Hahn, Wagner Green Brook Teachers of the Year

Two Green Brook teachers were honored at the district’s Board of Education meeting on Monday night, with the distinction of being named Teachers of the Year.

The teachers, first grade teacher Sue Hahn of and Jennifer Wagner, who teaches fourth grade at Green Brook Middle School, were honored in a small ceremony by administrators, peers and other members of the community.

“It’s my honor as chief school administrator here in Green Brook to begin a ceremony at our board of education meetings where we take the time to honor, recognize and celebrate the Teachers of the Year in Green Brook Township,” Superintendent of Schools Richard R. Labbe said. “We wanted to have an opportunity where the community could come on out and take part in a very unique celebration.”

Labbe was the first of many to be complimentary of the efforts of the two educators receiving the honor.

“I would just like to take the opportunity to congratulate and to thank sincerely Mrs. Hahn and Ms. Wagner for what they do for our students,” he said.

First to be honored was Hahn, who was introduced to all those in attendance by IEF Elementary School principal Armand Lamberti. Lamberti cited Hahn’s passion, creativity and classroom flexibility as being the key attributes that allow her to connect with students and integrate it all into the school’s first grade curriculum.

“Mrs. Hahn connects with students, parents and staff, and that ultimately benefits the students in her charge,” Lamberti said.

Hahn was grateful for the honor, and for the opportunity to work in a district like Green Brook.

“(Teaching) is my passion; I live, sleep and breathe it, and I wake up in middle of night and think about it,” Hahn said. “It truly is an honor and a pleasure to be teaching here in Green Brook.”

Next was Wagner’s turn. A teacher at Green Brook Middle School since 2008, Wagner, a language arts teacher, is a part of the Somerset County Reading Association and has participated in several of the organization’s events, including Author’s Workshops and the annual Young Author’s Day.

Perhaps more important, however, is her dedication to each of her students, according to principal Linda Pollard.

“Jennifer takes time to make every child feel important, and to communicate with families about the accomplishments of the day,” Pollard said.

Labbe also noted Wagner’s ability to keep lines of communication open with all members of the school community, right up to the administrators in charge.

“Since I began in July, Ms. Wagner has made a habit of providing me with goodies and samples of some of the incredible things she does in her class,” Labbe said.

Wagner herself was overwhelmed with the support members of the school community showed to her and Hahn as they were honored on Monday night.

“I am over-ecstatic at the turnout here and the letters (from colleagues), and I am so happy to be a teacher here in Green Brook,” Wagner said. “I appreciate this honor.”