Far Hills Country Day School Teacher Named NJ Nonpublic School Teacher Of The Year

Submitted by Far Hills Country Day School

Lauren Bergland, middle school English teacher at Far Hills Country Day School has been named the NJ Nonpublic School Teacher of the Year by the New Jersey Council for American Private Education (NJ CAPE). Ms. Bergland was selected for her exceptional dedication, knowledge and skill in teaching.

“My greatest joy as a teacher is being even a small part of a student developing a love of learning and steady progression of skills and knowledge. Much of what we do as teachers deals in intangibles - sometimes growth can’t be captured simply in a grade on a test, so it is particularly rewarding to watch a student grow as a writer and communicator and realize the power of words, language, and communication,” said Ms. Bergland.

She will be honored at an awards ceremony on October 20th at the New Jersey Department of Education in Trenton.

Tom Woelper, Head of Far Hills Country Day School, said “Lauren inspires her students every day to ask questions, think deeply and truly explore the subject at hand – which may be writing an epic poem or participating in a poetry slam, reading Shakespeare, discussing the first-person perspective in To Kill a Mockingbird or diagramming sentences. She makes every aspect of English an exciting exploration.”

Carole Everett, Executive Director of the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS) commented, “Lauren Bergland truly distinguished herself in this rigorous application and interview process.”

Ms. Bergland is a member of the National Council of Teachers of English. Additionally this year, the Scholastic Art & Writing Award named her a Recognized Educator for her work with a student earning a Gold Key writing award.