Awards edition

Caroline has been teaching first graders with the Kearny School District for 9 years. Holding both her bachelor's and master's degrees from Montclair State University, Caroline also specializes in Reading and Special Education.

What does being an educator mean to you?

Being an educator is not only about helping students learn curriculum and subject areas, it is providing a safe space for them. It is teaching them life skills, fostering social relationships, and showing them that they are all capable of being the best they can be in every facet of their lives. I make it a point to build a rapport with my students and be someone they trust and feel safe talking to about anything they may be dealing with at home or at school.

Why do you love being a Kearny teacher?
Being a product of Kearny Public Schools myself, I always wanted to be a Kearny teacher. Kearny is my hometown, and I have always had such pride in our public schools. Our teachers have changed lives. They truly care about their students and will go the extra mile to ensure that they are safe, loved, and set up for success.

What do you love most about being an educator?

I love having former students pop in my room to show me a good test grade or say "I am making you proud Mrs. Hoch!" I have taught inclusion for 7 years and have had so many students who have struggled to learn. My goal is to get those students to believe in their own ability and help them believe that they are capable. The light in students' eyes when they start reading, understand a tricky math concept, or spot a spelling rule in a book they are looking at is my "why". That is why I come to work every day.

What do you enjoy most about being employed with the Kearny School District?

The Kearny School District is like a family. Everyone supports each other, collaborates, and can

quickly figure out a solution to any problem. Teachers are heard, seen, and respected by administrators, and our voices are heard. On every level, everyone is here for the same reason- to love, care for, and support our students.

What inspired you to become an educator?

Being a teacher was never a choice for me. It was never something I had to actively decide to do. I feel as though it is my calling in life. I have had some inspiring teachers throughout my own personal educational career while I was a student in Kearny Public Schools who showed me that this is what I was meant to do.

Who do you dedicate this award to and why?

I dedicate this award to my parents, my husband, and my amazing colleagues who have shown me unconditional support throughout my career.

Why did you become a teacher?

I was never a straight A student in school. I struggled with math for years. I hated the feeling of not being good at something and not being able to get help that made sense to me. I became a teacher to help as many struggling learners as I can so they will never feel like they are just "not good" at something. Everyone has something special about them and being a person in someone's life who can help them find what is special about them is a gift I wish everyone could feel.

Denise Woyke is the after-school advisor for the Choral Club and the Ukulele Club and is the Franklin School Winter and Spring Concert Coordinator.

Denise holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, a Bachelor of Arts in Music, the degree Teacher of Music from St. Peter's College, as well as a Masters of Arts in Music from NJCU.

Why do you love being a Kearny educator?

I love being a teacher in Kearny because I myself am from Kearny! I was proudly born, raised, and educated in Kearny. I revel in its cultural diversity and stand strong in its historical roots. I believe strongly in my students both past and present as I am intimately familiar with their strengths and their fragilities. It is an honor and a privilege to be part of their growth, development, and education in music and in life. For me, this is a higher calling, not just a job, and I am grateful for the honor to fulfill it.

Helena Lopes, Kindergarten teacher at Garfield School, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Rutgers University, boasting a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology. She began her Kearny teaching career teaching ESL at the elementary and high school level and has been in the kindergarten classroom for over 10 years.

What does being an educator mean to you?

To me, being an educator means being a lifelong learner and sharing that passion with my students. It is to nurture, uplift, and experience the priceless joy of seeing students develop their own potential.

Why do you love being a Kearny teacher?
Being a product of the Kearny Public Schools myself, I love that I am able to give back to a community that helped shape me into the person that I am today. Having colleagues who were once my teachers serve as professional mentors is a full circle moment.

What do you love most about being an educator?

What I love most about being an educator is building relationships with students and seeing their amazing growth during our time together.

What do you enjoy most about being employed with the Kearny School District?

I enjoy working with dedicated and resilient professionals who are committed to making a difference in the community.

Who do you dedicate this award to and why?

I dedicate this award to my parents who have always encouraged and supported my dreams.

Why did you become a teacher?

Teaching allows one to influence the world in ways that are like no other. Each day there is an opportunity to make a difference in someone else's life.

A first year Media Specialist, Danielle Curry has been teaching 3rd grade in the district for 5 years, and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Family and Child Studies and Early Childhood Education, as well as a Masters in Education in Curriculum and Learning and School Library Media.

What does being an educator mean to you?

Being an educator is a core part of my whole being. Teaching means building relationships and fostering communities that love learning new information and skills. I love sharing all the experiences with my students, from the proud successful moments to learning from our mistakes.

Why do you love being a Kearny teacher?

