Educator of the Year Nomination
TO: Parents/Guardians
FROM: Joseph J. Occhino
DATE: November 3, 2023
SUBJECT: Educator of the Year Nomination
LINKS: (2) Nomination Form; Selection Criteria
TIME SENSITIVE: Thursday, November 16, 2023
Dear Parents/Guardians:
The New Jersey DOE has announced the process for the 2023-2024 Governor's Educator of the Year(GEOY) Program. This program integrates the Teacher of the Year Program with the Governor's Teacher/Educational Services Professional Recognition Program. This integrated program will recognize the hard work of outstanding certificated professionals.
Although the GEOY is optional, Northern Highlands will once again participate in this program as it will continue to promote a culture that recognizes excellence and brings public attention to the work of our outstanding educators. The
We would like parents to nominate educators who they believe are worthy of such recognition. That said, the person you nominate can be either a classroom teacher or an educational services professional (i.e., Counselor, Librarian, Case Manager, Social Worker, School Psychologist, Athletic Trainer, etc.) who is dedicated, inspiring, and making a difference. I ask that you please take the time to recommend this individual by completing the nomination form. The information you provide will be collected, compiled, and saved automatically. There is no need to email or print out the form. I ask that you please be attentive to the attached criteria. Please note, due to NJDOE Eligibility Criteria, the following teachers are not eligible to receive nominations as they have received Teacher of the Year recognition within the last five years: Ray Meizys, Cathy Berberian, Stacey LaMotta, John Kuzian, and Sara Magretto.
Please complete all sections of the Nomination Form below. In the "Nomination" section of the form, please explain why you feel the educator deserves recognition, citing specific examples. Some things to consider: the educator's methods for meeting student needs, desire for professional growth, community involvement, dedication to the education profession, and rapport with students, parents, and staff. The more compelling the response, the better. Therefore, please use as much space as needed.
When you have completed the form, please click on the "Review and Submit" button at the bottom of the form. Your responses will then be automatically saved and sent to me. It is imperative that we receive nomination forms no later than Thursday, November 16, 2023, by 3:00 p.m. I certainly encourage you to participate.
Our meeting to select our District Teacher of the Year and Educational Service Professional will be held on Wednesday, November 22, 2023. Once determined, the deadline for me to complete the GEOY online form is December 4, 2023.
Thank you very much for your interest and nominations.
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