Central School Educator of the Year: Jill Zitman

Six educators in the Glen Rock Public Schools system can call themselves the best of the best, having been selected by colleagues as the top educators for 2011-2012 at their respective schools.

The list this year is quite diverse – you'll find resource room teachers, guidance counselors, science teachers, art teachers and classroom teachers.

The six recipients were kind enough to answer a few questions Patch had about their role in shaping kids' futures. We've already , a guidance counselor at GRHS, , a 4th grade teacher at Hamilton, and Coleman School art teacher  and middle school science teacher .

Last but certainly not least in our profile series is Jill Zitman, a special education teacher at Central School.

Why did you gravitate toward teaching? Did you always know you wanted to be a teacher? 

When I entered college, I wanted to be a psychology major with a minor in theatre. During my Education Psychology class, which involved working with kids, I realized that by being a teacher I could combine my love for children, psychology and theatre! I switched my major to special education/elementary education and I was hooked!! I love learning and I learn from my students, parents, and my colleagues each and every day.

What’s the best part about teaching?

The best part about teaching is watching a child have a “light-bulb” moment. When you see their faces light up, and that they understand a particular ‘process/concept’, it is so exciting. Watching a child grow emotionally, socially, and academically is extremely satisfying. I also enjoy working with other staff members. I am fortunate to work with so many exceptional teachers. Central is truly a second family. 

What are the greatest challenges you find in teaching? How do you solve them?

One of the greatest challenges is when a child shows no interest at all in a particular subject matter, the child thinks that he/she cannot do it. It is important to find the best method to use to teach the child. Using various technologies such as the Interwrite Board, a document camera and the computer make learning fun for the student. 

What’s the most memorable thing that’s happened in one of your classrooms?  

There are so many memorable things……listening to students help each other, observing shy students become more outgoing and confident, sending homemade cookies made with Red Hots to soldiers, playing math games together, helping a student to trust again, taking students to John’s Boy to buy pizza so they can work on making change, acting out stories and word problems, putting on the play, “The Velveteen Rabbit”, and having a class store.

Do you have a particular “style” of teaching? 

I believe that I am a teacher who adapts to the students’ needs and learning capabilities. Sometimes I am funny, sometimes I am serious, it all depends on the situation. I always strive to keep the students interested and working on the subject matter. I always encourage them to do their best. I like to have a structured classroom where students know what to expect and feel secure to take risks.

Do you have advice for parents and students

My advice would be for the parents, student, and teacher  to work together in the best interest of the child. I have always found that when everyone works together, the child experiences success and grows as a student and as a person. It is especially important that the parents are involved in their child’s “learning life.” As for the students, never give up, ask questions, always believe in yourself and always be true to yourself.

Have a question or news tip? Contact editor James Kleimann at James.Kleimann@patch.com, or find us on Facebook and Twitter. For news straight to your inbox every morning, sign up for our daily newsletter.