Clark Educator Named Union County Teacher Of The Year

CLARK, NJ — A Clark educator has been recognized as one of the state's 2019-20 County Teachers of the Year.

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) named Bryan Lowe, a fifth grade teacher at Valley Road Elementary School, as the Union County Teacher of the Year.

Lowe "believes in strengthening civic mindedness and showing his students that education takes determination and grit as well as can be fun," according to the NJDOE. "He creates lessons and simulations that capture students' attention, enough to make them want to give up their recess to keep learning."

Lowe has been featured for his solar-powered bicycle commute of 50 miles to promote Earth Day and teach about renewable energy. He co-directs the school musical and directs the district-wide history camp that he created.

He also builds houses in Guatemala every year with the organization, De Casas a Hogares, for impoverished families and helps fundraise to send their children to school.

Lowe "firmly believes that his greatest accomplishments are never his own, he chooses to be defined by what his students accomplish," according to the NJDOE.

Lowe graduated from Kean University with a bachelor's degree in elementary education.

"It is with great pride that I recognize these highly skilled, compassionate and dedicated County Teachers of the Year," said Governor Phil Murphy. "These teachers reflect the exemplary quality of educational leadership that we see throughout our state."

The 21 county Teachers of the Year will network with New Jersey educators and serve as ambassadors for the state's schools, officials said.

A panel of educators will select the Teacher of the Year based on applications, video submissions, and interviews with the top six finalists. The winner will be announced at the State Board of Education's October meeting.

The State Teacher of the Year will then go on to represent New Jersey in competing for the title of National Teacher of the Year.

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