The New Jersey Governor's 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year Educational Specialist of the Year Support Staff of the Year Awards

December 1, 2023 Dear Burlington Township Families and Staff: There is no greater honor for an educator than to be recognized by students, parents, and colleagues for their excellence and contribution to the field. Please join us in congratulating the Burlington Township Teachers of the Year, Educational Specialists of the Year and Support Staff of the Year. On behalf of the Board of Education, administration, and staff, we honor and thank these individuals for their hard work and dedication to the children and families of Burlington Township. Everyone will be honored at the December Burlington Township Board of Education meeting. Regards, Mary Ann Bell            Ann Marie Britt            Christopher Giannotti Mary Ann Bell      Ann Marie Britt          Christopher Giannotti Superintendent      Assistant Superintendent     Assistant Superintendent      Nicholas Bice            Liz Scott  Nicolas Bice          Liz Scott   Board Secretary/         Director of HR & Community Relations Business Administrator

B. Bernice Young School Teacher of the Year Ms. Kayla Jerman Ms. Kayla Jerman has been lighting up the hallways and lives of kindergarten students at Young School for the last 5 and a half years with her positive attitude, caring demeanor, meaningful connections, hard work, and love of teaching.  From sharing ideas and lessons to sharing encouragement, Ms. Jerman has an open door and open heart policy when it comes to her colleagues. Ms. Jerman welcomes teachers into her classroom for peer observations to offer support and inspire reflection. Ms. Jerman always makes time to be there for her colleagues professionally and personally. One of her grade level partners referred to her as the cheerleader of kindergarten. When it comes to her students, Ms. Jerman builds a strong sense of community and exemplifies a learner-centered approach to teaching. She makes learning engaging, effective, and fun. Ms. Jerman excels at making her students feel loved, and the families in her class feel valued. Ms. Jerman makes an effort to visit the homes of her students, cheer them on during their sporting events, and give a standing ovation at their performances. Ms. Jerman’s focus on relationship building has created meaningful bonds that extend well beyond the school day and school year. Ms. Jerman comes to work each day to change the lives of her students for the better. Ms. Jerman serves as a pilot teacher on the ELA committee. She serves as a mentor to new teachers. Ms. Jerman serves as the field trip leader for planning. She serves on the PBSIS team & other committees. Even her fun themed outfits serve. Ms. Jerman shines her light by serving our school community with more love and dedication than we could ever acknowledge in one announcement. And each year she continues to shine brighter. Ms. Jerman truly is a radiant star in our lives at Young School.

B. Bernice Young School Educational Specialist of the Year Mrs. Jennifer Greene Mrs. Jennifer Greene has been a speech and language pathologist in our district for 3 years. She started at Fountain Woods, but soon moved to Young School and became an invaluable member of our staff. Mrs. Greene brings a wealth of knowledge, passion for helping students, desire to learn, calming disposition, and commitment to supporting colleagues.  Mrs. Greene finds new and innovative ways to work with students to help maximize their learning and growth. Mrs. Greene will attend professional development and research new activities with specific students in mind, so she can best meet their needs. Mrs. Greene has a way of providing speech and language therapy to students in an uplifting way that makes them feel excited and successful. She will act silly, get on the floor to play, use creative incentives, and ensure the students stay engaged and are getting the most from their sessions. Mrs. Greene is compassionate toward her students and their families. She has a way of understanding them and being there, even when they can’t communicate exactly what they need or are feeling. As a professional, Mrs. Greene is collaborative and always willing to share her knowledge in a respectful and useful way that allows teachers and families the opportunity to support speech and language in the classroom and at home. Mrs. Greene prioritizes consistent communication and open dialogue to ensure everyone who works with the students on her caseload stay on the same page. Mrs. Greene is always ready to lend a helping hand, be a thoughtful listener during the difficult times, and join in celebrating the happy moments.  Mrs. Greene’s colleagues described her as innovative, positive, knowledgeable, and dynamic. They said her smile brightens the days of the students and the staff. As a speech and language pathologist and PBSIS team member, Mrs. Greene makes a difference and inspires others to make a difference here at Young School. We are beyond grateful to have her as part of our team.

