Stafford Announces Teachers of the Year

Stafford Township K-6 School District recently announced the five staff members, one from each school in the district, who were selected as Teachers of the year.

The honorees, Jennifer Martin, Kelly Reese, Kelly Potter, Susan Vliet, and Mary Darmody, were celebrated at a recent Board of Education meeting and will also be honored at a county-wide breakfast later this month.

“Receiving this type of recognition is truly an honor given that I work with such a dedicated and hardworking group of people,” said Jennifer Martin, the 6^th Grade teacher who has been teaching at the Intermediate School nine years.

Third grade teacher Kelly Reese, who has been teaching in the district for the past 13 years, was selected as Teacher of the Year for McKinley Avenue Elementary.

”To see my students excited about learning in and out of school is the most rewarding part of this profession. Being a part of the Stafford Township School District community is something that I look forward to for many years to come,” Reese said.

“I absolutely love my job and couldn't imagine doing anything other than teaching,” said Ocean Acres first grade teacher Potter, who has been teaching in the district for seven years. “I was honored to be chosen as Teacher of the Year this year. I enjoyed all of the comments from my students …. I got smiles and hugs all day from them and they made me feel like a celebrity!”

Thirteen-year veteran teacher Susan Vliet said she was honored to be chosen to represent the Primary Learning Center as Teacher of the Year. “What I do on a daily basis is not accomplished alone without the support of my colleagues, administrators, parents and especially my students.  As honored as I am for the recognition of all those involved in this process, the recognition I get from my students on a daily basis is the real reward”

Master Teacher Mary Darmody was selected as the Oxycocus Elementary Teacher of the Year. “It feels very nice to be recognized by the Oxycocus staff for doing something that I love to do.  Working in the same district where I went to elementary school has been my lifelong dream come true.”

Stafford’s selection process begins each year with the district requesting nominations from parents/guardians, students, and district staff.  Nominees must be a certified staff member in the Stafford Township Schools. 

Criteria used for the selection includes the use of effective instructional techniques and methods; establishment of a productive classroom climate and rapport with students; development of feelings of self-worth and love of learning in students; contribution to the school’s culture, climate, or community that improved/enhanced the learning environment. A selection panel, consisting of administrators, parents, teachers, as well as honorees from the prior year, reviews the nominations and makes their selection.

 “There are a lot of changes going on with teacher evaluations,” said Superintendent Dr. Judith DeStefano-Anen. “During our trainings we have seen many examples of teachers who are highly effective. Let me tell you, in comparison, these teachers of the year are highly, highly effective and we are very proud. ”