Westfield Teachers Named Outstanding Intermediate School Teachers

A pair of Westfield Public School teachers were recently named as Outstanding Intermediate School Teachers for 2015.

Christine Cabrales and Erika Hodges received the honor from the Optimist Club of Westfield and will be honored by the board of education on Tuesday, June 9, at 7 p.m. The Optimist award was established in 1998 to recognize the important of teaching in the intermediate grades, according to Westfield Public School officials. Each year two teachers -- one each from Edison and Roosevelt intermediate schools -- win the award.

Cabrales is in her 14th year as a physical education and health teacher at Edison Intermediate School, where she teaches children in grades six through eight. She holds a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from the University of Delaware. Additionally, she is a member of several organizations, including SHAPE America (Society of Health and Physical Educators), NJAHPERD (New Jersey Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance), and USA Volleyball, school district officials said.

“I am honored to join such a remarkable and distinguished group of educators who have received this award,” Cabrales said in a release from the school district. “I’m humbled because there are simply so many outstanding, passionate and creative educators at Edison Intermediate School. I’m extremely proud to represent a subject that promotes a healthy and active lifestyle.”

Hodges, a seventh grade Language Arts teacher, is in her 10th year at Roosevelt Intermediate School. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary science education also from the University of Delaware and is certified in Grade K-5 elementary and a specialization in Language Arts, grades 5-8, according to the school district.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to love my profession and feel challenged by it every day,” Hodges said in the release. “It’s even more rewarding to work in a school district that values their teachers by honoring them.”

Hodges said interaction with colleagues, students and their families is what she appreciates most from her experiences at the intermediate school.

Resolutions will be presented to both of the teachers by Board of Education President Richard Mattessich at the June 9 meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. in room 105 at 302 Elm St.

(Photos courtesy of Westfield Public Schools)