I feel so lucky to be an educator in the town I grew up in. It felt familiar and comfortable when I returned to Kearny Schools in 2017. Since then, my experience has only solidified what I thought I knew about this town. Kearny School District is a home for supportive teachers and colleagues, dedicated students and families, and administrators that have supported my ideas and nourished my growth as an educator.

What do you love most about being an educator?

I love making connections with my students while sharing stories, knowledge, and books.

What do you enjoy most about being employed with the Kearny School District?

I've had so many opportunities to explore different experiences with my students in the classroom, during after school enrichment programs, in the library, and over the summer at summer school. I love the vast opportunities our students have, and I love being a part of those important moments in their life.

What inspired you to become an educator?

I started to work at Happy Time Daycare Center after school my sophomore year of high school, and I found my niche.

Who do you dedicate this award to and why?

I dedicate this award to my brother. I've always focused the majority of my energy on work and school my entire life. Last year, I applied to change my position from teacher to library media specialist, and I know he would have told me to go for it. He always supported me and wanted me to do great things.

Nicole Alessandra is in her 25th year of service, 22 of them with Kearny Schools. She has taught grades 3-6 at Roosevelt and currently teaches Grade 6 English Language Arts. A Caldwell University alum, she holds both bachelor's and master's degrees from the University in Elementary Education and Sociology, as well as an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction with a Supervisor's Certificate.

What does being an educator mean to you?

I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a teacher. I grew up watching my mom work countless hours at home doing “homework” and dedicating herself to her career in the Kearny School District. I always knew that this was going to be my path in life. Throughout my educational path, I can remember certain teachers that had an impact on my life. I always felt that this was my calling and the opportunity to be a guiding force in a child’s life. When I see former students that have now become adults, it brings a smile to my face when they acknowledge certain activities, lessons, class trips, or the special tiny moments that we shared. The moments that we spent together over the school year were special to them and still are. That is when I know I am where I am supposed to be in life.

Why do you love being a Kearny teacher?
My ties to Kearny and the school district go back to my childhood. My mother, Lucia Corsaro, was a 4th grade teacher at Franklin School. She dedicated 41 years to this district, and I learned what it meant to be a professional educator from her. As a young child, I spent many hours in her building developing relationships with other educators that I now call my co-workers and friends. My career in Kearny, especially being a faculty member at Roosevelt School, is something I cherish. In 2001, Mr. DiGuglielmo opened the door to my first classroom in the building and that opportunity changed my life. The past 22 years have consisted of countless moments of smiles, laughter, amazing lessons with my “kids”, and creating true friendships with my peers. In my heart, all of my students through the years have had an impact on my life. I hope they look back on our time together with as much gratitude and fondness as I do.

What do you love most about being an educator?

What I love most about being an educator is being able to have an impact on my students' lives. When I see a child discover new interests, I smile. When they make me laugh, I know they understand that I value their personalities. When I help them problem solve the obstacles they face, I hope they feel the empathy I have for them. Whenever I show my students how to learn and grow from their mistakes, I always encourage them to strive toward their greatest potential.

Fabiana has 8 years nursing experience with focus on geriatrics, emergency medicine, pediatrics, and school nursing. She boasts nursing degrees from both Essex County College and NJCU and a School Nurse Certification from Kean University.

What does being an educator mean to you?

I always dreamed of becoming a nurse to provide compassionate care to individuals during vulnerable and challenging times. Nursing allows me to make a difference in someone’s life, which is the most significant and rewarding part of my work.

Why do you love being a Kearny school nurse?

I love and value serving my community, students, and families. The opportunity to contribute back to the Kearny School System, which shaped me into who I am today, is invaluable. Being a nurse in the education setting allows me to assist in bridging the gap between wellness and academics. I love the rapport I build with each student and their families and being a familiar face they can depend on. Working with faculty and staff for the common goal of educating and shaping our students has been a treasured part of becoming a school nurse.

Claudia Pereira-Olivera has been teaching ESL to kindergarteners through 6th graders for 21 years. With a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and an Masters in Bilingual/Bicultural Education, she believes that, "being an educator means to have an impact in the future. My objective as an educator is to encourage my students to always work towards their goals."

Why do you love being a Kearny teacher?

I love being a Kearny teacher because I feel blessed to work with amazing people that are helpful and supportive to me and my students.

What do you love most about being an educator?

I love seeing my students acquiring a second language.

Who do you dedicate this award to and why?

My family for always helping and supporting me.

With a B.A. In Elementary Education from Montclair State University, Jessica Cecere has been teaching 4th and 5th grade for 11 years.

What does being an educator mean to you?

