs. Schwartz lines up success day in and day out. Not only that, she advised colleagues on conducting math labs in the classroom setting and she piloted the ST Math program for the school district. 19 years in and it seems like she’s just scratching the surface.
As we continue the 2024 Class of Teachers Who Rock here at The Rat, we’re proud to highlight the efforts of Cara Schwartz of Clark Mills School in Manalapan.
Jill Kramer
Clara B. Worth Elementary School
Nominated by Maureen Palheta
Taking a moment to shout out our Teacher Who Rocks, Jill Kramer of the Clara B. Worth school in Bayville.
Mrs. Kramer is a versatile educator. She’s a 3rd-grade teacher but also has experience teaching 1st, 4th, and 5th grade students. She motivates the kids to make good choices, to become thinkers, and problem solvers, and to help out in class. She has a daily affirmation style, telling them that they are smart, they are strong and they are loved.
Bringing the kids into their community becomes a learning experience for Jill’s students as they visit places like Cattus Island Park, the planetarium, Jake Branch Park, and more. Pairing up pen-pals with kids from other districts helps the class reach out even more.
As we continue the 2024 Class of Teachers Who Rock here at The Rat, we’re proud to highlight the extra efforts of Jill Kramer of the Clara B.
Lisa Marotto
Toms River High School
Nominated by Principal Erin Anders
Taking a moment to shout out our Teacher Who Rocks, Lisa Marotto, a math teacher at Toms River High School East.
All teachers have to communicate goals and requirements with students, and Lisa has this down to a science. She is known for her outstanding bulletin boards and her weekly calendar posts events in a crafty and cool way. She currently teaches Algebra II and Pre-Calculus classes. And Lisa does it in a way that is engaging for all the students.
No stranger to volunteering, she fills a visual space in the photography club and the drama club as well.
After 40 years at the blackboard (so to speak), Mrs. Marotto is retiring at the end of this year. Countless students have benefitted from Lisa’s dedication to teaching.
As we continue the 2024 Class of Teachers Who Rock here at The Rat, we’re proud to highlight the efforts of Lisa Marotto of Toms River High School East.
Daniela Barbaccia
St. Mary Academy
Nominated by Brendan Ryan
Taking a moment to shout out our Teacher Who Rocks, Daniela Barbaccia of Saint Mary Academy in Manahawkin.
Mrs. Barbaccia is a Kindergarten teacher who wears lots of hats. She began as a parent volunteer at All Saints Regional Catholic School. After a brief stint as a receptionist, she’s now back in the classroom at St. Mary Academy.
Daniela fosters a caring environment of learning through countless hours of planning. Her meticulous decorations also serve as learning tools for the students. She’s the perfect mix of teaching from books while being nurturing in a kind and caring manner.
The fun atmosphere that follows Mrs. Barbaccia enriches students and faculty alike.
As we continue the 2024 Class of Teachers Who Rock here at The Rat, we’re proud to highlight the extra efforts of Daniela Barbaccia of Saint Mary Academy in Manahawkin.
Donna Palumbo
H&M Potter School
Nominated by Principal Andrea Cimino
Taking a moment to shout out our Teacher Who Rocks, Donna Palumbo a pre-school teacher at H&M Potter School in Bayville.
Donna knows that a young student’s first school experience must be positive. Her classroom is bright, welcoming, and the perfect place for students to learn through play and imagination. Each day she designs hands-on lessons that help the children grow and explore their environment.
The foundation that Mrs. Palumbo creates lasts well through elementary school and parents and following years teachers benefit from the positive experience she provides her students.
As we continue the 2024 Class of Teachers Who Rock here at The Rat, we’re proud to highlight the efforts of Donna Palumbo of H&M Potter School in Bayville.
Kelly Bourke
Grunin Performing Arts Academy
Nominated by Vice Principal Kyle Seiverd
Taking a moment to shout out our Teacher Who Rocks, Kelly Bourke of the Grunin Performing Arts Academy.
