Newark’s Teacher Of The Year Has ‘Unwavering Devotion’ (VIDEO)

NEWARK, NJ — A longtime educator in Newark who is described as “one-of-a-kind” recently earned a nod as the public school district’s “Teacher of the Year” for 2023.

On Wednesday, the Newark Board of Education and Superintendent Roger León held a surprise ceremony for Juanita Greene at her 10th grade geometry class in Newark Vocational High School (watch the video below).

According to the district, Greene was chosen as Teacher of the Year due to her “outstanding teaching skills, unwavering devotion to her students, and sincere dedication to their academic and emotional progress.”

“Representing the entire district, Mrs. Greene demonstrates the best standards of educational excellence,” administrators said.

“Greene's path to becoming Teacher of the Year is impressive,” administrators continued. “With almost three decades of experience, she has taught and excelled in various grade levels. Although she left the classroom to embark on other journeys, including instructing teachers, Mrs. Greene's love for teaching students returned her to her true passion.”

León said Greene “personifies what it means to be committed to ensuring that students receive the academic and emotional tools needed to be successful.”

Board of Education president Asia Norton agreed.

“Her dedication to the educational community in Newark is truly admirable and inspires educators throughout the district,” Norton said. “We express our gratitude and congratulations to Mrs. Greene for this well-deserved recognition.”

The experienced educator got a big thumbs-up from her principal – and her students.

“She is a one-of-a-kind teacher,” said Karisa DeSantis, principal at Newark Vocational High School.

DeSantis praised Greene for her exceptional dedication and compassion.

“She is just always on her A-game,” DeSantis said.

Meanwhile, sophomore Alondra Novilla, 16, praised Greene for her patience in the classroom.

“She’ll explain and if you don’t understand she won’t get frustrated with you or anything,” Novilla said.

Statue City Cruises honored Greene and her math class with a trip to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island on Friday.

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