10 Stories About Awesome New Jersey Teachers

Teaching is an arduous, vital profession. But despite the many rewards, it’s not for the faint of heart. There are the long hours… the lack of resources… the high expectations.

And then there’s the salary.

“What salary?” the New Jersey Education Association questions. “After paying the mortgage, student loan debts, medical bills, utilities, car and food, what’s left?”

While New Jersey teachers’ salaries routinely come under scrutiny, according to the NEA’s “Professional Pay For Teachers” campaign, attracting and retaining qualified school staff requires “salaries that are competitive with those in comparable professions.”

In other words… you get what you pay for, the union says.

Read some of the NEA’s “Myths and Facts about Educator Pay” here.

According to a February report from the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), New Jersey public school teachers are underpaid - not overpaid – when compared to other jobs in the Garden State.

“Using regression analysis to control for level of education and other factors that affect pay, we find that public school teachers earn 16.8 percent less in weekly wages and 12.5 percent less in weekly total compensation (wages and benefits) than other full-time workers in New Jersey,” the EPI stated.

• See related article: These New Jersey CEOs Are Among The 'Most Overpaid' In America

GREAT GARDEN STATE TEACHERS

Check out some examples of public school teachers in New Jersey who are making their communities proud and giving their districts a bang for their buck. Got a story about a great teacher in New Jersey? Send it to eric.kiefer@patch.com

West Orange Teacher Creates ‘Dr. Seuss Gym Class’ (PHOTOS)

The unique physical education class used “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish” to sharpen young students' motor skills.

Bergen Music Teacher Is N.J. Teacher Of The Year

In addition to teaching, Argine Safari founded a non-profit youth theater company.

Newark’s Teacher Of The Year Is A Master Internship Matchmaker

Brian Klasner, a teacher at East Side High School, also helms the school’s 1st Comic Book Club.

Westfield Teacher Penny O’Donnell Awarded Philhower Fellowship

O’Donnell was awarded the Rotary Club’s Philhower Fellowship in recognition of outstanding teaching at the elementary school level.

Livingston Teacher, Coach Honored For 4 Decades Of Service

If you attended Livingston High School during the past 40 years, there’s a good chance that you’ve been a part of Alanson Partelow’s life.

Unconventional Teaching Methods Inspire Mahwah Students

Mahwah High School History teacher, Yvonne Beatrice encourages students to think outside the box.

Art Teacher Named Wayne Educator Of The Year

Mary Beth Kopacz was named the Wayne Education Association's Educator of the Year for her willingness to be "a team player" and "collaborates with her colleagues throughout the day."

Megan Brady Named Teacher Of The Year In Fanwood

The kindergarten teacher at The Goddard School created a journalism program to help her students investigate a variety of careers.

Teachers Group Donates To Long Valley Families In Need Through Assistance Program

Not only do they give to the students of the community, but to local families in need as well.

Hoboken Teacher Gets Aquaponics Grant

The $25,000 grant will help bring aquaponics to Hoboken Junior / Senior High School.

New Milford Teacher, Holocaust Educator, Honored By Princeton University

Colleen Tambusclo is a leading voice in Holocaust education.

Main Photo: Newark Public Schools