Toms River Science Teacher Named Ocean County Teacher Of The Year

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Set one foot inside Christine Girtain's classroom and one thing is certain: this is not your average science class.

Girtain, who leads the authentic science research program at Toms River High Schools North and South, has guided student projects that have covered a range of topics, from the effects of fruit seed extracts on bacteria to bioengineering E. coli to studies of bees. She has connected students and teachers with research and STEM educational trips that have taken them to cattle farms and to Costa Rica.

On Thursday, Girtain was honored for her passion and her impact on students and teachers alike by the state Department of Education, which named her the Ocean County Teacher of the Year for 2022-23.

Girtain, a Toms River Schools graduate, has been teaching for 28 years. She has a bachelor's degree in biology from The College of New Jersey and a master's degree in earth science instruction and curriculum from Kean University.

The Authentic Science Research program is a three-year program that meets separately from classroom hours and allows students to pursue topics that interest them, according to the application.

One of the goals is to help foster a love of learning.

"My parents definitely instilled in me a love of learning and a sense of adventure," Girtain said Thursday in a taped message. "They taught my brother Paul and I to be curious."

That curiosity was stoked further by her teachers, who inspired her to become a teacher, she said.

It's a role she embraces.

"I love the bonds I've made with my students, especially teaching the research class," Girtain said.

Her work to push the limits and give students hands-on research opportunities have led to Girtain being named the NJ STEM Pathways 2019 STEM Teacher of the Year, as the 2021 New Jersey Finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. Read more: Toms River Science Teacher Honored In 2 Programs

In addition, Girtain has brought in more than $185,000 to the Toms River schools to fund student research projects and for STEM camps.

"Christine's impact on our students and community reaches well beyond the classroom, where she is a master of her craft," Toms River Regional Superintendent Michael Citta said. "Christine has inspired generations of students and peers to make their mark on this world in such a positive way."

"We could not be more proud and certainly I can't imagine anyone more deserving than Mrs. Christine Girtain to represent Ocean County as its teacher ambassador," Citta said.

Girtain said the honor is a reflection of the efforts of everyone in the district, from the school bus drivers, the cafeteria staff, the custodians and support staff, to the teachers, administrators and Board of Education.

"We all work together as a team to make the best educational experience we can for our students," Girtain said. "I'm grateful to the administrators and the Board of Education who believe that outside professional development and conferences are important to the growth of our school district."

"These 21 educators are exemplary models of the kinds of dynamic teaching that takes place in New Jersey’s classrooms," Gov. Phil Murphy said in a news release on the awards. "The quality of our schools is driven in no small part through the strength of our teaching workforce, represented by these County Teachers of the Year. It’s no wonder New Jersey public schools are among the best in the nation."

Girtain earlier this summer led a group of teachers on a trip to Oklahoma with the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, which included viewing cow embryos through a microscope, vaccinating cattle, lessons on food safety, and much more.

"I'm thankful to the businesses and nonprofit organizations, scientists and farmers across the country who have set aside funds to be used for teacher and student educational experiences," Girtain. "These STEM ecosystems are the lifeblood of progress."

The County Teachers of the Year network with educators throughout the state and serve as ambassadors for New Jersey’s public schools during the upcoming school year.

A panel of educators will select the New Jersey State Teacher of the Year from among the 21 County Teachers of the Year based on written applications, video submissions, and interviews with the top finalists. The New Jersey State Teacher of the Year is typically announced at the State Board of Education’s October meeting and will go on to represent New Jersey in competing for the title of National Teacher of the Year.