Congratulations to the Following Teachers!
Brought to you by:
Kimberly Grigoli
Kindergarten Teacher
Spring Lake Heights SchoolCongratulations to Kimberly Grigoli, a Kindergarten Teacher at Spring Lake Heights School. We’re proud to recognize Mrs. Grigoli, but we’re not the first to shine a light on this exemplary educator. Kim was the 2022 Monmouth County Teacher of the Year. She earned the Tools of the Mind Educator of the Month twice. And was the 2022 New Jersey Department of Education Exemplary Educator in 2022.
Kim works hard to make sure all of her “kinders” are met with love and high expectations. She’s a fan of using music to connect with her students, often seen playing guitar at morning meeting!
As music fans ourselves, we applaud this innovative and fun way to connect with students!
We’re looking forward to giving Kimberly Grigoli a short break to honor her and the rest of the Teachers Who Rock at our awards banquet in the spring.
Jason Bloom
Social Studies Teacher
Brick Memorial High SchoolToday we’re honoring Jason Bloom, a teacher at Brick Memorial High School. From the classroom to sports coach, to student advisor: Mr. Bloom uses his style, enthusiasm and rapport with students to be a leader in the classroom and hallways.
Jason’s talent towards preparation and planning pays off year in and year out as he teaches important history to Brick’s high school students. He has coached girls tennis, boys basketball, and track. Mr. Boom also rocks the mic as the current voice of BMHS Basketball and Wrestling. Over a teaching career of two decades Mr. Bloom has collaborated with anyone to make the school community stronger.
Kathy Palagonia
Media Specialist
Berkeley Township Elementary School, BayvilleCongratulations to Kathy Palagonia of Berkeley Township Elementary School for being the 2023 NJEA Community Service Award Winner!
Kathy’s gone so many extra miles for her students, pretty soon she’s need running shoes. She’s the NJEA Pride Chairperson and a Berkeley Township Educational and Environmental Foundation member.
As the media specialist in school, Mrs. Palagonia touches the lives of every student and every teacher. From her “Battle of the Books” to the “Readers Theater”, Kathy brings the written word to life in ways that connect with kids in new and unique ways. Her love of the outdoors led Kathy to create an actual nature trail on school grounds.
Mrs. Palagonia’s passion for learning and enthusiasm are contagious!
Rachel DeBari
Art Teacher
Red Bank Primary School, Red BankIt’s time to honor the achievements of 2 teaching professionals, and welcome them to 95.9 WRAT’s Teachers Who Rock, Class of 2023. Presented by the Teachers Insurance Plan of New Jersey. Auto Insurance made just for educators, offering exclusive rates and quality service for over 25 years; and by New Jersey’s Education Association. NJEA is proud of our public schools: #1 in the Nation.
Today we’re honoring Rachel DeBari of Red Bank Primary School. The great thing about Rachel is that her art class is that of opening doors. “See where it takes you” is the guiding philosophy of Mrs. DeBari’s classroom; and with art there’s so many places “it” can go.
Rachel excels at recognizing the struggles and accomplishments of her students; she has awareness of both the physical and the mental health of her students. A humble, non-attention seeking backbone of Red Bank Primary is what Mrs DeBari is.
Her students’ works adorn places like the Count Basie Center for The Arts and the massive spring arts show at school. Rachel’s guidance is seen and felt by everyone who has the privilege to take these works of art in.
Jessica Parsons
Kindergarten / First Grade Teacher
Ridgeway Elementary School, Manchester TownshipToday, we’re honoring Jessica Parsons, a teacher at Ridgeway Elementary School. Jessica has been molding young minds for the past 15 years and currently teaches in a self-contained classroom for students in kindergarten and first grade.
She seeks out the students who have the most difficulty with learning and puts in the extra time and effort to make sure they have a positive learning experience.
Her students look forward to coming to school each day thanks to the engaging lessons she creates for them. while her students are all on different learning levels, she’s able to seamlessly figure out what each child requires, so each child’s needs are met, all while feeling like they are all part of one classroom family.
Jessica always gives of herself, she goes out of her way to purchase food and clothing for needy families, and she volunteers to wrap holiday presents for those families and does so without calling attention to her kind deeds.
These are just a handful of reasons why Jessica Parsons of ridgeway elementary school is a Teacher Who Rocks.
Candice Schultz
Spanish Teacher
Toms River High School East, Toms RiverToday we shine the spotlight on Candice Schultz, a Spanish teacher at Toms River High School East. She is a dedicated and passionate teacher who strives to be the best at what she does. she’s a role model for so many young adults and is always willing to lend an ear to a student in need.
She teaches Spanish 3 as well as Spanish 4 & 5. Her students are so excited to be in her classroom because they know she cares about them. she’s also the school’s track coach, and a fitness coach for young children at the local gym. and most of all, Candice is a great role model for students, faculty, and the community.
