BRICK – The Brick Township School District recognized its teachers and educational services professionals who were selected to be the 2023-24 Governor’s Educator of the Year for each school.
The Governor’s Educator of the Year Program aims to recognize educators who have gone above and beyond in their service to New Jersey students. The program recognizes excellence, creates a sense of pride, and brings public attention to the work of outstanding educators. The nomination process commences in November when each school community is invited to nominate teachers and educational services professionals using a rubric. Each school committee evaluates the nominations and announces their school representatives in December.
“I’m thrilled to honor the recipients of the Governor’s Educator of the Year Program for the 2023-24 school year,” Director of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Alyce Anderson said. “We gather as a community to honor these talented educators as May marks Teacher Appreciation Month.”
At the recent Board of Education meeting where this was announced, Anderson addressed that Superintendent Dr. Thomas Farrell unfortunately could not attend the meeting.
“Let me first begin by saying that Dr. Farrell is deeply disappointed that he’s unable to be here tonight. He values every opportunity to celebrate our dedicated and talented educators and he’s asked me to offer his congratulations and let you know that he is extremely grateful and proud of the contributions that each of you make each day to the students of Brick Township,” Anderson said.
The following Governor’s Educator of the Year recipients were recognized:
Herbertsville Primary Learning Center
- Teacher: Joseph Lawler
- Education Support Professional: Jacqueline Janik
Warren H. Wolf Primary Learning Center
- Teacher: Michele Walsh
- Education Support Professional: Heather Scott
Drum Point Elementary
- Teacher: Jill Kempner
- Education Support Professional: Diana DelRio
Emma Havens Young Elementary
- Teacher: Lisa Desombre
- Education Support Professional: Michelle Watt
Lanes Mill Elementary
- Teacher: Kelly Corbo
- Education Support Professional: Heather Monzo
Midstreams Elementary
- Teacher: Melissa Kowaleski
- Education Support Professional: Sandra Kuhl
Osbornville Elementary
- Teacher: Debra Thomas
- Education Support Professional: Sarina Spitzer
Veterans Memorial Elementary
- Teacher: Victoria Lederle
- Education Support Professional: Michelle Larsen
Lake Riviera Middle
- Teacher: Lauren Altobello
- Education Support Professional: Kelly Ferullo
Veterans Memorial Middle
- Teacher: Kathleen Guthrie
- Education Support Professional: Stephanie Matteo
Brick Township High School
- Teacher: Courtney Gough-Robinson
- Education Support Professional: Lauren Ianniello
Brick Memorial High School
- Teacher: Sara Ball
- Education Support Professional: Samantha West
In addition, Jill Kempner was named Brick Township 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, explaining how District Teacher of the Year is selected.
In her speech, Kempner thanked her fellow colleagues and also recognized administration who supported her and validated her efforts throughout the years.
“I can’t pinpoint an exact moment when I made a decision to pursue a career in teaching. It feels like life quietly nudged me in that direction, placing me on a path where my passion for learning and my curiosity and my desire to make an impact naturally converged,” Kempner said. “Looking back, now I see the countless moments, the sparks of inspiration, the struggles and the victories, the profound connections with my own teachers – everything that led me towards a career in education. I am curious by nature, I’m a reader at heart, and I love learning all the things.”
“I feel like teaching picked me and I embraced it with open arms knowing that it was where I was meant to be,” Kempner added.
Kempner discussed that change is inevitable as a teacher, and to grow is to except that change.
“From the start of my career, I’ve often chosen to step forward into growth. I’ve embraced change as an opportunity to learn, to innovate, and to seek ways to better serve my students. It has not always been easy,” Kempner said. “I have been so fortunate to have so many mentors who have guided me and challenge me and inspired me to be the very best educator I can be.”
“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to my family for their unwavering support and for understanding everything I do,” she said. “Their encouragement and patience are truly my bedrock enabling me to pursuer my passions wholeheartedly, because I love what I do.”
Kempner ended her speech with one simple message: “Always have the courage to welcome change, be open to fostering growth in yourself and others, and always keep learning.”
