Recently, a committee of individuals met to discuss the significant number of nominations received regarding the Princeton University Distinguished Secondary School Teaching Award. Based on much discussion and deliberation amongst the members of that committee, it is my distinct honor to announce the Montville Township High School recipient of the Princeton University Distinguished Secondary School Teaching Award—Mrs. Christy Choi. While I can speak of her tremendous commitment to students and their education, it is the words of her peers that I feel capture, most effectively, her impact on the MTHS community:
[Excerpt from nominations]
On behalf of Mrs. Christy Choi…
“Christy is an outstanding teacher who is always willing to help her students. She truly cares about the ESL population at the high school. She continually checks to see if there are any additional things she can do to help her students within the learning environment. Christy worked with me for several years in the ESY program specifically working with the ESL students, and by the end of the summer, the students' math levels had improved significantly. When I think of a master educator, Christy is the first person who comes to mind, and would be a great candidate for this award.”
“I have co-taught with Christy Choi for the last 8 years. When the teacher survey comes out the first thing I do is automatically put please put me with Christy next year. Christy is amazing to work with. She is so easy going and such an equal in the classroom. She goes above and beyond for her students. She also always wants a challenge. She went from teaching 5 special education math classes to asking for honors math classes. You can find Christy in the classroom before school and during lunch giving extra help and she is always pushing her students to do their best. She is funny, nice, and is honestly the absolute best teacher. She is the perfect mix of stern and silly and any student that has her is so lucky. If you have ever co-taught with her (you probably haven't because I won't let her go!!) you know exactly what I am talking about. She is such a great person inside and out and I am so lucky to call her my friend. She deserves this award so much.”
“For many years, she was the In Class Support teacher in my Algebra 1 class. In that setting, she was professional and dedicated to her students. She provided extra help to the students often and always took time to explain rather than just correct. Her quiet demeanor made the students feel comfortable coming to her with questions. As a colleague, she collaborated excellently. It was the one partnership I have had over the years that I truly felt was 50-50. This was evident to the students as well as they had the utmost respect for her.”
“Three years ago, Ms. Choi expressed interest in broadening her teaching role and took on the class of Algebra 2 Honors. As I also teach the class, so Ms. Choi and I worked very closely together. Ms. Choi has demonstrated her determination to constantly improve as she suggests things to be added to notes, makes additional warm-ups, or worked out solution keys. She also demonstrates how dedicated to her students she is. Ms. Choi is often here before school giving extra help daily as well as during her lunch. The students appreciate this.”
“She handles herself professionally and puts the needs of her students above her own needs much of the time. Ms. Choi is an inspiration to other teachers, both in the Special Education and Math departments. She is also an inspiration to all of her students; those who struggle in math and those who excel in it.”
Mrs. Choi will represent MTHS in the continuing competition, hosted by Princeton University. A very small number of teachers will be selected and recognized at the Undergraduate Commencement Exercises this coming spring.
Recently, a committee of individuals met to discuss the significant number of nominations received regarding the MTHS Education Services Professional of the Year. Based on much discussion and deliberation amongst the members of that committee, it is my distinct honor to announce the Montville Township High School E.S.P. of the Year for 2023-2024—Mrs. Kathleen Sansone. While I can speak of her tremendous commitment to students and their high school experience, it is the words of her peers that I feel capture, most effectively, her impact on the MTHS community:
[Excerpt from nominations]
On behalf of Mrs. Kathleen Sansone…
“Kathleen Sansone is a physical education teacher at the high school, but what some people do not know is that she is also one of our athletic trainers. I am nominating Kathleen Sansone because she is very knowledgeable about athletic trainers and I see firsthand every day how she helps the school’s student athletes recover. She has students coming up to her on her prep periods or lunch time asking questions and the way that she responds is always in a way that the student can understand their injury and helps guide them in a way that they understand their recovery process. She breaks it down so that the student athletes understand their bodies and understand how muscles work together. I have dealt with many athletic trainers in my life and I truly wish I had somebody like Kathleen when I grew up playing sports.”
“She makes herself accessible at all times, communicates well with players, and always has a smile on her face. She is often asked to cover last minute games and is always prepared and does so because she cares about the student athletes that walk the halls at Montville Township High School. Kathleen's commitment to the physical and mental well-being of athletes is truly unparalleled. She has a remarkable ability to assess, prevent, and rehabilitate injuries, ensuring that athletes not only perform at their best but also recover safely and swiftly when injuries do occur. She is often out in the elements, working 6 days a week so that our student athletes can continue to do what they love.”
