Teacher Retiring After 52 Years At Montclair Kimberly Academy

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A teacher at Montclair Kimberley Academy (MKA) who has logged more than half a century in the classroom is about to embark on a well-deserved retirement, administrators say.

George Hrab recently announced that he will retire from teaching at the end of the school year. Currently an Upper School science teacher, Hrab has been recognized as an outstanding coach and athletic director, as well as an “impactful” classroom teacher over his 52 years at the school, administrators said.

Appointed to the faculty of Montclair Academy in 1969, Hrab was hired to coach and teach physical education. Twenty years later, when Hrab stepped down as athletic director, he was encouraged to join the science department, where he has taught for the last 32 years.

The winner of the MKA Founders’ Cup for Teaching Excellence in 1996, Hrab was inducted into MKA’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018.

The school has become a family legacy. Hrab’s wife, Myra, also taught and coached at MKA from 1982-2007. The couple are the parents of two MKA graduates from the classes of 1986 and 1988.

News of Hrab’s coming retirement inspired other words of thanks and praise from the school community.

Head of School Tom Nammack said Hrab’s career at MKA was “without comparison” for its length of service, sustained vitality and the “unalloyed respect and affection” of thousands of students and hundreds of colleagues.

Head of Upper School Dave Flocco reflected on the “immeasurable” impact Hrab has had as a leader among the faculty, adding that “there is no one else who has more fully earned the trust and admiration of the Upper School faculty.”

“It’s been a gift to work with George,” said Laurie Smith, his colleague in the science department. “He models what it means to be a true teacher [and is the] personification of the passion and dedication he has for his subject, students, colleagues and our school.”

Hrab was a witness to MKA’s merger of Montclair Academy, The Kimberley School, and Brookside in 1974, and it was a topic he took an interest in, discussing the evolution of and progress at MKA in a Q&A session held to celebrate his 50th year at the school in 2018.

“One of the big differences between then and now, is how the school has expanded its offerings of experiences outside the classroom with global experiences and community service, which is important in students’ development as human beings,” Hrab said.

While he’s worn many hats at MKA, it’s the title of “teacher” that Hrab embodies most, administrators said.

“The MKA community is so very thankful for his dedication to students, families and colleagues, and wish him nothing but the very best in his retirement,” administrators stated.

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