Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • June 1, 2011 FLOW Area District teachers receive Governor’s Award by Frank J. McMahon The Ramapo Indian Hills Board of Education recently honored the regional high school district’s representatives to the state’s 2011 Governor’s Teacher Recognition Program. Susan Loccke, an English teacher at Ramapo High School for the past four years, and Debbie Martin, a family and consumer science teacher at Indian Hills High School for the past 19 years, each received a certificate and a $100 grant for educational materials of their choice for use either in their classroom or their school’s library. The two teachers were also recognized at a Bergen County Teacher Reception luncheon. The school board’s resolution that recognized each of these teachers indicated that the board, together with its citizens, wanted to express appreciation to Loccke and Martin for their loyalty to the district’s educational goals, their willingness to accept responsibilities, and their high standards of performance. In addition, it stated that the two teachers serve as exemplary role models to their colleagues, students, and the community. Loccke coordinates the Student of the Month selection process at Ramapo, serves on the Rachel’s Challenge Team, and is active on numerous school committees. She is a former Peace Corps volunteer. Prior to joining the Ramapo faculty, Loccke taught English at Bergenfield High School. “We celebrate Ms. Loccke for her enthusiasm, kindness, and commitment to her subject, her school, and her students,” Superintendent Lauren Schoen and Ramapo Principal Louis Moore jointly stated after the public meeting. Martin is the head teacher of the school’s popular family and consumer science department and has been advisor to the school’s SADD organization. (Previously known as Students Against Drunk Driving, SADD is currently known as Students Against Destructive Decisions.) Martin has served as a class advisor over the past years for all grades, and has been the school’s Movie Club advisor. “Congratulations to Ms. Debbie Martin for being selected as the 2011 Governor’s Teacher Recognition Award recipient from Indian Hills High School,” Schoen and Indian Hills Principal Al Evangelista jointly stated. “Congratulations to Ms. Martin for her dedication and commitment to education and for her service to the youth of our FLOW community. ‘Mart,’ as she is affectionately called by her students, has had, and continues to have, a tremendous positive effect on all of our students.” According to the New Jersey Department of Education, the annual Governor’s Teacher Recognition Program was developed in 1985 for the purpose of acknowledging teachers whose primary responsibility is classroom instruction and who exhibit outstanding performance. The rationale for the program is based on the premise that teaching excellence is one of the most significant factors impacting student achievement and the quality of public schools and that by acknowledging excellence encourages teachers to continue to strive towards that goal. The program pays tribute to tenured educators for their effective use of instructional techniques and methods, establishment of a productive classroom climate and rapport with students, development of feelings of self-worth and love of learning in students, and use of creativity, innovation, and efficiency in the classroom. Winning educators must also demonstrate the ability to increase student achievement through a learningfocused environment, contribute to the quality of professional development in the district, and use educational technology in an effective and efficient manner. Every public school district in New Jersey is permitted to nominate one teacher or one educational services professional from each school for recognition. The recipient must have demonstrated excellence over a period of time in the district. A panel that includes district teachers, administrators, community residents, and board of education members selects the annual winners from among those nominated by students, parents, and other faculty members.