High-Achieving Newark Teacher Earns Prize From Princeton University

NEWARK, NJ — A high-achieving teacher in Newark nailed down a $5,000 award – and a $3,000 boost for his school’s library – as part of this year’s Princeton Prize for Distinguished Secondary School Teaching.

Wahab Ashraf of Science Park High School in Newark was one of four educators to earn the honor this year. Other winners are Bob Fenster of Hillsborough High School, Maria Maloupis of Lyndhurst Middle School, and Nancy Picinic Ricca of Pascack Valley High School.

“These amazing individuals remind us all that great teachers have the power to change lives and lift communities,” said Todd Kent, director of Princeton’s Program in Teacher Preparation.

Here’s why Ashraf earned recognition for 2023, according to Princeton University:

“Wahab Ashraf teaches College Prep and Advanced Placement biology at Science Park High School, a magnet school for students in the Newark School District interested in pursuing STEM careers … Students enjoy Ashraf’s classroom atmosphere, which they characterize as fun, engaging and hands-on. Many are inspired by his teaching to pursue further studies and careers related to biology. Ashraf was named his school’s Teacher of the Year in 2017-18 and 2021-22. He also teaches mathematics at Rutgers and New Jersey Institute of Technology, and he received the Rutgers University Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2022.”

Here are some of the people who spoke on Ashraf’s behalf:

PUSHES STUDENTS TO GREATNESS – “A colleague said Ashraf, who has taught at the school for eight years, sets the bar high for his students. ‘Mr. Ashraf’s AP Biology students will consistently score 4s and 5s on the AP exam, as a direct result of his instruction,’ the colleague said. ‘It is clear that Mr. Ashraf not only pushes his students to greatness, but also genuinely cares about them as human beings.’”

PURE JOY OF LEARNING – “Principal Darleen Gearhart said Ashraf’s lessons are ‘phenomena-driven, inquiry based and require high cognitive demand from students,’ adding, ‘his classroom and students are filled with the pure joy of learning, so much so that alumni always return as a demonstration of the strong rapport that he builds with each student.’”

NURTURED LOVE FOR SCIENCES – “Said a former student: ‘He was able to take big concepts and create activities that would require us to think like a biologist, but also be creative. Mr. Ashraf has nurtured my love and passion for the sciences, which has led me to explore a career in the health care/medical field.’”

The selection committee considers recommendations from colleagues and students as well as evidence of the teachers’ accomplishments in the school and the community. The 10 finalists were selected by the Program in Teacher Preparation staff and visited at their schools by Rosanne Zeppieri, a member of the program staff. The four winners were then selected by a committee chaired by Elizabeth Colagiuri, deputy dean of the college, that also includes Kent; Stanley Katz, a lecturer with the rank of professor in public and international affairs at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs; and William Miron, principal of Millburn High School in New Jersey and a 1978 Princeton University graduate.

Princeton University will honor four outstanding New Jersey secondary school teachers at its 2023 commencement on Tuesday, May 30.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page.