Teacher Appreciation: Schools Honor Their Best

This article was submitted by Livingston Public Schools.

Years ago, when Renee Sachs evaluated her career choices, she said she knew she probably would make “a lousy lawyer and a stinky actuary,” but thought she would excel at teaching.

Yesterday, the first-grade teacher at Harrison School realized that she did in fact make the right career decision when she and eight other Livingston Public Schools teachers were honored as Livingston’s 2010-2011 Teachers of the Year in a special breakfast in the band room at Livingston High School.

“I am overwhelmed,” Sachs said. “I have always wanted to be a teacher.”

Each school was asked to select a teacher who represents the mission of Livingston Public Schools “to empower all to learn, create, contribute and grow.”

Heritage Middle School Principal Pat Boland said her school selected Vicki Ziering, a special education teacher for grades 7 and 8, as it’s teacher of the year because Ziering’s “whole focus every day is to reach the heart of a child.”

Riker Hill Principal Jo Tandler said she is very proud first grade teacher Tracy Bock, her school’s choice. “Tracey is a dynamic, passionate educator adored by her children.”

As the teachers shared personal stories of how they became teachers, some dreaming of the career since a young age, while others opting for mid-life career changes, it was clear that all of the educators at the breakfast yesterday shared one thing in common: they all entered the field to help children.

“It is wonderful to be honored by your peers,” said Kristin Macagney, the teacher of the year for Mount Pleasant Elementary School. “You do the job because you love the kids.”

Some of the high school’s orchestral students performed three classical pieces for the educators before they breakfasted on an egg and ham casserole, bagels, muffins and fruit salad. The students in the CIP, Career Internship Program, volunteered their time to prepare and set up the breakfast.

Then each principal spoke about their teacher of the year from their respective school and why they were chosen and each teacher said a few words about their love of teaching.

The 2010-2011 winners were also treated to a short speech by 2009-2010 teacher of the year Kenny Zushma who told this year’s winners “it is teachers like you who surface to the top” and encouraged them to “keep doing what you are doing.’

Collins Teacher was selected to represent Livingston in the Essex County Teacher of the Year program. Diegnan, who said he found his teaching job in Livingston “in the yellow pages,” after moving from Virginia 14 years ago was deemed the school’s “most influential” teacher by students at the school.

The Essex County Office of Education Selection Committee will choose a teacher to represent Essex County in the State Teacher of the Year program.

Livingston Public Schools Superintendent Brad Draeger recognized the teachers, presenting each one with a plaque at the end of the breakfast. The also honored each of the teachers March 14 and presented them with special certificates.

The other 2010-2011 teachers of the year are: Burnet Hill preschool teacher Loren Svetvilas, Hillside third grade teacher Dana Wallock, Mount Pleasant Middle School teacher Mitchell Wasserman and high school mathematics teacher Jeffrey Wieboldt.

For information: contact Allison Freeman, Interim Manager of Communications and Community Outreach, Livingston Public Schools (973) 535-8000 ext. 8036 or afreeman@livingston.org.

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