Patch Series: Meet Your Local Educators and Teachers

Editor Note: The following article is part of a series. More Hoboken Educators of the Year will be featured in future posts.

Hoboken Public Schools has named its teachers of the year and educational services professionals of the year.

This year, the New Jersey Department of Education has combined the Teacher of the Year program with Governor’s Teacher/Educational Services Professional Recognition Program. Schools selected one teacher and one educational services professional to be recognized at the school level. The teacher awardees can then nominate themselves for the County Teacher of the Year program.

The following biography information is provided by the Hoboken Public School District.

Christina Arnone, Wallace School Teacher of the Year, 2014-2015

Christina Arnone knew as early as she could remember, her wish was to become a teacher. As a kindergarten student, she can remember telling her parents of her dream of becoming “a teacher when I grow up.” Since her first employment at the age of sixteen, every job has involved working with children. She worked at a day care center, she was a camp counselor, and she worked as teacher assistant in an after school program while attending college. Arnone began her career as a teacher for Hoboken Public Schools in 2005. She has been teaching 2nd grade for the past ten years. She received her BA at New Jersey City University (NJCU) in early childhood education and psychology. She continued her education at NJCU and received a MA in literacy education with a certification as a reading specialist. She is currently attending classes earning credits toward a supervisor’s certificate in reading and language arts.

In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Arnone is an active participant in many school and community programs supported by the Hoboken Board of Education. She is a member of the Wallace School Sunshine Club, a committee that serves to provide and coordinate activities and events that enhance and maintain a positive climate and culture within the school for all staff and personnel. As a member of the School Climate Improvement Panel, she collaborates with fellow teachers and staff members, along with administrators, on concerns relevant to improving school-wide issues. Arnone keeps informed on current educational trends and reforms by continuously participating in professional development programs. She has attended numerous workshops including, but not limited to, implementing Common Core standards and PARCC assessments, in addition to evaluating textbooks and initiating creative curricula. Arnone is currently involved in the district mentoring program where she provides guidance, support, and educational advice to a first year teacher in Wallace School. Lastly, she enjoys sports and has served as as the head cheerleading coach at Hoboken Junior Senior High School for the past five years.

Childhood is a journey that shouldn’t be rushed. With that in mind, she enjoys teaching her students one day at a time. “Teaching is such a rewarding profession because it not only affords you the opportunity to teach children, but it allows you to know and appreciate each child as an individual.” She believes that each student in her class has a special gift and is unique in their own way. Over the years, she has received the most beautiful letters, notes, and cards from parents and students, filled with words that inspire her to be the best person she can for each and every child.

Arnone wakes up every day excited to go to work. She loves her job and she loves working in such a nurturing and supportive environment. Arnone strives to be a positive role model for all her students. She will continue her mission of instilling in each student a love of learning and discovery that will continue far beyond the classroom walls.

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