B. Bernice Young School Support Staff of the Year Mrs. Stephanie Ramsey Mrs. Steph Ramsey is the perfect example of making a huge impact in a short amount of time. In the 14 months Mrs. Ramsey has been at Young School, she has gained the respect and admiration of several colleagues and families. And the students absolutely love her. She is an effective and essential member of the preschool team, especially in her classroom. As a classroom assistant who has fostered a close working relationship with the homeroom teacher, Mrs. Ramsey has become the teacher’s right-hand and an invaluable part in the day to day happenings in the classroom. Mrs. Ramsey has a strong work ethic and the keen instinct to know what others need. She shows up to work each day ready to give it her all with a flair of creativity and unmatched positive energy. Mrs. Ramsey supports students with their educational and social needs in a way that helps students get the most out of their school days. Whether it’s tying a shoe, teaching students to open their snacks (pinch, pinch, pull, and voila), engaging in play-based learning, or helping students work through problems with a little encouragement, Mrs. Ramsey has an innate gift of working with children. Mrs. Ramsey’s colleague said, “She is a team player and it’s evident to all who see her doing her thing.” This sentiment is echoed by many. Mrs. Ramsey puts her best foot forward and brings a lot to the table. It certainly is evident to all through Mrs. Ramsey’s positive impact on her classroom and Young School community.

Fountain Woods School Teacher of the Year Jennifer Sides We are honored to announce the Fountain Woods Governor’s Educator of the Year, Ms. Jennifer Sides. Jennifer is a special education teacher who is dedicated to helping all students and feels deep empathy for them. She is driven by her heart for every student she meets, whether they are in her class or not. She goes above and beyond in all that she does and consistently asks the question, “What can I do to help my student, their family or my colleague?” She is an advocate for everyone she meets. Her colleagues consider her to be one of the kindest friends they have ever met.  In addition, Jenn’s classroom is filled with students who need help in reading. She plans and executes lessons that are fun, innovative and engaging. She takes the time to make sure she meets all of her students’ needs in all of the skill areas. Ms. Sides tutors, stays after almost everyday and really connects with each student she meets. When you stand in the hallway next to her and the students see her, she lights up the hallway with her smile.  Furthermore, Jenn is the ultimate TEAM player with a knack for leadership. She spearheads many student, staff and community events throughout the school year. She is on the E.D.I.T. Committee and Kindness Squad Committee. The aforementioned committees, lead school-wide assemblies and events to help make Fountain Woods an inclusive place to be. Her ideas are truly out of this world and she has an amazing talent to make a regular Google Slide look Jennified! Jenn truly cares about what is going on with the staff as well and goes out of her way to help them when they may need a hug, high five, smile or positive affirmation. She has one of the biggest hearts and she shares with the people around her. Congratulations Ms. Jennifer Sides!

Fountain Woods School Educational Specialist of the Year Constance (Connie) Koutsouradis Ms. Constance (Connie) Koutsouradis is Fountain Woods’ recipient of the Governor’s Educational Specialist of the Year award. Ms. Koutsouradis is a Student Assistance Coordinator (SAC) for Fountain Woods and Burlington Township Middle School @ Springside which means she serves students in grades 2nd through 8th grade. It can be difficult to be thoroughly effective when you are serving two schools but Connie makes it look easy with her determination and attitude. It’s almost as if she walks in every morning with the following mindset, “We can and we will do whatever it takes to provide the best counseling experience for every student." Connie is a unicorn in every way. The attribute that makes Connie stand out from many is her dedication to her students and her follow through until there is absolutely NOTHING else she can do. Connie takes the welfare of each student she serves seriously and will advocate for her students in every way within her control. A stranger could watch Connie work with others and would feel the genuine concern she has for her students from her interactions with each person. In addition, Ms. Koutsouradis is a positive, knowledgeable, competent, kindhearted, conscientious and altruistic individual. She is a self-assured and strong person not just for herself but for the people who have come to depend on her expertise and care. Due to the nature of Connie’s position, she witnesses students’ beautiful moments of clarity and growth. However, she is consistently confronted with painful and heartbreaking moments in a student or staff member’s life as well. Connie is tasked with guiding students through difficult and delicate situations all while protecting their integrity and maintaining confidentiality. The magic in Connie’s execution is that she provides an effective counseling program in an eloquent and discreet manner. Her way makes Ms. Koutsouradis a well sought after staff member in both the FWS and BTMS community. She always has a positive attitude and is willing to lend a hand in any situation. Connie doesn’t waste a moment when she comes to work, she spends every minute addressing student and staff social-emotional or crisis needs. She also believes in a team approach to providing care for a student. She is not afraid to employ all stakeholders in the betterment of a child. Connie motivates students to self-advocate in a restorative fashion. Regardless of what crisis (i.e. suicide ideation, substance abuse), Connie faces with her students, she serves the Fountain Woods family in a patient yet forward-moving way. Connie advocates for her students and colleagues in order for them to get the support that they need. She cares so much about staff members’ health and wellness that she developed and presented a Work-Life Balance presentation and provides resources for staff wellness. Connie’s colleagues note that she is an essential member of every team she is on and supports anyone who comes to her.  We are honored to name Ms. Constance (Connie) Koutsouradis the FWS Educational Specialist of the Year. Congratulations Connie!