Grunin Academy is not your typical high school. Students there each have a major that focuses on performing art. Kelly is a dance teacher; her goal is to take students from diverse backgrounds and teach them to move fluidly and in sync. Kelly has the ability to know when the outside world impacts a student’s ability to perform. She reaches beyond the classroom to guide students through dance and learning.
What’s more, Mrs. Bourke has brought her students to volunteer on a project her dad started to honor teachers lost in the Newtown school shooting. Her students have helped paint several playgrounds that have been built in communities ravaged by Superstorm Sandy; the playgrounds are named for teachers who were struck down that day in Connecticut.
As we continue the 2024 Class of Teachers Who Rock here at The Rat, we’re proud to highlight the extra efforts of Kelly Bourke of the Grunin Performing Arts Academy. .
Bre Hartman
Red Bank Middle School
Nominated by Athletic Director Isaac Nathanson
Taking a moment to shout out our Teacher Who Rocks, Bre Hartman of Red Bank Middle School.
Bre Hartman, 6th grade math teacher. Not many of us would trade places with her but there’s no place she’d rather be than in that classroom helping math “click” for her students.
Above and beyond are what Bre is all about. She sets an example for students by volunteering at Red Bank EMS and she’s currently pursuing her dream of becoming a volunteer firefighter.
Beyond that, her inspiring work as a volunteer coach to not one but two recreation softball teams sets Mrs. Hartman out as a role model in the community.
Bre is constantly inspiring students to give their best on and off the field and in and out of the classroom. .As we continue the 2024 Class of Teachers Who Rock here at The Rat, we’re proud to highlight the efforts of Bre Hartman of Red Bank Middle School. For more information, click Teachers Who Rock at WRAT dot com.
Stephanie Faille
Forked River Elementary School
Nominated by Brenda Camaligan
Taking a moment to shout out our Teacher Who Rocks, Stephanie Faille of Forked River Elementary School.
Mrs. Faille’s work as a music teacher emphasizes the fact that music supports the academic, emotional, and social growth of everyone. Here’s a fun fact: Stephanie developed a high school guitar program, and she is currently teaching all of her 4th and 5th graders how to play the ukulele.
This year Mrs. Faille taught her 90 chorus students how to sing holiday songs in languages beyond English, including Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in American Sign Language. The performance was a showstopper.
In addition to her work as a music teacher, Stephanie is the choral and band director and somehow she finds the time to serve on the district’s professional development committee.
As we continue the 2024 Class of Teachers Who Rock here at The Rat, we’re proud to highlight the extra efforts of Stephanie Faille of Forked River Elementary School.
Stephanie Danziger
Mill Pond School
Nominated by District Supervisor Mallory Krakovski
Taking a moment to shout out our Teacher Who Rocks, Stephanie Danziger of Mill Pond School in Lanoka Harbor.
Mrs. Danziger lives and breathes preschool. There is no one you will find that has as much passion for your littlest learners. She is the model teacher, who can make students’ first exposure to school positive and FUN! Whether it’s silly songs or silly dancing, she takes a fun approach to serious learning.
Stephanie recently transitioned into a position that took her out of the daily classroom. As a “Preschool Instructional Coach” she now shares her positive thinking towards learning with all her colleagues. As a result, all the students benefit.
In addition, Mrs. Danziger’s contributions to the Unified Champions and Special Olympics promote inclusivity for everyone.
As we continue the 2024 Class of Teachers Who Rock here at The Rat, we’re proud to highlight the efforts of Stephanie Danziger of Mill Pond School in Lanoka Harbor.
Jacqueline Clayton
Silver Bay Elementary School
Nominated by Allison McConnell Tracy
Taking a moment to shout out our Teacher Who Rocks, Jacqueline Clayton of Silver Bay Elementary School in Toms River.
Jackie Clayton’s students look forward to school. Incredible, but true. She uses a colorful and immersive classroom to wrap first-grade kids into learning.
A fun reward system creates a thriving learning environment which leads some students to earn special activities. They could be an assistant for the day, earn a dance party, or even bring in a furry friend to class. The system motivates students in a fun way.