When I think of being an educator, I think of these words: instruct, inspire, and impact. Instructing students through our curriculum and grade appropriate content is just one aspect of teaching. Putting thought and creativity into lessons to ensure understanding and address diverse learning styles, keeps students eager to learn. Teaching is inspiring students to be excited to come to school each day, wanting to learn more, and seeing their own personal growth both academically and socially. It is guiding students to really find their interests so that they can embrace them. Teaching is making a lasting impression and a difference in the lives of my students. Finally, it is

encouraging their growth as individuals, and this will have a positive impact on their futures.

Why do you love being a Kearny teacher?

I love being a Kearny teacher because it’s been my home away from home the last 14 years. I completed my student teaching here, became a permanent substitute teacher here, and then was hired as a 4th grade teacher back in 2012. I haven’t looked back since! I feel like a part of a huge community by getting to know so many teachers and administrators through the years. Most importantly, it’s all about the kids. I have been lucky to have great kids enter my classroom. We get to learn together, experience new things together, build a classroom community together, and create memories that I hope they can look back on fondly as they become young adults.

What do you love most about being an educator?

What I love most about being an educator is each and every single day is different. Days that are filled with the kind of positivity and growth mindset where a student has the lightbulb go off, or you overhear them using a vocabulary word in regular conversation. Days that are filled with life lessons, where sometimes we have to step aside from our lesson plan to maybe talk about something bigger that we can all learn from. Days that are filled with joy and creativity where we can all be eager to be involved in a project or share about our interests or the things we love. And finally, the days where I notice my students are growing and changing and getting ready to take on the next step in their educational lives.

What inspired you to become an educator?

I had wonderful elementary teachers growing up. I think back on those times remembering them as educators who truly cared about me and my educational success.

Who do you dedicate this award to and why?

I would like to dedicate this award to my two sons: Frank and Vincent. They are the loves of my life and my motivation to give my career as an educator everything I can, and I will continue to as long as I am in the classroom.

Barbara attended The College of St. Elizabeth (now Saint Elizabeth University) in Morristown, NJ., earning a BA in Elementary Education, Psychology, and Special Education.

This is Ms. Ruthman's 23rd year of teaching, having taught LLD2 and LLD3 throughout her tenure in Kearny (18 years). Before that, she was a resource teacher for grades 6-8 in a neighboring district.

What does being an educator mean to you?

To me, being an educator is one of the most important professions on the planet. Without teachers, no other careers would exist. Watching a child reach that "A-ha, I get it" moment or seeing the pride on their face when they finally do something that has been really hard for them is an awesome gift. I love that every day is something different. New achievements, new struggles, new explorations make every day an adventure.

Why do you love being a Kearny teacher?

The best part of being a Kearny teacher is the community that I get to be a part of. My coworkers truly understand the meaning of work family. Whether providing a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, a collaborator, or sharing a good laugh, I truly get to spend every day with the best of the best.

I love to watch kids learn, grow, and achieve goals. It's really a gift to get to be a part of so many lives.

What inspired you to become an educator?

I was inspired to be a teacher by all of the great teachers that I had in my life, especially my 6th grade teacher, Mrs. Small. She was always so happy and made learning fun. I loved to listen to her read to our class. That was definitely the point in life when I realized I wanted to teach and be just like her.

Why did you become a teacher?

Watching children learn, grow and reach their goals is an amazing gift. I consider myself lucky to be a part of that every day.

Diana O'Grady teaches third grade at Washington School.

What does being an educator mean to you?

I've learned that being an educator is about so much more than just imparting knowledge; it's about inspiring and encouraging the next generation of thinkers, creators, and doers. It also means being a master of entertainment. I get to put on a show every day, with my students as my audience. I love seeing their eyes light up when they learn something new or when they finally grasp a tricky concept. I have the power to shape young minds and inspire a lifelong love of learning. It's not always easy, but it's always worth it.

Why do you love being a Kearny teacher?

For 22 years, I have had the privilege of teaching at Washington School, my alma mater. This experience has given me a unique perspective on the school and the community it serves. I feel a special connection to this place, and it's an honor to be able to give back to the same institution that helped shape who I am today. It feels like a rewarding full-circle experience, and it doesn't get much better than that.

What do you love most about being an educator?

Well, besides the endless supply of red pens, I'd say having a blast with my students! I love finding creative ways to keep my students engaged and excited about learning. Helping them grow and develop into their own unique individuals is particularly rewarding. And to be a part of that process, to know that I've made a difference in someone's life, that's truly priceless.

Augustine graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas College with a B.S. in Childhood and Special Education with a Concentration in Social Science and has been teaching grade 7 & 8 English Language Arts Special Education for the past 12 years.