Fountain Woods School Staff Support Person of the Year  Karolyn Anderson Ms. Karolyn Anderson is the Fountain Woods recipient for Support Person of the Year award. Karolyn is a 1 to 1 paraprofessional at FWS. Ms. Anderson is dedicated, patient and a ray of sunshine in the FWS building. She is dedicated to helping her assigned student but she also helps all of the students in the many classrooms she is in. Karolyn has an amazing connection with students and staff. She builds a strong rapport with her individual student and with all of the students in the many classes she attends. Her colleagues say that, she is always asking how and what she can do to lend a helping hand to anyone who needs one. You will know who Karolyn is if you walk in the classrooms and down the hallways and see her friendly smile, personable conversations, her smile and check ins.  According to her colleagues and from interacting with Karolyn, “Her smile lights up the classrooms, hallways and fills the hearts of the students and staff she knows here in Fountain Woods.” She is very patient with the students. Sometimes students need an extra hand, an ear to listen or encouragement to keep them going. There is Karolyn providing just that and more. She also takes great pride in her fashion. She dresses very nice every day and on the character challenges, rally days, 12 days of Christmas or holidays, you will find her bringing cheer to all in her appropriate fashion and holiday outfits. You could call her our very own Buddy the Elf. She adds the daily sunshine that may be missing from someone’s day. We sure are lucky to have a friend and teaching assistant like Karolyn here in the Woods.  Congratulations Ms. Karolyn Anderson on this fantastic well-deserved award.

Burlington Township Middle School at Springside Teacher of the Year Kathleen Key Kathleen "Kat" teaches 8th grade Social Studies. Kat is patient, dedicated, hard-working, and a caring educator. She makes her lessons fun and engaging and is always proud to share the special projects her students are working on. Kat recently organized a book tasting for students to attend, during lunch. She serves on the E.D.I.T. team and involved her assistant, Mr. Ortiz, in morning announcements for Hispanic Heritage Month. She is a great TEAM player. Kat works so well with all her colleagues; however, she and Mr. Ortiz create an environment that helps all her students feel successful and valued while making learning fun.  Kat works tirelessly to ensure the rigor of the content and curriculum, and makes modifications so that all her students can understand. Kat spends numerous hours planning, modifying, and implementing the curriculum to meet the many individual needs of her 8th-grade students.  Not only is she doing great things with her students at the Middle School, Leigh Yago raved about how Kat shared strategies for teaching writing to help her students at Fountain Woods. She has been coined the "master of differentiation," an excellent resource, and is always willing to help anyone who needs it. Kat is a valuable asset to the school-wide community and the Burlington Township School District.

Burlington Township Middle School at Springside Educational Specialist of the Year Colleen Fee Colleen is an accomplished professional. She naturally goes above and beyond in all her duties, and holds the title of Lead Counselor for the district. Colleen makes a point to connect with every student in her caseload. She's a trusted adult for her students, and her effort shows in their rapport as they greet her in the halls and cafeteria. She is compassionate and empathetic, exhibiting sensitivity to students and their struggles while remaining solution focused. She divides her effort into the advanced tiered system to support students who need a higher level of support. She often amazes our admin team with the creativity of ideas and strategies she comes up with to help students. In meetings with families, Colleen has such a calm and gentle nature, patiently answering any and all questions to ensure understanding. She not only looks for opportunities for her own professional growth through ASCA and other community resources, she helps her colleagues learn more about her specialties, included by not limited to: counseling, neurodiversity, executive functioning, and Question Persuade Refer (QPR) training. Colleen is someone her colleagues can depend on. She communicates with them what she can, without breaking confidentiality. When one thinks of Colleen, the poem "Do It Anyway" by Mother Teresa comes to mind, specifically the line "The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow. Do good anyway." Colleen does good, not for any reward or recognition, but simply because that is who she is. Colleen personifies "doing good" and the people who are privileged to interact with her on a daily basis know that. BTMS is extremely fortunate to have Colleen.