A highlight of Mrs. Clayton’s teaching process is communicating with parents to be sure they know how their young student is progressing. She even welcomes parents and students alike into class for a holiday activity in class.
As we continue the 2024 Class of Teachers Who Rock here at The Rat, we’re proud to highlight the extra efforts of Jacqueline Clayton of Silver Bay Elementary School in Toms River.
Alicia Marino
Hugh J. Boyd Elementary School
Nominated by Vanessa Gomen
So, one thing that’s really cool about Mrs. Marino is that she’s been a teacher for two decades at the very elementary school she went to as a kid. How amazing is that?! A true Jersey girl, Alicia may not “pump gas” as the saying goes but she is an amazing Special Education teacher right here on the Jersey Shore.
Alicia takes the time to get to know her students academically and socially. Being able to relate to her students on a personal level truly allows them to feel comfortable and confident. This enables Alicia’s students to accomplish great things.
For the past 27 years, Alicia has dedicated her life to her students.
As we kick off the 2024 Class of Teachers Who Rock here at The Rat, we’re proud to highlight Alicia Marino of the Hugh J. Boyd Jr. Elementary School.
Jacqueline Castellano
Brick Memorial High School
Nominated by Darren St. Jean
Taking a moment to shout out our Teacher Who Rocks, Jacqueline Castellano of Brick Township Memorial High School.
Mrs. Castellano is the Brick Township High School Biology teacher and for her, biology is a subject that surrounds her and her students well beyond the classroom. Learning opportunities are everywhere.
Jacqueline’s workday does not begin and end with a bell. Her lessons inspire and prepare her students for future endeavors. She is a teacher that most colleagues would say inspires the uninspired.
Mrs. Castellano works as part of the AP Biology Program at the District S.T.E.M. Academy, she’s a National Honor Society Mentor, and teacher liaison for the School Parent Teacher Organization.
As we kick off the 2024 Class of Teachers Who Rock here at The Rat, we’re proud to highlight the extra efforts of Jacqueline Castellano of Brick Township Memorial High School.
Paul Harrigan
Manchester Township Elementary School
Nominated by Tierny Henderson
Taking a moment to shout out our Teacher Who Rocks, Paul Harrigan of Manchester Township Elementary School.
Mr. Harrigan is honored today as a humble leader at his school. In class, Paul recognizes the unique strengths and weaknesses of each student and tailors his teaching to approach and accommodate diverse learning styles. This takes patience and will.
This year’s challenge places Mr. Harrigan in four different classrooms, in three different grades all of which use different programs. Keeping one group is a challenge for most, yet Paul makes this transition happen constantly.
Extracurricular activities are one of Paul’s strengths and he actively supports after-school activities for students and professional growth for himself and his colleagues.
Paul is a former Teacher of the Year and was nominated again but he declined so someone else could receive the honor.
As we kick off the 2024 Class of Teachers Who Rock here at The Rat, we’re proud to highlight Paul Harrigan of Manchester Township Elementary School.
Marc Troccola
Clara B. Worth Elementary School
Nominated by Principal Cara Burton
Taking a moment to shout out our Teacher Who Rocks, Marc Troccola of the Clara B Worth Elementary School in Bayville.
Mr. Troccola is a special education teacher, and he IS, in fact, special. Appreciated by colleagues, families, and students alike, Marc is the kind of teacher who creates a bond with students. The bond makes him able to not just instruct and teach, but help his students learn and grow.
Mr. Marc Troccola is a shining example of the hard work, dedication, and compassion needed to positively impact the lives of all of the students in school.
As we kick off the 2024 Class of Teachers Who Rock here at The Rat, we’re proud to highlight Marc Troccola’s contributions to Clara B Worth Elementary School.
Ali Brown
Southern Regional Middle School in Manahawkin
Nominated by Marjorie Browning
Taking a moment to shout out our Teacher Who Rocks, Ali Brown of Southern Regional Middle School in Manahawkin!
