Clinton Township Newsletter

1 5 F e b r u a r y 2 0 2 0 setting sharing a classroom with other exceptional teachers. Throughout my career I have served as a member of the School Safety and Climate Team, District Communication Committee, CTEA Member Engagement and organized staff morale project. I attended the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teacher Academy and The North East Whole Language Conference. My husband and I have been married for 31 years. Our daughter lives north of Seattle, WA. I enjoy sewing and quilting in my free time. I have sewn and donated pillow cases to cancer patients and to local women's shelters. I also use my sewing skills to create Rare Bear teddy bears for Rare Science. Round Valley School Danielle Nugent- Special Education Teacher at RVS: I've been teaching since I graduated from Kutztown University in 2004. Straight out of college, I taught Preschool and Kindergarten in a private school setting before coming to the Clinton Township School district in 2007 and have been here ever since. I currently live locally with my fiance and our very handsome cat. I serve as a member of my hometown's board of education. I also serve as my Clinton Township Education Association's PRIDE and FAST representative. I am an active member of Autism NJ. When I'm not teaching I can be found drinking coffee, running half marathons, working on my 1985 GMC Sierra and practicing profound gratitude for the amazing life I have! Philosophy: My philosophy of education is actually beautifully summed up by one of my heroes, Mr. Fred Rogers. He said, "As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has- or ever will have- something inside that is unique to all time. It's our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression." Stephanie Yager- Math Support Specialist/Coach: The power educators have with their every decision, from instructional design, to their word choice, the time they decide to invest per student, the inflection in their voice, and even the looks they give are each so impactful to the development of the young people entrusted to them. I have the power to help students associate positive feelings with perseverance and hard work that will translate far beyond any academic subject matter I've crafted for them to master. It's a gift to have so many opportunities to contribute to the development of a child's confidence, and ultimately to the happiness of people. I love to model for both my students, and my children that we never have to stop learning. We all can adjust as we take in new information, and grow into the next greatest version of ourselves. I hold a BS in Special Education. I'm dually certified in both Special and Elementary Education, and I earned my MS in School Counseling. I took some time off to be with each of my four amazing kids when they were younger. I've worked most of my fifteen year career as an Inclusive Special Educator in Clinton Township School District. I love the two-teacher classroom, and I have been fortunate to share the classroom with people devoted to differentiated instruction, and every student that was in our room. For the past five years, I've worked as a Math Support Teacher reinforcing standards in both the previous and current grade level for general education students. I've come to especially appreciate working with Fifth Graders. This award is a tribute to everyone who helped me grow, and to everyone who challenges me to keep evolving. ClintonTownship Middle School Mary Junge - CTMS Governor's Educational Services Professional of the Year - 2020: In 2003, I began at Clinton Township School District as a substitute teacher at Spruce Run School. I accepted a position in the Little Stars classroom where I first began learning about autism and teaching children who have autism. Since then, I have been at Patrick McGaheran, Round Valley School and I am now at Clinton Township Middle School. I have spent most of my time as an Educational Services Professional in the Little Stars and All Stars autism classrooms. Currently, I am in the Language Learning Disability classroom. I recently completed the RBT certification which helps me further understand my students and their needs. My goal is to help my students achieve their fullest potential. I understand that everyone learns differently. By determining what motivates each child in the learning process, I hope to encourage confidence and build knowledge. I believe everyone has talents, no one is left out, and it's my job to help our students succeed to the best of their abilities. I am fortunate that I get to see that success every day. MaryBeth Guidi - CTMS Governor's Teacher of the Year - 2020: My time in Clinton Township School District began as an in-class support special education teacher in 8th grade. For twelve years, I worked with students primarily in the subjects of math and science. As challenging as these subjects are for students with learning differences, my focus was not only on the modifications and accommodations, but also helping my students find their confidence and motivation to succeed. My time in the general education classroom taught me many wonderful lessons as I tackled the curriculum and built lasting relationships with my students. My true passion however has always been to work with individuals with autism, which currently is my position. Rita Pierson, a well known professional educator, has said: "Every child deserves a champion: an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists they become the best they can possibly be." My hope is that any student who walks into my classroom will experience this sentiment. Clinton Township School District Mission Statement: The Clinton Township School District, in partnership with the community, achieves excellence for each child by ensuring a meaningful and challenging educational experience in a supportive environment; developing life-long learners who are responsible and productive citizens. SAVE THE DATE: FRIDAY, MARCH 20 at CTMS! Come enjoy a fun night! Advanced Ticket Sale Viewing is at 5:00 pm! Doors open to general public at 6:00 pm. Basket Drawing starts at 7:00 pm. Ticket information to be announced. Sponsored by the CTMS 7th Grade Class.

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