Teacher named finalist for presidential award
Margaret Dever has taught at Marlboro H.S. for almost four decades
BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer

MARLBORO - A Marlboro High School math teacher has been honored for her dedication and excellence in teaching, becoming a finalist for a presidential award.

Margaret "Peggy" Dever, 59, of Old Bridge, has been selected as one of four finalists in New Jersey for the 2007 Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The PAEMST awards are sponsored by the National Science Foundation.

"I'm very honored. I've been very fortunate to be doing something I love," said Dever, who has worked at Marlboro High School for 36 years. "I never could have achieved what I have without the support of my husband (Ed) and my kids (Beth, Brian, Christine and Lauren)."

According to the National Science Foundation's Internet Web site, "The PAEMST was established in 1983. The program identifies outstanding mathematics and science teachers, kindergarten through 12th grade, in each state and the four U.S. jurisdictions.

"These teachers are leaders in the field of science and mathematics education and serve as models for their colleagues and leaders for their profession. The competition alternates each year between teachers of grades K-6 and teachers of grades 7-12. This presidential award is the highest honor bestowed by the United States government on classroom teachers of mathematics and science."

Each state establishes panels of teachers in the mathematics and science areas to nominate teachers as PAEMST finalists. National panels will select the presidential award winners from among the state finalists next spring.

Dever said the entire application process to be a part of the PAEMST was well worth it.

"Win or lose, it was great," she said.

Dever was nominated by James Mullevey, the former principal at Marlboro High School.

"Throughout my years in education I have never met an educator so dedicated to her family and profession," Mullevey said in a press release. "Regardless of the level, from Advanced Placement Calculus to College Entrance Mathematics, Mrs. Dever guides all her students to a deeper understanding of mathematics."

As part of the application process a video of Dever at work in the classroom was created. The teacher's calculus class was recorded working on finding the volume of three-dimensional objects. Since the volume of any solid can be approximated by finding the volume of smaller components of that solid, students learned to recognize the shape of these component pieces and apply the concept of the Riemann sun estimate of the total volume.

Dever used Kellogg's Rice Krispies treats for the students to divide and find the volume.

She said she decided long ago that she wanted to be a teacher, but it was in high school when she decided to be a math teacher. Dever received her bachelor's degree in mathematics from the College of St. Elizabeth, Morristown, and a master's degree in mathematics from Rutgers University, New Brunswick.

After repeatedly hearing people say how bad they are at math, Dever decided that she wanted others to enjoy it as much as she does.

"It's very satisfying when students say they enjoy my class," the educator said.

Elena Andreacci, mathematics supervisor at Marlboro High School, spoke about Dever's dedication to her profession.

"After many years of service she is still dedicated to her teaching and her kids," Andreacci said.

Having been Dever's supervisor for six years, Andreacci said Dever changes her lessons to keep things interesting and fun for her students.

Changes in projects are done to keep things fresh and interesting for herself and for the students, according to Dever.

Dever also cares for her students and fellow teachers, and is always willing to lend a hand in helping to train others, according to Andreacci.

Prior to this present honor, Dever received the award for the New Jersey Governor's Teacher Recognition Program in 1999. She is the president of the Shore Math League and the adviser to the Marlboro High School math team.

"She is a true educator. If you looked up educator in the dictionary her picture should be there," Andreacci said.

When asked if teaching high school students is a challenge, Dever laughed.

"It's a challenge I've always enjoyed. Anything you do well will be a challenge, that's what makes it worthwhile," she said.

Entering her 37th year of teaching, Dever said she started her career at Marlboro High School and will finish it there, though not anytime soon. Going to class each morning is still enjoyable and something she looks forward to, according to Dever, who said she has no plans to retire in the near future.