Deptford High School principal Jason Strauss (right) talks about the school’s teacher of the year, Daniel Fishman, during a board of ed meeting.
The Deptford school district has revealed the 16 names of teachers and education service professionals (ESPs) for the current year.
The district recogized one teacher and one ESP from each of its eight schools for their dedication at the board of education meeting on May 6.
From Deptford High School, math teacher Daniel Fishman and ESP Dana Phillips; Deptford Middle School, teacher Jenna Roch and ESP Krystal Devecchio; Central Early Childhood Center, teacher Jennifer Fydrych and ESP Danielle Turner; Good Intent Elementary School, teacher Kristin Dingler and ESP Michelle Pitocco; Lake Tract Elementary, teacher Kristen Palka and ESP Janice Brown; Oak Valley Elementary, teacher Lauren Harder and ESP Taylor Dunbar; Pine Acres Early Childhood Center, teacher Emily Bournazos and ESP Jessica Pizzaro; and Shady Lane Elementary, teacher Kami Kruc and ESP Terry Haber.
“This is one of the best nights of our year, because we get to celebrate our best for this year,” said Superintendent Kevin Kanauss. “All of our staff are the best, but this is a special night because this is the best of this year.”
Dozens of people attended the meeting, including family, friends and colleagues of the winners. The principal of each school introduced the recipients and discussed what makes each so special.
“When I think of both individuals that I’m going to have the honor of speaking of tonight,” said Deptford High Principal Jason Strauss, “one of the things is that everybody thought they already received this reward, but they haven’t up until this point, which was kind of astonishing for most folks when they found out.”
The mood at the meeting was lighthearted and jovial as teachers and ESPs reacted shyly but proudly at the attention they received. The winners each got a certificate recognizing their achievement, a sign with their name and the character traits that best describe them, and a small gift bag.
“I want to thank the Spartan family for all the support, love and care you provide your loved one that works for us,” Kanauss said. “We can’t thank you enough for all that you do for them behind the scenes. I know they may not come home under the best conditions, but you lift them up, and therefore they lift us up and they lift our students up.”
