Cedar Creek High School Educator Is Atlantic County Teacher Of The Year

EGG HARBOR CITY, NJ — A Cedar Creek High School science teacher was named Atlantic County Teacher of the Year by the state Department of Education.

Erin Sharpe "has a passion for learning and for helping young adults find success through science," according to announcement of winners through the Governor's Educator of the Year Program.

The County Teachers of the Year will network with educators throughout the state and serve as ambassadors for New Jersey’s public schools during the upcoming school year.

Sharpe has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Stockton University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Rowan University.

"Her current teaching assignments include Honors Marine and Wildlife Management and Sustainability Internship, where she focuses on data collection and utilization to encourage students to make sustainable choices," according to the DOE. "In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she has been an educator onboard the research vessel Atlantis, and fosters and brings her family's Seeing Eye puppies to school."

Sharpe serves as adviser of Cedar Creek's Sustainable Jersey for School’s Green Team and Class Councils, and has founded clubs like the Shore Bowl, High School Ball Hockey and Creek Anglers.

She also encourages giving back to the community - bringing her Seeing Eye puppy, Kent, to school twice a week, and has 22 years of volunteer service with Rutgers University’s Cooperative Extension of Atlantic County 4-H Clubs and The New Jersey 4-H Equine Communications team.

"Erin is probably best known for what she gives of herself, and that giving of herself every day is what puts her all over the school building," according to the DOE. "She looks at every day as an opportunity to help someone else."

Individual schools nominate exceptional educators for County Teacher of the Year through the Governor’s Educator of the Year Program, which promotes a positive school culture by acknowledging the hard work and dedication of outstanding teachers and educational services professionals.

"I applaud the commitment and professionalism of each of the 21 County Teachers of the Year," said Gov. Phil Murphy. “If you want to know why New Jersey’s public schools are rated as among the best in the nation, look no further than these 21 exemplars of the kind of quality teaching that takes place in every school throughout our state.”