Winning Teachers Who Rock 2017

Vince Mottern is a music teacher at Viola Sickles Elementary school.
As you walk into Vince’s room, you can immediately sense “this is not your ordinary class.” The lighting and furniture are different, there is accent lighting and area rugs. His room inviting, comfortable and conducive to learning for all students. His classes are informative and interactive with singing, playing instruments, learning about music history, reading notes and making rhythms.Yet, Mr. Mottern’s interesting music classes are only a part of what he does. Vince goes out of his way by writing scripts and adapting songs, on his own time, for the students and staff; material used in several events throughout the school year including Back to School night, a Halloween show, a winter holiday event and Read Across America.Vince also voluntarily finds songs and video clips that correspond with topics in all subjects and emails them to the teachers so they can enhance their lessons. Vince integrates what the students are learning in their regular classrooms into his music classes.Every afternoon at door duty, Vince uses an instrument to serenade students as they leave.

Interestingly, Ms. Laurie Shupin began as an elementary school teacher. The same students she has nurtured in elementary school are now her high school students.

Ms. Shupin experiences the fruits of her labor. All the basic education and skills she taught her students in elementary school is now shown her that she has helped her high school students to become the top of their class. Her influence goes beyond the classroom. She dedicates her time to numerous school initiatives including being the Business Academy adviser, the liaison for the PTA, a chaperone for school events, multiple year of class adviser, organizer of junior and senior prom, and events coordinator. Ms. Shupin devotes countless hours to the school’s student business competitions and teams, promoting not just competition and justice, but self-esteem and wisdom.

Mr. Gojdics is the kind of teacher who gets visited by former students years after they move on. The reason why is that he’s dedicated, creative, respectful and successful.

Chris loves music and often uses his guitar playing to bring educational messages to students. His class puppet, Frizzie, helps kids learn AND be entertained. Yep, you heard right, class puppet.

Despite teaching through fun, Mr. Gojdics takes his role as an educator with the utmost seriousness. He mentors younger teachers, helping them in their crucial early years. He develops new programs, like the “Compass” program focusing on digital methods and the “Morning Meeting” program that gives students an edge on social skills and builds comradery. Chris also is a constant volunteer for after school activities.

Mrs Andren has been teaching learning-disabled children from Kindergarten through 8th grade for over 30 years and she still approaches her job with as much enthusiasm as if she were a new teacher just starting out.

Her students greatly benefit from the individualized attention and focus that she gives each of them, as they achieve their greatest potential.

Lynn started the Multiple Disabilites program whereby she incorporates academics as well as social and life skills into the learning experience. This program ensures that they have the necessary skills to perform tasks independently after they leave middle school. Running the student coffee shop and making crafts to sell, her students come to understand the importance of creating quality items, how to market items for maximum profit, as well as using the profit to achieve rewards.

Mrs. Andren’s 30 years of dedication will be honored at our Teachers Who Rock banquet on March 28 at The Clarion Hotel in Toms River.

Mrs. Caravano is highly respected by students, staff, and parents alike.

Cheri creates a classroom environment that teaches well beyond its walls. For example, recently she was awarded 30 UNICEF Kid Power Bands. These, along with an app, allow students to learn about new cultures as they get active. As kids move they earn points that unlock funding that UNICEF uses to deliver life-saving nutritious food to malnourished children around the world. Cheri’s involvement has inspired other students and staff members to be part of the program too.

Cheri often stays after school to help students in the intervention and alternative school programs. She has constant contact with parents, she volunteers for after school events, clothing drives, and the annual Curriculum Expo. Cheri Caravano is a true role model for educators.

“I touch the future. I teach”, is a quote by Christa McAuliffe. Those exact words can also be used to describe Kristine Pearce, an Early Childhood Education teacher at Brick Memorial High School. Kristine’s role at Brick Memorial is two-fold. As a teacher, Kristine teaches high school students how to create lessons plans and how to teach and work with preschool children. As a program director, she runs the Rocking Horse Nursery School, a free program within the high school that is offered to Brick Township residents. Her students utilize what they learn in her class by teaching the children in the nursery school. Kristine then observes her students, discusses how the lessons went, and reviews the lesson plans for the following week. Her dedication to her job is evident, arriving at school early and staying long after the bell rings. Every year she spends time applying for and receiving grants, and performs many fundraisers so that the preschool children can go on field trips and have a graduation ceremony. Her high school students accompany the children on these trips. She even buys flowers for the preschoolers to give to their moms for Mother’s Day. For her exceptional high school students, Kristine goes out of her way to set up babysitting jobs or jobs in local preschools, allowing her students to gain even more real-life experience.

Kristine is now starting to get some of her first preschool students returning as high school students; some of whom have been looking forward to being in the Early Childhood Education program. She makes many sacrifices and is constantly finding ways to improve her craft. Kristine never looks for recognition, though she deserves every bit of it. She is adored by staff, parents, and students alike and that is why Kristine Pearce is a teacher who rocks. We’ll be honoring her at our awards banquet on March 28^th at the Clarion Hotel in Toms River.

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In addition to her role as a classroom teacher, Mrs. Gill is an advocate for her students and is their biggest cheerleader! She volunteers with Special Olympics, coaching students district-wide, assisting with fundraising, and attending every event to root for her athletes.