We’re looking forward to honoring Candice Schultz of toms river high school east at the Rat’s spring banquet for the entire 2023 class of teachers who rock.
Kaitlin Coghlan
Preschool Teacher
Clara B. Worth Elementary, BayvilleIt’s time to honor the achievements of 2 teaching professionals, and welcome them to 95.9 WRAT’s Teachers Who Rock, Class of 2023. Presented by the Teachers Insurance Plan of New Jersey. Auto Insurance made just for educators, offering exclusive rates and quality service for over 25 years; and by New Jersey’s Education Association. NJEA is proud of our public schools: #1 in the Nation.
Passionate, understanding, and dedicated are just a few of the adjectives that describe Kaitlyn Coghlan a preschool teacher at the Clara B Worth Elementary School in Bayville.
The meaningful projects that she involves her preschool kids in set them up for the next few years of valuable learning experience. Kaitlyn isn’t shy; she’ll gladly work singing or other performance led teaching in her classroom.
Mrs. Coghlan isn’t afraid to break her own piggy bank, either, being generous with both her time and personal resources for the betterment of her students. Everything she does in her classroom is thoughtful, intentional, and purposeful and always in the best interest of her students! Her students are lucky to have Kaitlyn and we’re proud to call her a Teacher Who Rocks!
In the spring, all teachers who win will be honored at our awards banquet. For more information about this important program, now in it’s 15th year, click here.
Elizabeth Schappert
8th Grade Basic Skills Teachers
Lacey Township Middle SchoolIt’s time to honor the achievements of 2 teaching professionals, and welcome them to 95.9 WRAT’s Teachers Who Rock, Class of 2023. These teachers stand out and go above and beyond! Today we honor Elizabeth Schappert, an English teacher at Lacey Township Middle School.
Mrs. Schappert receives this honor as she’s about to enter her 20th year of teaching our kids, all of them at Lacey Township Middle School.
Beth has taught every discipline in 7th grade: Honors students, General education students, and Special Education students. She has diversified all her lessons to ensure that ALL her students have the best education that fits them.
Because she’s so detail-oriented, Beth is the “go-to” for other teachers who may need guidance on the ever-shifting curriculum guidelines from the state.
A few years ago, seemingly at a crossroads: Mrs. Schappert was close to abandoning teaching. But instead, she changed her teaching goals to become 8th grade’s basic skills teacher; taking a program that was failing and making it work.
This is where we find the rebirth of an educator, an educator that has so much to offer and so much knowledge to share with students, fellow educators, and supervisors.
In the spring, the Teachers Who Rock Class of 2023 will be honored at our awards banquet and Beth will be there. We’ll be proud to join in the applause for her outstanding commitment to our kids. For more information about this important program, now in its 15th year, click here.
Arlene Comstock
Special Education Teacher
Clara B. WorthToday we’re honoring a special education teacher at Clara B Worth elementary school: Congrats to Arlene Comstock.
Mrs. Comstock is an 18-year teaching veteran but her energy is that of a first or second-year teacher. She has earned a fantastic reputation because she sincerely helps every student in her class.
Anyone dealing with kids needs patience but hers is seemingly endless. Arlene has the tricks and tools of inspiration in her teaching toolbox including a special prize box that students can earn a choice of if they reach their goals. She makes learning fun. But, Mrs. Comstock takes it seriously; communicating regularly with parents to give them updates on students’ successes and areas that could use improvement.
Today we’re taking a moment to honor Arlene Comstock of Clara B Worth as a member of the 2023 class of Teachers Who Rock. In the spring, all teachers who win will be honored at our awards banquet.
Maria Gkionis
Honors Pre-Calculus / AP Calculus B/C Teacher
Jackson Memorial High SchoolIt’s time to honor the achievements of 2 teaching professionals, and welcome them to 95.9 WRAT’s Teachers Who Rock, Class of 2023. These teachers stand out and go above and beyond! Today we honor Maria Gkionis (Gee-own-es) of Jackson Memorial High School.
Mrs Gkionis teaches math to students from a place of joy. Nothing will stop her from finding the best in each student in her class.
Even if her students are having a bad day, or do not like math, Maria’s welcoming manor and enthusiasm for the subject makes the class a better place to be.
Over her 28-year history as a math educator, Mrs. Gkionis has helped students success in multiple areas of the subject: algebra, pre-calculus, and now as the Honors calculus teacher. No matter what, Maria brings a level of happiness and positivity to math that, quite frankly, only a few very special people could.
Jackson Memorial High School is proud – and better off – to have Maria to count as a friend, colleague, and leader. Today we honor her as a member of the 2023 class of Teachers Who Rock. In the spring, all teachers who win will be honored at our awards banquet. For more information about this important program, now in its 15th year, click here.
