Chuck Hogan Named Bedminster Teacher of the Year

Bedminster Township School second grade teacher Chuck Hogan was named teacher of the year for the 2012-2013 school year.

Hogan’s honor was announced at a schoolwide ceremony Thursday.

“What I enjoy most [about teaching] is the countless things you receive back from your students,” he said. “I have tried to recognize that being a great teacher means I have to learn also. I have to be sensitive to each child’s need.”

Hogan has been working at the Bedminster Township School for 24 years.

“I just like the district, and I had heard the kids were great,” he said of deciding to come to Bedminster.

Bedminster Township School Principal Corby Swan said Hogan serves as the teacher’s representative to the PTO, is a monitor during school concerts and serves as the science club advisor.

“He taps into the fullest potential of his students,” Swan said.

Swan said former teacher of the year honoree Donna Lykes said Hogan devotes a great deal of time to his students.

“She said Mr. Hogan demonstrates an excellent and appropriate learning environment for his students,” Swan said. “He devotes a great deal of time preparing lessons, and he is always learning. It is a privilege to work with him.”

Swan said he decided to have a little fun with Hogan when informing him of the honor, inviting him into his office the week before the ceremony.

“He was nervous and had a confused look on his face, as many do when they have a meeting with their boss and don’t know what it’s about,” Swan said.

But, Swan said, Hogan is definitely deserving of the award.

“Teaching is a profession we don’t get into because we want to be rich and famous,” Swan said. “We do it because we love working with young people. And Mr. Hogan embodies that.”

The presentation included gifts from the PTO and the Bedminster Education Association, as well as a $500 gift certificate from the district to be used to purchase school supplies.

Hogan said he is proud to be recognized.

“I feel a responsibility to be a good role model and set the bar to be more than a teacher,” he said. “My message is to always strive to be the best and your dreams will come true.”

“Mine did,” he added. “I am proud to be a teacher.”

Also recognized at the ceremony were past teachers of the year—Scott Lefurge, 1992-1993; Patricia Kowalski, 1998-1999; Kathleen Godfrey, 1999-2000; Donna Lykes, 2002-2003; John Phillips, 2003-2004; Nancy DiCarlo, 2005-2006; Andrew Oliveri, 2007-2008; Donna Turso, 2008-2009; Karen Hofman, 2009-2010; Tiffany Salvato, 2010-2011; and Carl Hazen, 2011-2012.