What does being an educator mean to you?

I am very passionate about and proud of being an educator. As an educator, my job is to maximize student growth, to inspire future generations, and to shape the minds of children while providing them with the skill set to critically think.

Why do you love being a Kearny teacher?

Kearny provides me the opportunity to grow professionally as an educator. Specifically, Kearny School District has a rich and diverse student population that provides a rewarding educational atmosphere. I highly value this diversity because it allows for my growth as a professional by learning about the many different cultures and nationalities we find here at LMS.

What do you love most about being an educator?

There are many reasons why I love being an educator. The one that stands out the most is watching the children grow academically and personally. This is one of the only professions where we get the satisfaction of watching students mature and become contributing members of their community.

School Counselor Adele Mackin holds a B.A. from NJCU in Elementary Education and a Masters in Counseling from Kean University. With a certificate in Teacher of Students With Disabilities, Mackin served for 23 years as a elementary special education teacher, grades 7 & 8, and for the last 13 years as a school counselor.

What does being an educator mean to you?

It has been an honor and a privilege to be an educator for over 35 years. There is nothing like working with young people and helping them become the best version of themselves. Each student is unique, and I have always enjoyed the process of getting to know and help them reach their potential.

Why do you love being a Kearny teacher?

The best part of being a Kearny teacher is the people. I'm a Kearny girl, and there are no more caring people in the world than Kearny people. We are always there for each other. Being a teacher and then a counselor in the Kearny School District, I have always enjoyed support and autonomy from my administrators. In Kearny, I have always been treated as a professional, and I have loved working here for over 35 years.

What do you love most about being an educator?

Children are never boring and working with them gives my life a sense of purpose. There's no better feeling in the world when you see a child's eyes light up with understanding.

What do you enjoy most about being employed with the Kearny School District?

My colleagues! I have been lucky to work with so many wonderful teachers, counselors, nurses, secretaries, child study team members, custodians, paraprofessionals, supervisors, and administrators. Kearny is a great school district because of all these amazing people.

What inspired you to become an educator?

I always loved working with children. I was a cheerleading coach when I was in high school and took part in Kearny High School's child development program. I also loved school and was blessed by having many amazing teachers myself.

Who do you dedicate this award to and why?

My family for all their love and support.

Occupational Business teacher Melody LaRossa holds a BA in Mass Communications and Journalism from Rutgers University, MBA from Montclair State University, and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Thomas Edison University. LaRossa has been teaching for 16 years, 15 at KHS in the business and Occupational Education department. She teaches Architecture, Engineering, AP Economics, and Honors Accounting. She has also taught Personal Finance, Business Law, and Web Design.

What does being an educator mean to you?

Being an educator is a big responsibility. I am happy to be a small part of my students' days and lives, and I encourage and support them as much as I can. It is very rewarding knowing that I have made an impact on my students' lives.

Why do you love being a Kearny teacher?

I have great coworkers that support each other.

What do you love most about being an educator?

The students.

Mathematics and Science Instructional Coach Diane Mazurek holds both her Bachelor's and Master's of Science Degrees in Mathematics from Montclair State University and has taught Math for 11 years at KHS. For the past 7 years, Diane has served the District as a Math and Science Instructional Coach.

What does being an educator mean to you?

As an educator, I hope to instill a sense of possibility and inquiry not only in students but in teachers as well. As an instructional coach I have the unique opportunity to work with students and teachers throughout the district in math and science and the honor to support teachers' visions for their classroom.

What do you love most about being an educator?

I enjoy working with students and being able to turn around a student's impression of Math. Many students walk into Math thinking they "hate math" or "I'm not good at math" but being able to change their thinking and instill confidence in their mathematical ability is really special.

What inspired you to become an educator?

My high school Algebra 1 and Algebra II teacher, Sister Margie at Saint Mary's inspired me. She had high expectations for all her students and was the only teacher who told me I had a talent for math. She saw something in me that I didn't see, and I will always be grateful to her. That vote of confidence inspired me to do the same for my students.

Who do you dedicate this award to and why?

I dedicate this award to the Curriculum Department. We are a team of educators who work collaboratively and share our knowledge, experience, and passion for our respective content areas. I am very lucky to work so closely with such dedicated educators.

Ron Solinski has been a vital member of our Field Crew for 33 years. Prior to joining our Kearny crew, he worked for Bristol Meyers for 25 years. A proud grandparent of five, he has been married to his wife, Carol, for 60 years and is a father of three sons. He actively coached Little League baseball for over 20 years and coached football as well. Thank you for keeping our schools and community beautiful - your hard work is genuinely appreciated.