Now, as for Ali Brown, English Teacher: Let’s just call her Mrs. Creative. We’re blown away by her ““Literary Food Truck Festival”. The program culminates with students creating food trucks based on the novels they read during the school year. Everything about the food truck from name to menu to branding needs to relate directly back to the themes, characters, setting, and ideas from their novels. Then, as a special surprise, a real food truck provides a special treat lunch.
Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Brown is a nurturing, calming presence. Each holiday season she organizes holiday baskets for students in need. At the beginning of the year, Ali organizes a kind of welcoming crew for new students. The “Welcome Wagon” brings students and faculty to the “new kid” so they don’t feel so alone on day one in a new school building.
As we kick off the 2024 Class of Teachers Who Rock here at The Rat, we’re proud to highlight Ali Brown’s contributions to Southern Regional Middle School in Manahawkin.
Susan Pirchio
Frog Pond Elementary School
Nominated by Lori Mahan
Taking a moment to shout out our Teacher Who Rocks, Susan Pirchio of Frog Pond Elementary School in Little Egg Harbor!
Mrs. Pirchio was chosen because she is a leader and someone the whole school looks to for guidance and help when needed. Last year, Susan wholeheartedly took on the challenge of helping the school find a new math curriculum, and this year she puts hours and hours of her own time into learning it. Additionally, she is helping other teachers with the transition.
And Sue never hesitates…whether it’s mentoring a new teacher, tutoring a student after school, or simply helping other teachers design their lessons, Sue is right there and willing to take it on. Sue does not give up on struggling students. Instead, she calls them one one-on-one and works on finding new ways to teach the same skill until something clicks for them. Finding that “click” isn’t easy, but it’s so worth it and so necessary for every kid.
Mrs. Pirchio brings patience, kindness, and passion every day. As we kick off the 2024 Class of Teachers Who Rock here at The Rat, we’re proud to highlight her contributions to Frog Pond Elementary School in Little Egg Harbor.
Gayle Gruber
Brick Township High School
Nominated by Carol Shaw
Taking a moment to shout out our Teacher Who Rocks, Gayle Gruber of Brick Township High School!
Mrs. Gruber has multiple accolades already including multiple Middle Division Art Educators of New Jersey Teacher of the Year awards and the Moss Foundation for Children’s Education National Art Teacher.
Brick Township High School benefits from her creative and nurturing classroom. The freedom of creative expression is Gayle’s goal every day.
Over the 21 years, she has been an educator, Mrs. Gruber has served as a student mentor, helped students coordinate a towel and blanket drive, and volunteered her art skills for the Monmouth County Park System.
Even while doing all this for students, she’s busy bettering herself by obtaining her Ph.D. in Holocaust and Genocide Studies from Gratz College and writing a published children’s book all while battling breast cancer; which could very well be her greatest achievement.
As we kick off the 2024 Class of Teachers Who Rock here at The Rat, we’re proud to highlight Gayle Gruber’s contributions to Brick Township High School.
Victoria Guy
Berkeley Township Elementary School
Nominated by Principal Daniel Prima
Take a moment to shout out our Teacher Who Rocks, Victoria Guy of Berkeley Township Elementary School!
A Teacher of The Year in 2021, Mrs. Guy excels in building trusting relationships with her students. Her caring approach is appreciated by students and parents alike.
Beyond the complicated 6th grade classroom Victoria has assisted the PTA and administration with dozens of student and family-centered activities such as Battle of the Books, Uno Night, Bingo Night, Fun Fest, and Holiday Ornament Building just to name a few.
Not just that, she most recently has joined forces with the school’s autism program providing a way for her students to “give back” themselves.
She steps up to challenges and requests, and when another teacher needs some support; there is Mrs. Guy – being the glue that keeps our building together.
As we kick off the 2024 Class of Teachers Who Rock here at The Rat, we’re proud to highlight Victoria Guy’s contributions to Berkeley Township Elementary School.
DO YOU KNOW A TEACHER WHO ROCKS? NOMINATE THEM
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