Teachers selected for honor

MARLBORO - The Marlboro School District has announced that eight members of the teaching staff will be recognized through the Governor's Teacher Recognition Program this year.

The honorees are Pam Hoberman, special education teacher, Marlboro Early Learning Center; Laura McDonough, music teacher, Asher Holmes Elementary School; Jeff Wolf, first and second grade teacher, Frank Defino Central Elementary School; Eileen Palevsky, art teacher, Dugan Elementary School; Patricia Mantone, health and physical education teacher, Marlboro Elementary School; Barbara Garber, second grade teacher, Roberts-ville Elementary School; Jack Lach, creative arts teacher, Marlboro Middle School; and Robin Zegas, math teacher, Marlboro Memorial Middle School.

The eight honorees will be recognized at a countywide ceremony on May 11.

According to a press release, the district has not participated in this program for many years, but this year Superintendent of Schools David Abbott, in cooperation with Marlboro Township Education Association President Diane Saks, reinstated the practice.

"We are very proud of the wonderful, dedicated staff of professionals in Marlboro," Abbott said. "This program allows the district an opportunity to honor them appropriately, which we expect to do on an annual basis from now on."

A nine-member selection panel consisting of administrators, parents, teachers and an educational services professional reviewed the submissions to determine the honoree from each school.

Criteria used for the selection of teachers were use of effective, creative, innovative and efficient instructional techniques; the ability to increase student achievement of the Core Curriculum Content Standards through a learning-focused environment; use of educational technology in an effective and efficient manner; establishment of a productive classroom climate and a rapport with all students; contribution to quality professional development in the district; and development of feelings of self-worth and a love of learning in all students.