During the last Shamong Board of Education meeting for this school year, the district recognized two recipients for the 2018-2019 Teacher of the Year award.
Those teachers were Indian Mills Memorial School sixth-grade mathematics teacher Diana Haas and Indian Mills School special education inclusion teacher Richelle Macrae.
They recently spoke with The Sun to talk about their career, how they got into teaching and their reactions to winning the award.
The Sun: How long have you been working at the school?
Haas: I have been working at IMMS since 2006. I was hired during my senior year of college after attending a job fair the University of Delaware was hosting and fortunately Tim Carroll, the IMMS principal, attended. I was the fifth-grade math teacher from 2006 to 2014. In 2014, I returned from my first maternity leave and moved to sixth grade.
Macrae: I have been working at Indian Mills School for 10 years, starting my 11th in the fall. I actually began my teaching career at Deerfield Township School in Rosenhayn, right out of college and taught there for about six years. I then took some time off to stay home with my two children. I was home with them for 10 years before teaching at IMS.
The Sun: If you can remember, why did you decide to become a teacher?
Haas: Being a teacher has been a life-long dream for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Medford and attending Haines Elementary School, I remember having two memorable teachers in fourth and fifth grade who solidified the desire to one day teach. I wanted to spark excitement for learning just like those two teachers did for me. Teaching for me means that I can help children attain confidence, knowledge and excitement for and in learning. It was not until college that I made the decision to become a middle school mathematics teacher. It was at this time in my life that I realized I wanted to show children the amazing world of numbers in a creative, fun, non-intimidating way and help students to realize that they can achieve anything, including the scary world of mathematics, if they persevere and set their mind to the task.
Macrae: I am the cliche “I want to be a teacher when I grow up” educator. Both of my parents are retired teachers and set such a wonderful example for me. Favorite teachers along the way demonstrated the type of teacher I wished to be; one who makes children feel safe, special and heard. That is my daily goal.Â
The Sun: What was your reaction when you found out that you were a Teacher of the Year?
Haas: I was brought to tears. Shocked. Mr. Carroll and Christine Vespe, the superintendent, entered my classroom with flowers to announce it while I had my second-period class and I was just taken away. It’s an honor and all of my successes could not have come to fruition without the support of my fellow teachers that surround me, the administration that supports me, all the students I have taught and learned from and my family that keeps me knowing that my passion for this career has been acknowledged.
Macrae: When Dr. Vespe and Nicole Moore, the IMS principal, entered the classroom to announce that “someone” in the room had won Teacher of the Year, I truly assumed it was my co-teacher, Jessica Simon. She is so deserving of the award! Needless to say, I was shocked (and I have the “shocked face” photo and video to prove it) and frankly, a bit overwhelmed. When I received such heartfelt congratulatory emails from the staff later that afternoon, I think it finally sunk in that I had won. Pretty sure I smiled for a week!
The Sun: Anything else you’d like to say about the award?
Haas: It’s an honor to be recognized and there are so many other wonderful, dedicated educators who deserve the same.
Macrae: I am so grateful to receive this honor. I greatly appreciate the recognition from my colleagues. Teaching is truly work from the heart, and I feel blessed that I can share the journey with my fellow staff members and friends. We have great students in our district and I have enjoyed teaching and working with them all. They hold a special place in my heart.Â