Burlington Township Middle School at Springside Support Staff of the Year Justin Perez Mr. Perez is a caring and dedicated support professional, who interacts successfully with all students. He’s patient, kind, and helpful. Mr. Perez goes above and beyond to meet the needs of his students. He’s a strong advocate and finds ways to connect students beyond the classroom. He supports them with social interactions and inclusiveness throughout the building. His dedication and passion for assisting both students and staff have significantly enriched our school environment. His tireless efforts are noteworthy and appreciated.

Burlington Township High School Teacher of the Year Ms. Clare White Ms. White has served as a teacher in Burlington Township for 13 years. She is currently a High School self-contained teacher in the Multiple Disabled Classroom and Self-contained Cluster Coordinator, grades 3 - 12. Ms. White is an excellent Special Education Teacher and role model. She is an integral part of the High School’s Special Education Department and is truly a teacher leader. Ms. White makes time to work with students inside and outside of the classroom. She believes that all students can be successful and she will do whatever she can to help students reach their potential. In the Self-contained environment, Ms. White works with students that have diverse individual needs, and challenges. Her goal everyday is to develop and build upon the skills and strengths of her students, while identifying and remediating weaknesses. At the beginning of each year, Ms. White quickly establishes an open line of communication with the parents of her students. She then maintains outstanding communication throughout the year. When difficulties arise, she is quick to share strategies that can be used to help the students overcome the obstacles and achieve success. Also, she routinely works with support staff, collaborates with colleagues, and plans with case managers, speech therapists, and other staff to promote student progress. As a cluster coordinator, Ms. White works tirelessly with district personnel and the other buildings to enhance and to grow the self-contained programs at BTHS to meet the needs of the students. The High School administrative team regards Ms. White as a true team player, a resource to her colleagues, and a valuable member of the High School.

Burlington Township High School Educational Specialist of the Year Christie Bricker Ms. Bricker’s role as a school nurse is one of immense responsibility, and she carries it out with unparalleled professionalism and compassion. From tending to minor scrapes and bruises to providing crucial support for students with chronic health conditions, she approaches every situation with a calm and reassuring demeanor that instantly puts both students and staff at ease. Her expertise in assessing health concerns, administering first aid, and collaborating with parents and healthcare providers is truly commendable. It is the genuine care and empathy she demonstrates that make her an invaluable member of our school community. Ms. Bricker’s ability to connect with students on a personal level, offering not just medical assistance but a comforting presence, contributes significantly to the positive and nurturing atmosphere within our school. Recently, due to the pandemic, Ms. Bricker played a pivotal role in disseminating important health information to students and staff, promoting preventive measures, and fostering a culture of wellness. Her proactive approach to health education has undoubtedly contributed to the overall health and safety of our school community. Her collaboration with teachers and administrators in addressing health-related concerns and promoting a safe and healthy learning environment is truly appreciated. Our students and staff truly benefit from Ms. Bricker’s hard work and dedication. Thank you Ms. Bricker!

Burlington Township High School Support Staff of the Year  Brad Kirkpatrick It is with great pleasure that we get to take a moment to recognize the exceptional contributions of a key member of our team, someone whose dedication and expertise have significantly enhanced our school's technological landscape. In every school, there are individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring that our technological resources operate seamlessly and that any issues are addressed swiftly and efficiently. Today, we highlight one such invaluable member of our team, Brad Kirkpatrick. Mr. Kirkpatrick has been a stalwart for our technological success, providing support to both staff and students alike. As educators become more dependent on technology for our instruction and learning, his role is crucial. Beyond his technological super-powers, Mr. Kirkpatrick embodies the spirit of teamwork. He approaches each situation with a calm demeanor, patiently guiding teachers, students, and administrators through the maze of technological challenges. In addition to the day-to-day support, Mr. Kirkpatrick has been instrumental in implementing innovative solutions that have elevated our instructional technology.  Mr. Kirkpatrick’s expertise, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the success of our academic endeavors have not gone unnoticed. On behalf of the entire school community, thank you for being a driving force, a teammate, and a friend.

BURLINGTON TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT MISSION The Burlington Township School District will develop the intellectual, creative, and social potential of each child through an active partnership with all members of the community.