'Highest Honor' In Ridgewood Public Schools Awarded To History Teacher

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Known district-wide as a "tough but fair" instructor who empowers students to develop their voices, Medha Kirtane, who teaches history at Ridgewood High School, exemplifies qualities of eloquence, intelligence and kindness, and serves as a role model for others, Superintendent Leonard Fitts said.

For this reason, Kirtane was presented with the Ashby Award, the highest honor Ridgewood Public Schools can bestow on a staff member, at a Convocation on Thursday, Fitts said.

The Ashby Award was established in 1966 to honor former Superintendent Lloyd W. Ashby and his wife, Lois, for their distinguished service to the community, and Kirtane was selected from nominees submitted by staff members. She was nominated as someone, who, in the opinion of her peers, has carried on the school district's long tradition of service and contribution, Fitts said.

Kirtane "provides the highest level of service to the children of Ridgewood by treating them with honor, dignity and respect," Fitts said.

During her tenure at Ridgewood High School, she has developed connections with students as a teacher, a coach and a club advisor. Her support for, and encouragement and empathy toward students breeds confidence, leading to their success, Fitts added.

Kirtane is a past recipient of the Princeton University Distinguished Secondary School Teaching Award, and, most recently, she was recognized with the 2021 Gilder Lehrman History Teacher of the Year award for New Jersey.