Marjorie Browning
Math Teacher
Southern Regional Middle School, ManahawkinIt’s time to honor the achievements of 2 teaching professionals, and welcome them to 95.9 WRAT’s Teachers Who Rock, Class of 2023. Presented by the Teachers Insurance Plan of New Jersey. Auto Insurance made just for educators, offering exclusive rates and quality service for over 25 years; and by New Jersey’s Education Association. NJEA is proud of our public schools: #1 in the Nation.
Marjorie Browning is a Math teacher who makes it all add up at Southern Regional Middle School in Manahawkin.
Mrs. Browning is a gifted educator whose work stretches far beyond the walls of the classroom. She has long been seen as the backbone of the math department at school.
Marjory brings enthusiasm and excitement as she continues to develop, maintain, and change the curriculum as necessary to meet the ever-evolving needs of her students. However, she also shines beyond the classroom as Mrs Browning helps to organize not one, but two community events that kids take part in. One provides Thanksgiving meals and another helps provide holiday gifts for families in need.
The Builders Club and Southern Outfitters Program are community outreach programs that truly inspire colleagues and students alike.
We’re looking forward to giving Marjory Brown a short break to honor her and the rest of the Teachers Who Rock at our awards banquet in the spring. For more information about this important program, now in it’s 15th year, click here.
Kelly Sharkey
PE Teacher
Forked River Elementary School, Forked RiverHeading to Forked River as we honor Kelly Sharkey of Forked River Elementary School. Mrs. Sharkey is the PE teacher and that means she’s been influencing the minds and the health of all students for the better part of two decades.
Kelly is in tune with students needs and abilities. She can challenge one student while discreetly helping another not to be embarrassed at the same time. She holds them to expectations that help them grow and give students a sense of pride. With staff shortages, Kelly is always willing to cover a class or help prepare plans.
Mrs. Sharkey is always the one who finds out what families may be struggling and she’s the one who organizes an effort to help those local families in need. She connects in ways that other teachers don’t.
Vanessa Gomen
3rd Grade Teacher
Hugh J. Boyd Jr. Elementary School, Seaside HeightsCongratulations to Vanessa Gomen, she’s a Teacher Who Rocks from Hugh J. Boyd Jr. Elementary School where she’s a third-grade teacher.
Mrs. Gomen teaches can connect with struggling kids because at one point she was one herself. Her ADHD may have distracted her then, but these days the self-knowledge she gained rising above it allows her to reach out uniquely to all students with compassion and patience.
Vanessa touches the lives of students and they show their gratitude by staying in touch and keeping her in their lives long after 3rd grade is over.
The self-confidence she instills through her gift of teaching lasts a lifetime.
Kathy Rose
1st Grade Teacher
Saint James Elementary SchoolToday we’re honoring Kathy Rose, a first grade teacher at Saint James Elementary School.
For 31 years, Kathy has been a rock star at Saint James. All learners in her classroom are encouraged to dream big. Each student has potential inside of themselves and it is Mrs. Rose’s passion for teaching that helps them reach for the greatest part of that potential.
Watching Miss Rose in action, she teaches each day by example. She is funny and loving but also instills core values that will stick with her students long after they leave first grade.
Kathy knows that a passion for learning needs to be instilled in kids early in the education process. How she’s brought that each and every day for the last 31 years is magic.
Jodi Hughes
Special Education Teacher
Lanoka Harbor Elementary SchoolJodi Hughes, a special education teacher at Lanoka Harbor Elementary School is our next Teacher Who Rocks. She has been able to manage a wide array of medical, behavioral and academic issues by creating strong relationships with students and parents alike.
Jodi is dedicated to her students, each of whom have unique challenges but who all are deserving of what every kid needs and wants: teachers who “get” them, inspire them, and accept who they are in each way. Jodi takes the “diss” away and focuses on the “ability”.
Beyond the classroom, Jodi supports her students in many ways: be it in the Special Olympics or Social Skills Club or by supporting special needs students in chorus and drama.
Kimberly Cincotta
Social Studies Teacher
Howell High SchoolKimberly Cincotta is a Teacher Who Rocks from Howell High School where she teaches Social Studies.
Not many high school teachers can pull off the combination of being strict and holding high standards for her students but Mrs. Cincotta does just that.
Kim is an amazing educator, somehow she came through the pandemic stronger. She is able to get her kids to do a high level of work while still having close and caring relationships with her students. She teaches freshmen and seniors equally well and gets them all excited to come to her class. She inspires her students to think about topics in different ways while being encouraged to improve do better each and every day.
