Ocean County Teacher Of Year Honors Go To Brick Educator

BRICK, NJ — A Brick Township teacher has been honored as the Ocean County Teacher of the Year for the 2023-24 school year, the eighth district teacher to receive the honor.

Jaclyn Potochar, a seventh grade teacher at Lake Riviera Middle School, was among the honorees announced by the state Department of Education as part of the Governor's Educator of the Year program.

Potochar is a teacher leader for one of the schools within a school model at Lake Riviera and has been an educator in the district for 15 years, Brick Schools officials said.

"Mrs. Potochar works with a very diverse cohort of students who truly benefit socially, emotionally, and academically from her ability to build relationships," district officials said, adding they also benefit from "her skill in implementing interventions to meet the individual needs of each of her students."

Potochar is "a highly engaged member of the school community," serving on the School Improvement Panel, School Climate Team, and National Junior Honor Society Council.

"Her contributions to the Lake Riviera Middle School climate and culture are profound," Principal Kevin Campbell said. "She not only is an active participant in district and school-based professional development, she attends many out-of-district professional development experiences and is often requested as a professional development presenter for school-based initiatives," such as academic teaming.

In addition to her classroom work and supports for other staff, Potochar is the captain for the Lake Riviera Middle School Relay for Life team, organized a holiday meal train for the needy, participates in charity 5K races for Alzheimers and Parkinsons, and assisted with Red Cross blood and clothing drives.

"The entire district is proud to have Mrs. Potochar represent Brick Schools as Ocean County Teacher of the Year" said Alyce Anderson, director of curriculum and instruction. "Jaclyn represents the very best that public education has to offer."

"Brick Township Public Schools is fortunate to have such a dedicated teacher in our ranks," Superintendent Thomas Farrell said. "Mrs. Potochar is a shining example of the district vision, 'Student-Centered, Teacher-Led, & Community Connected.' "

"I applaud the commitment and professionalism of each of the 21 County Teachers of the Year," Gov. Phil Murphy said. "If you want to know why New Jersey’s public schools are rated as among the best in the nation, look no further than these 21 exemplars of the kind of quality teaching that takes place in every school throughout our state."

Individual schools nominate educators for County Teacher of the Year through the Governor’s Educator of the Year Program, which promotes a positive school culture by acknowledging the hard work and dedication of outstanding teachers and educational services professionals.

The County Teachers of the Year will network with educators throughout the state and serve as ambassadors for New Jersey’s public schools during the upcoming school year.

A panel of educators selects the New Jersey State Teacher of the Year from among the 21 county teachers of the year based on written applications, video submissions, and interviews with the top finalists. The New Jersey State Teacher of the Year will go on to represent New Jersey in competing for the title of National Teacher of the Year.

Other Brick Township School District teachers who have been named county teacher of the year are: Kelly Cerbone (2019-20), Jeanette Wehner (2016-17), and Brittany Bucco (2015-16); Nancy Evans (2012-13); Gail Damiano (2008-09); Barbara Godbold (2006-07); Linda Ramirez (2005-06) and Karen Leta (2000-01). Cerbone and Bucco also taught at Lake Riviera.