Union County Teacher Of The Year Inspires Kids To Dance

LINDEN, NJ — An educator in Linden has been recognized as one of the state's 2018-19 County Teachers of the Year.

Earlier this month, the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) named Barbara Brady, a health and physical education teacher at Linden High School, as its Union County Teacher of the Year.

Brady also has her own dance studio in the high school.

"In my classroom, students are getting physical education credit but really learning to become creators and performers and educators themselves in fact because we do so many different things besides just dance and I am really, really am proud of that," Brady said in a video by NJDOE.

Brady holds a Bachelor's Degree in Health and Physical Education from Kean University, a Master's Degree in Curriculum Instruction and Assessment from Marygrove College, and a Supervisor's Certificate from Kean University.

She has taught in the Linden Public School District for the past 20 years and is the Health and Physical Education Department Chairperson at Linden High School. Brady received the SHAPE America Eastern District Dance Teacher of the Year Award in 2018 and 2013, the New Jersey Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Dance Teacher of the Year Award in 2016 and 2012, and most recently was a finalist for the Society of Health and Physical Educators America National Dance Teacher of the Year 2018, according to the NJDOE.

She is a co-founder and President of Mystic Vision Players, a Union County based community theatre company. Brady is also the Ballet Mistress at Metuchen Dance Centre and sits on the New Jersey Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Executive Board. She is a true advocate for each of her students and is devoted to their individual successes, both in and out of the classroom, according to NJDOE.

"From a child with disabilities to valedictorian of the high school, I have taught a wide variety of multiple learners and no matter what, I believe, and I truly believe in my heart, that every child can dance. Every person can dance. And I make them know that and believe that too and I think that is what inspires them," Brady said in the video.

"I am honored to recognize the 2018-2019 County Teachers of the Year," said Governor Phil Murphy. "These 21 educators exemplify the outstanding level of talent and commitment that exists in New Jersey's public schools. Their hard work and dedication is a critical part of making our state's public education system one of the best in the country and creating a life-long love of learning for New Jersey's students."

(Image and video via nj.gov)

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