Abigail Clark Honored as School District's Teacher of the Year

Abigail Clark will end her accomplished teaching career on a high note. 

The 36-year veteran of Manchester's school system was honored last week as teacher of the year for both  and the district as a whole. 

"It's the perfect way to end my career, where I've been blessed to have had wonderful students and wonderful colleagues," Clark said as she received the honor during the May 10 Board of Education regular meeting. 

Principal Alexander George said it was his "great pleasure" to introduce the Spanish teacher and department head who has been an educator in Manchester since the high school opened in 1976.

"To spend time in Mrs. Clark's class is to see students actively engaged in learning," George said. "Her goal is to teach language, culture and vocabulary using techniques that make it relevant and authentic.

"Mrs. Clark has had a profound impact on the culture of the high school. As one of our 'foundation teachers,' she has created a culture where teachers support each other and work passionately on behalf of the students at the high school."

Clark said that she is "extremely grateful" to have worked solely in the township.

"I'm fortunate to be a part of that team of teachers who opened Manchester Township High School," she said.

In addition to her teaching duties, Clark has served as Spanish Club advisor and as committee member for the National Honor Society and the district's World Language Committee. She also helped incoming educators in her role as a teacher mentor. 

In 1990, Clark was selected as a delegate to a Spanish immersion program at Rider University and in 1991 received the Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship to study abroad and author a textbook. A decade later in 2002, she was given the outstanding educator award from The College of New Jersey.

"It is for all these reasons and so many more that we congratulate Mrs. Clark," George said. "She'll be going out on top."

Clark's family, including her two daughters who have also gone into education, were in attendance. She thanked her colleagues for selecting her as teacher of the year and expressed gratitude to her loved ones for supporting her while she pursued her passion of teaching. 

"It's very moving and humbling to me to know that I've made an impact in this community," Clark said. "I've enjoyed every single moment of my time with my family away from home."

Clark said that her students "have always been my inspiration."

"They inspired me to design and create new materials," she said. "I care for them as my own children. My students, no matter how old you are, will always be my kids."

Other township educators were honored as teachers of the year at their schools. Superintendent of Schools David Trethaway offered his appreciation for their dedication to Manchester's children. 

"These are six very unique individuals teaching a variety of subjects, but you can see that they have qualities that are the same — they're very dedicated to their profession and they care about their students immensely," he said. 

The 2011-2012 teachers of the year:

Irene O'Reilly, Manchester Township Middle School

Jamie Rinella, Ridgeway Elementary School

Lisa Michallis, Regional Day School

Loreen Reiman, Whiting Elementary School

Alice McGlynn, Manchester Township Elementary School