Haddonfield Educator Named Camden County Teacher Of The Year

HADDONFIELD, NJ — An English teacher at Haddonfield Memorial High School has been named Camden County’s Teacher of the Year for 2019-20, the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) announced on Wednesday.

Kimberly Dickstein teaches English to students in 10th-12th grade at the school, according to NJDOE. She was among the 21 county teachers of the year who were recognized during an awards ceremony at Liberty High School in Jackson.

“Kim is truly deserving of this honor as she goes above and beyond the normal call of duty,” Haddonfield Superintendent of Schools Dr. Larry Mussoline said. “However it is my belief that everyone who steps into a classroom and is called 'teacher' is the teacher of the year because everyone who works at that bench has a profound impact on either all, some, or certain students within their circle of work.”

"We are truly proud of Ms. Dickstein and this honor," Haddonfield Assistant Superintendent of Schools Charles Klaus said. "She is representative of an outstanding group of teachers. Kim’s diligence, passion and dedication to improving her practice and dedication to her students is indicative of what we value in Haddonfield. In addition, she puts into practice the belief that education is not confined to the brick and mortar of a building. She motivates students to drive their passions and put them in practice, so they can make an impact on the world. This is a lesson that her students will use as a guiding principle in their lives."

As a county teacher of the year, Dickstein will network with educators throughout the state and serve as ambassadors for New Jersey’s public schools. She is now in the running to be named the New Jersey State Teacher of the Year, which will be selected by a panel of educators.

The winner will be determined based on written applications, video submissions, and interviews with the top six finalists. The winner will be announced at the New Jersey State Board of Education meeting in October. The New Jersey Teacher of the Year will compete for National Teacher of the Year honors.

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

“New Jersey’s educators are among the best in this country, as evidenced by the success of our students,” Education Commissioner Lamont O. Repollet said. “The teachers who we recognize today instruct, inform, and inspire children to achieve success in school and beyond.”

Dickstein has been an English teacher at Haddonfield Memorial High School for 11 years, according to the Governor’s Educator of the Year web page. She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in English secondary education from Rutgers University.

She connects assigned texts with performances and service activities. After introducing her classes to a memoir about the trauma endured by a child soldier, Dickstein connected with a former child soldier in South Sudan, Garang Buk Buk Piol, who shared his real-life experiences via Skype.

Piol told the students he needed to demonstrate financial stability in order to attend a master's program at Emory University. Dickstein then lead the students and the community in raising more than $50,000 to support his education.

She has also previously engaged local theater companies, bookstores and festivals in developing companion activities for her students, particularly those taking Greek drama and Shakespeare electives she developed at the high school.

Dickstein encourages her students and colleagues to consider how to take action beyond the classroom and create community around learning.

See related:

Here's How Much Haddonfield, Haddon Teachers Are Paid

Haddonfield 4-H Member Attends Leadership Conference In Ireland
Haddonfield Ranked Among Top 10 School Districts In NJ
Back-to-School Essentials 2019: Backpacks, Laptops And Supplies
Haddonfield Schools 2019-20 Calendar
Haddon Township Schools 2019-20 Calendar