Mark Howie
HVAC/R Teacher
Monmouth County Vocational School DistrictShout out to Mark Howie of the Monmouth County Vocational School in Freehold. What makes Mark a special teacher is that he is a tradesman who became a teacher. He truly knows the subject matter so he creates lessons and activities that address industry standards. His students are prepared to join the workforce.
Mr. Howie challenges students to apply their knowledge rather than just recite facts. He is skilled in the field and can adapt instruction as needed. All aspects of his classroom is reflective of the intellectual, social, and emotional needs of the age group.
Mr. Howie makes school interesting again. Students go home and talk about school for the first time since elementary school. Fairness and consistency are the tools of his trade in the teaching world.
Nicole Langer
2nd Grade Teacher
H&M Potter SchoolShout out to Nicole Langer of the H&M Potter School in Bayville. After a little more than a decade, Nicole is going strong as an awesome second grade teacher.
Positive, enthusiastic, and dedicated are just a few ways to describe this amazing Mrs. Nikki Langer. When you walk into Mrs. Langer’s room you are instantly welcomed into her classroom family. She lets the students find the space to learn in the way that works best for them. She introduces new experiences and hands-on learning to ensure that she is reaching all students. Her room is always bustling with activity and positive energy, you can feel the learning that is happening!
Mrs. Langer is also an active part of the school community; her staff wellness project which has been met with great success.
Tracy Brenman
2nd Grade Teacher
Clifton Avenue Grade SchoolTracy Brenman of Clifton Avenue Grade School in Lakewood is one of this week’s Teachers Who Rock!
Mrs. Brenman teaches her students to think strategically and turn their motivation intrinsically. She takes time to help her students learn how to make good choices. Year after year, her students come back to visit as they remember their positive learning environment and the love of their teacher.
Summertime is sometimes a time of relaxation for teachers, but not Tracy. She’s known to tend school clubs and teach classes even in the summer. Her effort to help extends beyond her students as Tracy has assisted many families and staff members over the years.
Geraldine Bayles
5th Grade Teacher
Lanes Mill ElementaryMrs. Bayles is a leader to everyone she encounters. She inspires, she is innovative, she is authentic, and always has her students’ best interests in mind. The learning environment that she fosters comes from careful and strategic planning. Her students wrap up the year ready to thrive in middle school.
Geraldine has recently completed her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and she is working to complete her Superintendent license. This represents a core belief: to always get better.
Her tenacity and talent have attracted grants such as: Ten grand to support the STEM program from NJ Sustainable Schools, a grant for a hydroponics program and a JCP&L grant towards outdoor learning.
Mrs. Bayles sets an example each and every day, year in and year out.
Maria Hernandez
Educational Support Professional
Bayville SchoolEducational Support Professionals take many forms in our school system. Standing out among all of them is a hard task. But that’s exactly what the school custodian of Bayville School has done. Today we highlight the dedication of Maria Hernandez. Or Ms. Maria.
Ms. Maria’s value to the kids and staff far exceeds the accomplishments of her job requirements. Even after 27 years of service, she still genuinely looks forward to work each day. Maria’s smile greets everyone and reminds them that their school is a community.
Maria doesn’t just go to work, she goes to her second home. She views each staff member and student as part of her family. At this time of her retirement, Maria earns the ESP award from a genuinely thankful student body and staff. Bayville School will always shine in your honor.
Jason Brandl
Special Education Teacher
Howell High SchoolMr. Brandl is a special education teacher and wrestling coach at Howell High. He walks a tall yet humble path to teaching greatness.
Jason teaches and coaches because of his passion for helping these young athletes become better people not just wrestlers. He’s the kind of person who’ll show up early to get the team into the work out room or even take the shoes off his own feet so a kid can compete. Lately, he’s taken the project of a girls wrestling program under his wing to impressive results.
Jamie Tesoro
Work Based Learning Coordinator
Toms River High School NorthJamie Tesoro of Toms River High School North is a 2023 Teacher Who Rocks. Jamie is a Work Based Learning Coordinator, meaning students actually find a living with her help.
Ms. Tesoro is a student-centered educator, who seeks out opportunities to engage students in the active learning process as they prepare for their futures beyond the classroom. Her influence lasts a lifetime. Through Jamie’s influence career plans are made, development is both personal and professional; both to very high standards.
Jennifer Mantegna
4th Grade Teacher
Cedar Creek ElementaryToday we’re honoring Jennifer Mantegna, a 4th grade teacher at Cedar Creek School in Lanoka Harbor.
Mrs. Mantegna knows how to balance a 4th graders’ independence and need for structure; no easy feat.
Jennifer constantly relates to her students through honesty. She explains her high standards for both her students and herself. The bar is set high but she helps students reach it. Students learn through crafting activities which then adorn all surfaces to create a unique learning environment that reflects each student.
Mrs. Mantegna inspires learning and has found a way to rejuvenate kids who have been burnt out by the pandemic.
