See The 5th Grade Teacher Named Passaic Co. Teacher Of The Year

CLIFTON, NJ — A fifth-grade teacher in Passaic County has been named one of the top educators in New Jersey, as the Department of Education announced its 2023-2024 County Teachers of the Year.

Individual schools nominate exceptional educators for county “Teacher of the Year” through the Governor’s Educator of the Year Program.

The county-level winners will network with educators around the state, and serve as ambassadors for New Jersey’s public schools during the 2023-24 school year.

Amanda Rhodes, who teaches at School 11 in the Clifton School District, was the winner for Passaic County. Rhodes, a Montclair State University graduate, has been a fifth-grade teacher at the school for the past seven years.

"I love teaching because every day I have the opportunity to teach with and learn from some of the most creative and inquisitive people, my students," said Rhodes in a quote provided by the NJDOE.

Rhodes' nominators said she models leadership in and out of the classroom, and focuses on supporting teacher and student success through her work as a mentor and in several school programs:

"For the last four years, she has held the position of Universal Team Coach for the school’s Positive Behavior, Interventions, and Supports program where Amanda was integral in developing the framework that defines her school’s four expectations of being RARE (Respectful, Attentive, Responsible, and Enthusiastic) that the students and staff embody. Amanda is also the coach of the school's Positive Behavior Support in Schools Team, where she works to support student and teacher success by creating positive, predictable, equitable and safe learning environments. She believes in the importance of creating a classroom community where her students are celebrated, loved, and respected. She knows that students who enjoy learning are successful, and she works to challenge her students daily with experiences that are meaningful, engaging, and fun."

A panel of educators will select the overall 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. That educator will go on to represent New Jersey in competing for the title of National Teacher of the Year.

“I applaud the commitment and professionalism of each of the 21 county Teachers of the Year,” Gov. Phil Murphy said.

“If you want to know why New Jersey’s public schools are rated as among the best in the nation, look no further than these 21 exemplars of the kind of quality teaching that takes place in every school throughout our state,” Murphy added.