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Woodbury City School Teachers of the Year for 2011

Here within the Woodbury City Public Schools, we believe that there is no career more noble than the field of education. As educators we not only teach basic academic competencies but also teach life lessons that help develop our students into young individuals of moral character. In doing so we help to shape society and prepare our students for a future full of potential and success. We, as a district, would like to honor the following teachers as representatives of all the wonderful teachers in our district who work hard and tirelessly to provide for the students of Woodbury the best education possible.

Evergreen TOY

Christine Abdalla
Evergreen Avenue School

Christine Abdalla, a nine year Veteran began her teaching career in Woodbury. She has taught Spanish to elementary students as well as maintained her role in the preschool program, where she currently teaches. Mrs. Adballa derives her satisfaction from knowing that she has made a difference in her students’ lives. Her students’ success and growth motivate her daily as she builds the foundation for learning and prepares students for Kindergarten. It is hard to visit Mrs. Abdalla’s classroom and not walk away with a smile, especially when you see students learning and having fun. Mrs. Abdalla makes learning fun and memorable for her students.



walnut TOY

Robbie Richardson
Walnut Street School

Mr. Richardson is currently completing his 2nd full year at the Walnut Street School as our 5th grade teacher. During this relatively short period of time Mr. Richardson has quickly made his home at Walnut Street fostering and developing relationships with students, parents and colleagues. Some highlights of Mr. Richardson’s contributions to Walnut Street School and the broader Woodbury community include – the creation and implementation of the S.L.A.G Club – Scholars, Leaders, Athletes, Gentlemen for 3rd-5th grade male students, Junior High Girls Soccer Coach and the development of community service projects for his students such as Haiti Fundraiser Relief Efforts and Pop-Tabs for the Ronald McDonald House. A hallmark of Mr. Richardson’s teaching style includes his innovative use of technology, the implementation of creative hands on educational experiences and an even keeled approachable style the puts students at ease and fosters a classroom climate of support and collaboration.

 



West End TOY

Debra Aversa
West End Memorial School

West End Memorial Elementary School is excited to announce Mrs. Debra Aversa as the 2011 New Jersey Governor’s Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Aversa demonstrates the love of learning by inspiring her third grade students every day to achieve their goals. With a calm, patient, demeanor, Mrs. Aversa strives to bring out the best in her students . Mrs. Aversa emphasizes writing in her daily repertoire and concludes the school year with a Portfolio Party—an opportunity for all students to share their wonderful writing pieces from the school year with their parents and guardians. Mrs. Aversa is now in her 19th year of teaching. She has taught kindergarten, third and fourth grades. . West End is fortunate to have a truly dedicated third grade teacher.



Junior High TOY

Ellen Firth
Junior High School

Every educator joins a school community bringing “something to the plate”. Ellen Firth brought three items: the 3 R’s: Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships – relationships with every member of Woodbury -- faculty, staff, and especially students.

Every instructional initiative and program can be experienced thoroughly in Ellen’s classroom.

  • Differentiated Instruction: a term that simply validated the unique instruction every child receives in her class.
  • AVID’s WICR: Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, and/or Reading – are daily staples in every fifty one minute class.

Most would call Ellen’s work a testament to the use of best practices; it is clearly an indication of the value – added teacher. Ellen’s work, however, goes far beyond the typical educational research and resources to be able to realize student success in her classroom; her work is permeated with genuine passion, connections, and pure giftedness – all of which combined, manifest in significant growth and real learning for every student she knows. Ellen Firth’s classroom is a safe place; an honored place -- a place where every student knows they are valued and appreciated. It is a place where real magic happens – every day, for every student.



Senior High TOY

Cheryl Federline
Senior High School

There is something very special about the person who joins the educational arena after experiencing success in other career paths. There is something even more exceptional about that person who achieves recognition for their work as a teacher – ultimately named, Teacher of the Year.

The work that Cheryl Federline does – in and outside of the classroom -- is a model for all that teachers are admired and respected. Everything from her dynamic personality; love of the language; proficiency; and ability to build strong and meaningful relationships – align perfectly and produces a stellar, compassionate, master teacher; worthy of this honor and recognition.

Woodbury is fortunate to have Senora Federline as a teacher and colleague.




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25 N. Broad Street - Woodbury, NJ 08096 - 856-853-0123