BRICK – A total of 24 teachers and educational services professionals from the Brick Township School District were recognized as they were selected to be the Governor’s Educator of the Year for each school.
The Governor’s Educator of the Year Program acknowledges educators who have gone above and beyond for their students. The school community is asked to nominate teachers and educational services professionals starting from November. Nominees are evaluated based on a rubric, and then are selected in December.
“The program recognizes excellence, creates a sense of pride, and brings public attention to the work of outstanding educators,” Director of Curriculum and Instruction Alyce Anderson said. “We come together as a community tonight to celebrate these talented educators because May is Teacher Appreciation Month.”
At the May 11 Board of Education meeting, the following Governor’s Educator of the Year recipients were recognized:
Herbertsville Early Childhood Development Center
- Teacher of the Year – Brianne Nauerz
- Educational Services Professional – Joan Fitzpatrick-Schreier
Warren H. Wolf Early Childhood Development Center
- Teacher of the Year – Jaime Forsyth
- Educational Services Professional – Janet Bixenman
Drum Point Elementary School
- Teacher of the Year – Sharon Mazza
- Educational Services Professional – Amanda Laughlin
Emma Havens Young Elementary School
- Teacher of the Year – Danielle Mattia
- Educational Services Professional – Joy Beggs
Lanes Mill Elementary School
- Teacher of the Year – Karen Faherty
- Educational Services Professional- Bernadette Pearce
Midstreams Elementary School
- Teacher of the Year – Karen Nobel
- Educational Services Professional – Catherine Labella
Osbornville Elementary School
- Teacher of the Year – Beatriz Cruz
- Educational Services Professional – Dr. Kristen Dornacker
Veterans Memorial Elementary School
- Teacher of the Year – Sarah Ragozzino
- Educational Services Professional – Kevin Keenan
Lake Riviera Middle School
- Teacher of the Year – Jaclyn Potochar
- Educational Services Professional – Megan Reid
Veterans Memorial Middle School
- Teacher of the Year – Christopher James
- Educational Services Professional – Katelyn Wos
Brick Township High School
- Teacher of the Year – Charles Pazmino
- Educational Services Professional – Faith Stapp
Brick Memorial High School
- Teacher of the Year – Barbara Stansbury
- Educational Services Professional – Michele Pierce
In addition, Barbara Stansbury was named District Teacher of the Year.
“The committee reviews professional biography, teaching philosophy, message, and educational leadership. This is a really challenging task – all of our teachers are so deserving,” Anderson said. “Looking through the lens of our district vision of student centered, teacher led, this year’s district teacher of the year is universally recognized by the entire school community as a leader.”
“She is encouraging and positive in her approach and truly cares about each individual student.” BMHS Principal Jonathan Barresi said.
One parent remarked, “I have never met anyone so positive, and I know that she will be the teacher my children remember for the rest of their lives.”
In her speech, Stansbury said, “school was something that never came easy to me, and I believe that this knowledge has left me with a different perspective, one of intense empathy of the hundreds of students who have passed through room 203.”
Stansbury confessed that she failed kindergarten and grew up a shy kid. She ultimately hated school as a kid, until her 1st grade teacher showed Stansbury her potential by choosing her to participate in the spelling bee. Stansbury said this gave her confidence that she carried through middle and high school.
Stansbury went on the explain the impact her senior year English teacher made on her, stating that she learned to love herself and this is where she discovered she wanted to be just like her.
“I am forever grateful for the Brick Township School system, which has provided me the spark and guidance that I no doubt desperately needed,” Stansbury said.
