933ced9af71f81cf9802c1fa4ca5bd2b.jpg

CRANBURY: BOE appoints curriculum supervisor

By Kaitlyn Kanzler, Special Writer
   CRANBURY — The Cranbury Township Board of Education welcomed their second new Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction at its meeting on Jan. 22.
   Jeannine Lanphear was a middle school mathematics teacher at the Cranbury School before making the decision to the switch to a school administrator.
   ”It’s exciting to have Ms. Lanphear join the administration,” Chief School Administrator Susan Genco said. “I’m confident you are going to do an outstanding job.”
   It was announced in early Dec. that former Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction Bill Osman would be retiring due to unforeseen circumstances.
   ”I’ve received so many well-wishes,” Ms. Lanphear said. “I’m looking forward to making this just a little bit better.”
   Mr. Osman was hired in July 2012 and had 10 years of experience as a curricular supervisor with the Hamilton Township School District, and focused on data-informed instruction in preparation for designing curriculum to meet the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards and Common Core Standards.
   ”I am excited to have this opportunity to help guide the school through this critical transition to the Common Core State Standards, which requite new rigor of instruction, connection to 21st Century Skills, and real-life application of learning,” Ms. Lanphear said in her letter to the district’s parents. “I am confident that Cranbury School will rise to this challenge to continue its long-standing history of student achievement.”
   Ms. Lanphear received a Master’s of Science degree from Ramapo College in Education Technology and recently completed a graduate program at Rider University, where she obtained her supervisor’s certificate.
   According to a newsletter sent by the school in Dec., Ms. Lanphear was a software development and systems analyst, where she eventually was promoted to Vice President of Operations in 2001, before being hired at Cranbury School in 2004 as a mathematics teacher.
   Ms. Lanphear also received an Edyth May Sliffe Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2009 from the Mathematical Association of America (MMA). This award is given to teachers whose students do well on the American Junior High School Mathematics Examination (AMC 8), which is a 40 minute, multiple choice exam created to promote the development and enhancement of problem solving skills according to MAA’s website.
   According to the Ms. Lanphear, she is not the first person in her family to transition from a business oriented job to teaching. Ms. Lanphear’s father, a former industrial arts teacher, also left his career in business to pursue education.
   ”I am honored to be a part of the leadership team as we move forward in these endeavors,” Ms. Lanphear said.
   According to Dr. Genco, Ms. Lanphear’s decision to make the transition from a teacher to an administrator wasn’t an easy one for her.
   ”It was difficult for her because of her passion for her kids,” Dr. Genco said at the Board meeting. “I am proud to call you my colleague.”
   According to Dr. Genco, Ms. Lanphear was the chairperson of the profession development committee, has been an important part of curriculum and development using the Connected Action Roadmap Model, has led several professional development workshops, and currently provides technology support for the Cranbury School staff.
   ”Children are consistently at the forefront of her decision-making as she strives to provide a sound educational experience for students while considering their social, emotional, and academic development,” Dr. Genco said.
   According to Ms. Lanphear, her vision of learning is student based, well-rounded, comprehensive, and is based on the belief that every child has the desire to and can succeed and learn. She also believes that learning is the most effective when teachers provide interactive and hands-on experiences.
   ”I believe that education must not only provide students with the skills and values necessary to become productive members of society, but it must instill a love of learning that will begin students on a life-long journey of self-discovery and self-actualization,” Ms. Lanphear said.
   ”Students must be able to connect personal educational experiences to their 21st Century world,” Ms. Lanphear additionally said.
   Ms. Lanphear thanked her family, saying that they were the reason she wanted to make the world a better place.
   According to Dr. Genco, they are currently conducting interviews to replace Ms. Lanphear’s position, which is currently being taught by Maria Driscoll, an adjunct mathematics teacher at Mercer and Middlesex Community Colleges.