Essex County ‘Teacher Of Year’ Used To Be Chemical Engineer

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — An educator in Montclair has been recognized as one of the state’s 2018-19 County Teachers of the Year.

Earlier this month, the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) named Smita Dharsi, a 2nd grade teacher at Edgemont Montessori School in Montclair, as its Essex County teacher of the year.

According to the NJDOE, Dharsi was a chemical engineer before she discovered and nurtured her passion for teaching and learning. The DOE wrote:

“Currently, [Dharsi] is a second-grade teacher; however, in the past she has worked as a high school chemistry teacher, in an alternative high school for at-risk teens, in a home-based early intervention program, and in a Montessori school. Based on a relational model, Smita designs her classroom to provide students with an opportunity to be independent, make discoveries, and think critically to maximize learning. Her multicultural and multilingual experiences from four continents gives her a unique perspective on children's lives, backgrounds, and learning styles. Smita leads the Roots & Shoots Club for students after school. During the summer, she runs a nonprofit company and works in Tanzania in partnership with The Jane Goodall Institute on projects involving the environment and conservation with the Roots & Shoots Club members there. Smita also provides micro grants to women's groups for sustainable economic development.”

Panels representing a cross-section of administrators, teachers, parents and members of county education associations select each County Teacher of the Year. The awards are meant to pay tribute to each educator for their “outstanding level of talent and commitment.”

See the full list of 2018-19 awardees here.

“I am honored to recognize the 2018-2019 County Teachers of the Year,” Gov. Phil Murphy said. “These 21 educators exemplify the outstanding level of talent and commitment that exists in New Jersey’s public schools. Their hard work and dedication is a critical part of making our state’s public education system one of the best in the country and creating a life-long love of learning for New Jersey’s students.”

• See related article: New Jersey's School System Is 2nd Best In America: Here's Why
• See related article: 10 Stories About Awesome New Jersey Teachers

Previous Teachers of the Year in Essex County are listed below.

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Images: nj.gov