Retiring West Orange Math Teacher Gets Fond Farewell From Peers

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A high-achieving teacher in West Orange recently earned some well-deserved kudos as he prepares to retire: Albert Alston.

Alston – who is retiring as a mathematics teacher after more than 30 years – got a fond sendoff during the West Orange Board of Education meeting on Feb. 26.

In addition to being an outstanding math teacher, Alston has also made a mark in the district as a mentor, peer and overall role model, district administrators said.

Alston is also an inventor, who plans to promote his new DEET-free insect repellent after retirement.

West Orange school administrators noted that Alston was one of the first Black teachers hired at Edison Middle School by legendary principal, Errol Scales, who was committed to increasing diversity among staff.

Roosevelt principal Lionel Hush, assistant principal Olivia Betances and former board of education member Terry Triggs-Scales were present at the meeting to congratulate Alston, with Triggs-Scales presenting a plaque to Alston on behalf of her late husband.

“I am here because men like Mr. Scales and Mr. Alston laid the foundation,” Moore said.

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