Joyce Kilmer Teacher Moves to Betsy Ross School

Each week Patch sits down with individuals who contribute to the high standards of education in Mahwah, and asks them a few questions to get to know them better.

This week Patch talks to former Joyce Kilmer and soon-to-be Betsy Ross teacher, Charles Rapp, about his new position, how important 4^th grade is for students and how he’ll adjust his teaching methods for second graders.

How long have you been a teacher? In Mahwah? What courses do you teach?

CR: “I have been employed by the Mahwah School district as a 4^th grade teacher for the past 14 years. During the first eleven years of my career, I was responsible for teaching all core subjects. For the last three years, I have been working as part of a dyad, providing instruction in the content areas of math, science, and social studies.”

Why is fourth grade so important?

CR: “Fourth grade is such an important year in the educational experience of a student because it serves as a transitioning conduit between the primary and elementary schools. It is the first time that students from around the district are brought together under one common roof. Although the incoming students face the challenges of navigating unfamiliar surroundings, establishing new peer relationships, and increased academic demands, the 4^th grade teachers do an exceptional job familiarizing both students and parents with the school, and closing the sizeable chasm that exists between the 3^rd and 5^th grade curriculums.”

This September, you will be teaching a different grade in another school. Tell us about it.

CR: “During the closing weeks of the 2010-2011 school year, I was appointed to the position of 2^nd grade teacher at Betsy Ross School. Although this appointment was unexpected, I welcome the opportunity and challenge that such a transition entails. I have toured the school, met with some of the staff, and am looking forward to bringing my years of classroom experience and unique teaching style to a whole new age demographic.”

Will your teaching methods change for this younger age group?

CR: “Although my target audience is younger, I will still be able to apply a large number of methods and techniques that have proven effective in the past. I will obviously need to “tweak” them, but a good teacher knows how to make adjustments to meet the needs of the individual learner.”

What's the most unconventional teaching method you've used and was it successful?

CR: “The word unconventional can also mean original, atypical, or avant-garde. I would say those adjectives accurately describe my style and approach to teaching. One of my greatest rewards as a teacher is to watch the learning that takes place from a lesson that I created. For me, it’s important to design activities that address multiple intelligences, infuse technology, and provide the students with “real-world” applications. True learning can only occur if the material makes sense and has meaning to the student and teacher. Self-generated lessons are far superior to “canned lessons” in my opinion because the teacher is invested on a personal level. It is, however, becoming increasingly more challenging to remain loyal to this style with increased emphasis on high stakes testing and time constraints.”

What's is the most important lesson you hope your students take away from class at the end of the year?

CR: “The most important lesson that I hope that my students take away from my class at the end of the year is that learning is a lifelong process that can take many forms. They should seek not to know the answers, but to understand the questions.”

What are your favorite memories of JK?

CR: “I have the unique perspective of making memories at JK as a student and as an educator. I have many fond memories of teachers, students, and colleagues. Some of my favorite memories are getting hired in 1997, working with my colleagues, and seeing the smiling faces of my students.”

What will you miss the most?

CR: “I will miss teaching the lessons that I created during the past 14 years and working with a staff that I consider my 2^nd family.”

You teach an enrichment course on fishing. Are you an avid fisherman?

CR: “I’ve been an avid fisherman since the age of 3. However, I’ve been very busy this spring, and haven’t had many opportunities to go. When I finish teaching summer school and my enrichment courses, I plan on fixing that problem.

Closing comments?

CR: “I would just like to take this opportunity to thank my family, students, parents, and colleagues who have been so supportive of me during my time at Joyce Kilmer. It’s been a pleasure working with you and I look forward to making new memories in the future. I would also like to take this time to personally thank fellow 4^th grade teacher, Don Hayek, who has been a tremendous mentor, source of inspiration, and friend. Together, we created some fantastic lessons that will stand the test of time.”