“It is impossible to overstate the positive impact Kathleen has had on the lives of countless athletes and the field of athletic training. This nomination is a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence, professional growth, and the well-being of those they serve. So many students keep in touch with her who go into the field of athletic training or physical therapy.”
“I wholeheartedly nominate Kathleen for this award. Her passion, expertise, and dedication make her an exemplary role model in the field of athletic training, and I am confident that recognizing her contributions would not only honor her exceptional work but also inspire others to follow in her footsteps.”
“Kathleen Sansone wears many hats in this building and athletic trainer is one of them. She has worked side by side with [the athletic trainer] for the past 10+ years and I think that her hard work and dedication should be recognized. She is at school every single Saturday rain or shine for hours upon hours. She is also here weekdays after school depending on the weekly schedule. During the school day, when she is technically not on athletic training duty, she is constantly taking questions from student athletes on their injuries and helping them with recovering from and getting back to their sports seasons as quick as possible. She never turns students away even though she is not working as a trainer at that moment. She always listens to them and helps them in that moment. She has a lot of responsibilities and she never complains.”
“Kathleen has stepped up in the past year and a half beyond her duties to make sure the student athletes in our community are taken care of. Her athletic training class [created by her] has allowed students to learn more about anatomy and the athletic training world. But beyond the classroom walls Kathleen helps both athletes and students daily with injuries. It doesn’t matter what time of day they go to her she is always willing to answer questions and help our community. I have even seen multiple teachers stop by to see her on lunch duty about injuries or chronic pain. She is always there to help and educate others to better take care of their bodies or injuries. I truly think she is beyond deserving of this award!”
Individuals within Montville Township High School that are eligible to be nominated for and selected as the Education Services Professional of the Year include professionals with the following certifications:
- Anti-Bullying Specialist
- Associate School Library Media Specialist
- Athletic Trainer
- Basic Skills Teacher
- Behavior Specialist
- Cooperative Education Coordinator
- Cooperative Education Coordinator/Hazardous Occupations
- Director of School Counseling Services/Child Study Team
- Educational Interpreter
- Guidance/School Counselor
- Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant
- Library Media Specialist
- Mathematics Specialist/Mathematics Coach
- Paraprofessional (Instructional)
- Reading Specialist/Reading Coach
- School Nurse (Instructional and Non-Instructional)
- School Occupational Therapist
- School Physical Therapist
- School Psychologist
- School Social Worker
- Speech-Language Specialist
- Student Assistance Coordinator
Recently, a committee of individuals met to discuss the significant number of nominations received regarding the MTHS Teacher of the Year. Based on much discussion and deliberation amongst the members of that committee, it is my distinct honor to announce the Montville Township High School Teacher of the Year for 2023-2024—Mrs. Jaclynn Hinz. While I can speak of her tremendous commitment to students and their education, it is the words of her peers that I feel capture, most effectively, her impact on the MTHS community:
[Excerpt from nominations]
On behalf of Mrs. Jaclynn Hinz…
“Jackie is the heart of the science department. When it comes to students, parents, colleagues, and alumni students, Jackie is an outstanding teacher who makes everyone feel welcome and important.”
“Jackie is an excellent teacher. She works tirelessly to provide creative and challenging lessons to her students. It is inspiring to work alongside someone who consistently reflects on lessons, seeking a continuous cycle of improvement. As a result of her outstanding abilities, she often hosts students in independent studies. Alumni students keep in touch with her, and one even came back and enthusiastically spoke to Jackie's HOSA club about her career in nursing. Students often state that they are inspired to go into careers related to her anatomy and physiology course. When they come back to visit, students seek Jackie out to make sure to share their progress and their future plans. Many just want to thank her!”
“Jackie is a consummate professional. She started a club to support students who have interest in healthcare careers. In the club's first year, several students received awards in the state competition. This club is huge! I attribute its size and success to Jackie's jovial personality and her drive to support students of science.”
“In class, Jackie reaches out to solve issues with students, but she is also consistently in contact with parents to share good news about their achievements. She brings out the best in her students.”
“In general, Jackie is the kind of teacher who demonstrates the qualities that are deserving of an award. I highly recommend her for the Teacher of the Year.” Mrs. Hinz will continue in the process to select the county and state Teacher of the Year. We know that she will represent Montville Township High School well.