She also provides guidance to her colleagues, in order to meet each student’s individual needs outside of the classroom. She can regularly be found creating teachable moments for her students from every day occurrences around the school.

Cheers to Amy Gill, now a WRAT Teacher Who Rocks. She’ll receive a special award at our Teachers Who Rock banquet on March 28 at The Clarion Hotel in Toms River.

Kim's Culinary Arts Class and World Cuisine Class are the most sought after classes in the school.

Mrs. Layton’s class is taught like a science class and when the students are cooking it is referred to as a lab. Students are instructed in all facets of the cooking process, from preparation to preparing to cleanup.

One of the reasons the class is in great demand, especially by young men, is because they get to eat the meal. In World Cuisine, they prepare meals from around the world and are exposed to certain foods they may never encounter.

Students are required to keep a journal of their exercises, and many come back to share that they still use the recipes. Cooking is a basic need for us all to lead healthy, vibrant lives. Kim Layton teaches that important skill with care and style.

No matter what student you put before her, Jackie treats them with respect and dignity. Her dedication can be encapsulated in one amazing story:

Ask any teacher about receiving a new student mid-year, and they will tell you of how incredibly challenging it is. Last year, Jackie received a 13-year-old boy with Down Syndrome who came from Latin America. He did not speak a word of English and had the educational equivalent of a kindergartener. Today, that same boy eagerly comes to school and communicates with his peers and teachers. Last year he entered the building with hesitation and noticeable nervousness. Today, less than a year later, he lights up and grins ear to ear when he greets his teacher every morning.

Such success comes only from hard work and dedication. Jackie never lets the daily strain put her down: she’s energetic, positive, and caring… going so far as to bake treats for colleagues for birthdays, and to keep an eye out for others going through special challenges.

Mrs. DeConde is an art teacher at the school. But, she’s so much more. Quite often you’ll find Heather in her classroom long after the final bell; prepping for the next day, painting backdrops for drama class, or creating banners for sports teams and other school extracurricular activities.

She is always found chaperoning anything; from trips to dances. Or emceeing all the Pep rallies (because she has that special energy), and even being the Wrestling team’s MOM. On her own time, she runs an afterschool Art club to enhance students’ abilities.

Mrs. DeConde’s infectious smile and spirit make Lake Riviera Middle School a better place.

Today we honor AnnaMarie Popowski, a math teacher at Howell High School.

Mrs. Popowski’s student-centered lessons use sound motivational techniques which combine a positive feeling with high expectations of success. This approach drives students towards success.

Mrs. Popowski’s students are often engaged in lessons that require them to use 21st-century skills. She includes the use graphing activities, graphing calculator activities, and art projects to make her lessons visually stimulating. Her students work in stations, providing them the opportunity to discuss what they are learning. They are encouraged to help and depend on each other.

Long story short, AnnaMarie relates to students in a manner that promotes trust and mutual respect making her a jewel of Howell High School.

What sets Mrs. Lovas apart is her ability to show her students that math isn’t just in the classroom, it’s all around them in their every-day lives. Through hard work and determination, Barbette gets her students to use reading and art to see how math is constantly affecting them.

Mrs. Lovas is a Teacher Who Rocks because founded and ran her district’s STYLE Program. That’s Student Youth Leadership Experience.   For over twenty years she’s been challenging students to learn, grow, and mentor younger students, passing along leadership qualities, and more to younger generations.

Barbette also volunteers to coach the school math team, is an active member of the Ocean County Math Club, and assists with the St. Jude Math-a-thon. She’s always open for additional tutoring as well.

Mrs. Marella has been working with students with Autism for several years. While she is not a special education teacher, she has understanding beyond her years as an educator. She teaches the students Applied Technology, but modifies all the work for the students’ abilities. Mrs. Marella has every one of them interested and involved, despite their special challenges.

Jamie frequently goes into her own pocket to buy projects for students to complete. She is able to lead them through projects and have them complete things no one would have thought possible.

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Mrs. McKenna values the whole child; she gets to know her students’ interests and hobbies and integrates them into her lesson plans. Because of this, Amanda’s students are engaged and look forward to school because the classroom structure is comfortable and flexible; even allowing for flexible seating.

Technology is Mrs. McKenna’s secret teaching weapon; she led school staff in the use of Chromebooks. Amanda created an entirely new program for Bayville Elementary: Makerspace Night which gives students and families alike hands-on educational experiences at no cost to them; but quite often at a cost to her… Something that she doesn’t ask compensation for.

Lastly, Amanda’s community-wide “Camp Invention” program teaches without textbooks via experiments and new experiences for all who participate.

Mrs. Morley’s class makes science fun and engaging. It’s totally not your grandpa’s science class. Patricia shines as an educator, yes that’s true… But her value extends well beyond the classroom.

For example, Mrs. Morley saw a need for an after-school program that went beyond athletics… So, she created a walking club. Some two years later the club is walking strong, with students, athletes and faculty joining in walks in school and out. They’ve visited the Seaside Boardwalk, Double Trouble State Park, and Jakes Branch. Giving the students the ability to get outside and walk together has created friendships and connections that are invaluable to young people… and it’s a healthy after-school activity to boot!

Another extra-curricular activity Patricia Morley dedicates herself to is the annual staff holiday gathering: She hosted it at her house, much more personal than a restaurant or catering hall! Patricia is constantly volunteering for chaperone duties, staying after school to support students’ activities in theater or sporting events.