The teacher of the year lives in Marlton
Gov. Chris Christie announced last week that Jeanne M. DelColle, a high school social studies teacher from Burlington County, as the New Jersey 2011–2012 Teacher of the Year. The ceremony was held at the State Board of Education meeting in Trenton. DelColle lives in Marlton and teaches at the Westampton campus of Burlington County Institute of Technology. The Burlington County Institute of Technology is a countywide career and technical public school district serving high school and adult students.
New Jersey’s teachers are one of our most valuable educational resources,” said Governor Christie. “An effective teacher makes school exciting and interesting. Teachers who have a passion for what they teach and a genuine care for their students inspire students to play with ideas, think deeply about the subject matter, take on more challenging work, and even pursue a particular field of study. I congratulate Jeanne on her accomplishments. Her creativity, patience and determination have given her students the best possible learning experience. ”
DelColle has taught in New Jersey for 15 years. She spent six years as high school world history and anthropology teacher at Willingboro High School; one year as an 8th grade American government teacher at Memorial Junior High School in Willingboro; and has taught at Burlington County Institute of Technology since 2003.
“Teaching is an honored craft, and to this day serving as a teacher was one of the most difficult jobs that I have held in my lifetime,” said Acting Commissioner Christopher D. Cerf. “It’s a privilege to recognize great teachers. Jeanne’s desire to be a lasting, positive influence on her students, colleagues and community makes her a shining example of the countless outstanding educators in New Jersey.”
While she has been the recipient of many awards, DelColle said that her greatest accomplishment in education has been the inspiration of the next generation of teachers.
“When one of my former students told me their desire to become a teacher and said they were inspired by my example, it was both an awesome and humbling achievement,” DelColle said. “When my love for teaching inspires my students to go out into the world and help others, then I have done my job both personally and professionally.”
The New Jersey Teacher of the Year award is selected and administered by the Department of Education. This year’s New Jersey Teacher of the Year program is sponsored by four organizations and companies that provide valuable resources for the recipient teacher.
