SAYREVILLE – Seven educators have been awarded the 2021-22 Governor’s Educators of the Year in Sayreville.
The Board of Education honored the educators during a meeting on May 17.
At Project Before Preschool at Cheesequake, the Educator of the Year is Kristine Fritz.
“Kristine Fritz teaches in a multiple disabilities classroom at our very own Project Before,” Cheesequake Principal April Magistro said. “She is known to focus on the abilities of every child. I visit Ms. Kristine’s classroom often … I truly like to peek in the window and observe in awe of her interactions with her students.
“Students are learning and they’re socializing. It is incredibly difficult to run a program as smoothly as Ms. Kristine does. I watch her students gaze at her and I can only hope that she sees that too. This Kristine is a friend to every colleague and serves as a mentor to several dozen teachers and she leads with her heart.”
At the Emma L. Arleth Elementary School, the Educator of the Year is Jeanine Caccio.
“Jeanine is just phenomenal,” Arleth Principal Robert Preston said. “Jeanine constantly goes above and beyond for the students at Arleth Elementary School, as well as for her colleagues. She’s a phenomenal art teacher who inspires her students each day. She’s passionate about her position and it shows through her enthusiasm and dedication.
“She spends an enormous amount of time decorating our school with student projects, which always makes it feel so welcoming and beautiful. The students love to see their work displayed around the school and whenever something needs to be done or made, we know Jeanine is always there, ready to lend a hand.”
At the Dwight D. Eisenhower School, the Educator of the Year is Kristen Boehm.
Eisenhower Principal Scott Nurnberger said it has been a privilege to watch Boehm grow as an educator in the past five years. He said Boehm came in as a “novice” and has developed into a “master teacher.”
“It’s really been an incredible process to watch,” he said, noting Boem’s “hard work, dedication and a love” for her kids and their intellect.
Nurnberger said one of the things that he didn’t anticipate was how Boehm grew into an education leader as she gained confidence.
“I knew you were going to be great, but watching you in this other role too has been really something special, so well-deserved,” he said.
At the Harry S. Truman Elementary School, the Educator of the Year is Laura Mages.
“Laura exemplifies the qualities that you would want to have in a teacher,” Truman Principal Amy Stueber said. “She is knowledgeable and hardworking. She maintains a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all students so that they feel safe and ready to learn. She has created an environment that allows students to be successful. She provides fun and engaging activities for her students to participate in.
“Her multi-sensory approach to teaching provides opportunities for students of all levels to reach their potential. Her calm demeanor allows her to communicate successfully with not only the most challenging students, but also the parents she works with. She sets time aside for conferences and goes out of her way to accommodate anyone wishing to contact or meet with her.”
At the Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, the Educator of the Year is Robin Schork.
“Robin has a bachelor’s degree in deaf and hard of hearing,” Wilson Principal Timothy Byrne said. “From the very beginning of her professional career, what is she doing is giving. She’s giving to a segment of the population who really need special care and that’s been indicative of what she’s been doing all these years in terms of caring.
“Every morning, she’s at school teaching one of our students who has a profound medical condition right now. I couldn’t think of a better person to be able to teach that child.”
At the Samsel Upper Elementary School (SUES), the Educator of the Year is Sandra Kreminski.
“She devotes her time to researching the newest methods and techniques for meeting the needs of her diverse learners,” SUES Principal Stacey Coglianese said. “She’s a general education teacher who works collaboratively with special education teachers to provide a strong foundation and provide the positive learning environment for her students.
“Her lessons are engaging and rigorous, which evoke a love of literature within her students. She presents content with enthusiasm and there is a genuine warmth that she creates. Mrs. Kreminsky often seeks out ways to grow professionally. Her knowledge and drive are a valuable asset to her colleagues. She is involved in several committees in the school and the district that are giving back to our community. She has a good rapport with her students, parents and staff and is viewed as a leader within our building.”
At the Sayreville Middle School (SMS), the Educator of the Year is Kerry Kilbride.
“She has taught problem solving and eighth grade algebra and has the ability to plan and implement activities and lessons in which she’s been able to allow her kids to actually love math,” SMS Vice Principal Gregg Jegou said. “I am not a math person, I’ll be the first to tell you that, but when you walk in a room, the kids are actually enjoying themselves.
“I think it’s from her past experience [as a certified public accountant] to be able to bring that level of work experience into the classroom. They love it. Many of our students have gone on to careers in the fields related to math, which is a testament to her and her teaching.”
At the Sayreville War Memorial High School (SWMHS), the Educator of the Year is Joe Pastva.
“The high school administration is so happy and proud to be able to stand up here tonight to speak about Mr. Pastva as he is truly worthy of the title Educator of the Year,” SWMHS Principal Dale Rubio said. “Mr. Pastva is a true asset, an invaluable member of our history and athletic departments at the high school.
“Administration can tell you firsthand that he has a unique ability to connect with his students and cares deeply about each of his students’ success. He has prepared his students for their future after high school in post-secondary education. Most importantly, he’s a positive role model who has been an encouraging and positive influence in their lives. Our students are truly fortunate to have him as their teacher, mentor and coach.”
The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) strives to recognize educators who have gone above and beyond in their service to New Jersey’s students. The Governor’s Educator of the Year program honors the hardworking teachers and educational services professionals for their dedication to students and the profession, according to its website.