Wayne School Board Honors Educators Of The Year

WAYNE, NJ – Nearly two dozen teachers and paraprofessionals in the Wayne School District were recognized for their commitment and dedication in and out of the classroom.

During the Feb. 20 school board meeting, the district unveiled its Governor’s Educator of the Year winners from its 14 local schools.

As part of the annual program – which aims recognize the hard work of outstanding teachers and educational services professionals – a teacher and paraprofessional from each school was recognized. In coming months, they may move on to earn further accolades at the county level and, possibly, as candidates for state educator of the year.

In 2019,Wayne Valley Technology teacher, Patrick Slaterwon the Passaic County Teacher of the year award.

See More: Who Did The State Pick As Passaic County's Best Teacher?

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Mark Toback said, “Wayne is a district that has no shortage of excellent educators. As a result, each school has any number of people who would be great choices for the Governor’s Educator of the Year program. You have emerged from a very competitive field. Congratulations to all of our recipients.”

Assistant Superintendent Donna Reichman congratulated the honorees, saying, “Each day you inspire our students with your innovative practices, kindness and care. The outstanding work you do to support our students teachers them some of the most important lessons in life and helps shape their future.”

Click here to read more about each teacher and paraprofessional.

2020 Honorees

APT Elementary School

• Kirsten Gillow, 3rd grade
• Jill Hamza, paraprofessional

James Fallon Elementary School

• Diane Neavill, resource
• Kathleen Drago, paraprofessional

John F. Kennedy Elementary School

• Patricia Sedicino, 2nd grade
• Tharaneid Blitzer, paraprofessional

Lafayette Elementary School

• Bethany Agrati, Kindergarten
• Janine Walk, reading specialist

Packanack Elementary School

• Lisa Buckley, resource
• Miranda Van Dunk, speech and language specialist

Pine Lakes Elementary School

• Alison Sullivan, resource
• Danielle Luppino, school social worker

Randall Carter Elementary School

• Laura Mazza, 5th grade,
• Allison Lesckowicz, occupational therapist

Ryerson Elementary School

• Samantha Parker, 4th grade,
• Jerry Battifarano, LDTC

Theunis Dey Elementary

• Theresa Mertz, basic skills,
• Elizabeth Sponenburg, reading specialist

Anthony Wayne Middle School

• Michele Balletto, language arts
• Shari Lovenheim, school psychologist

George Washington Middle School

• Maria Carpenter, resource
• Christina Andrecovich, speech and language specialist

Schuyler-Colfax Middle School

• Samantha Levine, physical education
• Kelly Namendorf, paraprofessional

Wayne Hills High School

• Erika Sherger, physics
• Monica Mann, guidance counselor

Wayne Valley High School

• Dr. Jeff White, English
• Joanne Ciriello, guidance counselor