Bergen Woman Celebrates 50 Years Of Her Passion: Teaching

FAIR LAWN, NJ — Yvonne Visocky has spent nine months of the year in the same room for 50 consecutive years.

While the fifth- and sixth-graders at Westmoreland Elementary School who have come into that room have changed, Visocky's love of the profession has not.

Visocky taught sixth grade for 21 years and has taught fifth for 29. Her long tenure at one school has allowed her to teach generations of Fair Lawn residents.

"I love her, she is so incredible," said Dawn Hoefler, a former sixth-grade student of Visocky's from the late 1980s. Visocky also taught Hoefler's three children and her younger sister, Carolyn. "She prepares the students for middle school, always goes above and beyond, and attends the kids' events all over town. She is so dedicated to the families and students."

Other alumni agree.

"Yvonne was more than just a teacher, she was a role model of such high virtue she approximates sainthood," said Dr. Joseph Wolenski, a 1971 alumnus who is a research scientists at Yale University. "I know I speak for hundreds of former students when I say that she was truly a guiding light that provided a pathway to success for those willing to listen."

When Visocky started teaching in 1969, computers were not yet part of mainstream America.

How things have changed.

"Yvonne has proudly launched Google Classroom with her students and has taken the initiative to learn and implement many data-tracking programs such as ConnectEd and NewsEla to enhance and guide learning in her classroom," said Principal Christine Dell'Aglio. "She is the epitome of a lifelong learner."

Visocky knew she wanted to a teacher when she was young. Her father was a teacher and school administrator. He would bring Visocky to school with him off-hours. She remembered how school always provided stability throughout her life.

"I was determined, destined, and committed to return the stability and security that school provided to me to my students," Visocky said.

School nowadays is more of partnership between educators and parents.

"Now, schools partner with families on nutrition, medical, pre- and post-school child care, occupational and physical therapy, mental health, speech, and music," Visocky said. "The list goes on."

Visocky received the Techer of the Year Award three times throughout her career.

"I do receive daily enjoyment from teaching a variety of content to students," Visocky said. "What else could affect so many lives?"

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Photo: Westmoreland teacher Miss Yvonne Visocky with one of her students. (Courtsey of Liz Wellinghorst)