Pleasantdale Teacher Recognized by State Senator

Teaching can sometimes be a thankless job, but a Pleasantdale Elementary School teacher was recently recognized by a New Jersey State Senator during National Teacher Appreciation Week.

Amy Pacifico was surprised by State Senator Theresa Ruiz on May 11, after the senator visited the elementary school to recognize her.

Pacifico has spent her entire teaching career at Pleasantdale Elementary, first as a Kindergarten teacher, then teaching third, fourth and fifth grades, according to officials from West Orange Public Schools. The school held an assembly for Pacifico, who was unaware it was held in honor of her, during which she received the recognition.

“Teaching is the most rewarding job in the world,” Pacifico said in a release from the school district. “Pleasantdale has been my second home.”

Ruiz serves as the Chairperson on the Senate Education Committee and Joint Committee on Public Schools. She attended the elementary school with the President-elect of the NJPTA to recognize Pacifico for her 25 years of service to Pleasantdale Elementary, school district officials said.

“Thank you for your service and dedication,” Ruiz said, according to the release. “Teaching is the only profession where year after year, even when you are done, the miracle still continues to grow.”

(Photos courtesy of West Orange Public Schools)