Glen Rock Middle School Educator of the Year: Linda Hemmerling

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 .

Next up is Linda Hemmerling, a science teacher at .

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

I decided to become a teacher when I was a young girl. I would line up my dolls and pretend they were students in my classroom. My mother influenced me, as she always wanted to become a teacher. It was because of hard times that her dream was not completed. I have enjoyed my 25 years of teaching, working with all grade levels, as I have taught science in high school as well as middle school.

What's the best part about teaching?

The best part of teaching is seeing the reaction of the students when they understand the key concept of the lesson. The “oohs and ahs” say it all. I also like it when they become as enthusiastic as I am and bring in objects or new reports on what we are currently studying.

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

Each day you are challenged to make your lessons interesting and understanding to all types of students. A student who is motivated and willing to do extra work on his own time is the student who will succeed.  Each teacher should end their lesson with the student wanting to research to learn more about the lesson.

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

It is difficult to select a memorable moment out of 25 years of teaching.  This year was extra special for me when the principal came into my room to congratulate me as Middle School Teacher of the Year. My students clapped and cheered. I also heard other classrooms down the hallway cheering for me. It was a great feeling.

Do you have a particular "style" of teaching?

My style of teaching leans towards student involvement. I routinely bring in relevant materials (flowers, seashells, different foods relating to the curriculum, etc.) to give students a first-hand appreciation of the subject matter. I also bring in current event articles for class discussion that pertain to our curriculum, therefore keeping students abreast of the news. Well planned lessons and a hands on approach to lab activities allow for critical thinking to take place.

Tell me about a teacher you found inspirational while you were a student.
I was inspired to major in Science as a result of a high school biology teacher.

Do you have any advice for parents or students?

Parents need to be a background support system to oversee their child’s work. They should encourage their child towards a future career choice keeping in mind that the child’s interest and creativity must be considered.  Students are encouraged to be organized, to review the daily lesson, and understand that their teacher is available for extra help if they have any problems.