The district selected eight employees as Teachers and Educators of the Year
In December, the Burlington Township School District recognized eight district employees as Educators of the Year. The district chose both a teacher and an educational specialist from each school to be recognized.
The teachers and educators were chosen through a nomination process with the school community. Once the nomination process ended, each school formed a selection committee compromised of administrators, teachers, staff, parents and previous winners.
On Dec. 16, the “prize patrol” notified all winners. The “prize patrol” was compromised of Board of Education members, Superintendent Mary Ann Bell, Human Resources Director Liz Scott, principals, supervisors and the Burlington Township Education Association president.
From B. Bernice Young School, the district chose Rebecca Merz as Teacher of the Year. Merz is a pre-school disabled student teacher who has served in the district for 14 years. Merz’s colleagues and students say she is always encouraging students to be leaders, is knowledgeable and fun and is always available.
Also from B. Bernice Young School is Physical Therapist Lauren McWhirk. The district chose McWhirk as the Educational Specialist of the Year from Young School. McWhirk has only been with the district for one year, but has already made a huge impact, according to a district press release.
“She is innovative, student-centered and full of love for her craft,” the press release reads. “She gives selflessly of herself and is always looking to implement new programs and ideas to improve student performance.”
McWhirk’s colleagues say she is always welcoming and deserves to be recognized.
McWhirk started her physical therapy career working in a hospital in an outpatient setting, but decided to start working in schools because she enjoys seeing students progress on a daily basis.
“Everything we do is really a team effort. I’m grateful for the support of colleagues, parents and students in acknowledging the importance of functional motor skills for our kids,” McWhirk said.
Fountain Woods Elementary School Literacy Coach Kelly Gamez is the Educational Specialist of the Year for the elementary level. Gamez facilitates the Family Learning Series, a popular program in the district. Gamez is an “invaluable resource for all” who is always willing to help, according to the district press release.
The Teacher of the Year from Fountain Woods Elementary School is Amy Sullivan, a third-grade teacher who has served the Burlington Township School District for more than 18 years.
Sullivan won the award previously approximately 15 years ago, and said she didn’t think she would win again.
“There are so many wonderful teachers to choose from, I didn’t think I would ever be a two-time winner,” Sullivan said. “Once I realized what was happening, I immediately teared up and was incredibly touched and honored — that was, until my students told everyone there how horrible my singing and dancing was.”
Sullivan is a teacher who truly loves what she does every day. She values being able to make an impact on her students’ lives and says her third graders always surprise her, even after almost 20 years.
“I love the smile and light that comes into a child’s eyes when they have been working hard to master a skill, and realize that they have it. I love when my students don’t realize that it’s lunch or the end of the day because the ‘day has gone so fast’ because they are having fun. I love watching how much my students grow and mature in the short span of one year, and knowing that I had a small part to play in that,” Sullivan said.
The district chose Crystal Berry for the Educational Specialist of the Year from Burlington Township Middle School. Berry has been a social worker in the district for 11 years. She goes above and beyond for everybody and doesn’t see her career as work, according to the district press release.
Berry’s colleagues say she is the “epitome of collaborations with all the schools.” Berry says it’s nice to know her colleagues appreciate all of her hard work.
“This working environment has been a main reason I want to remain employed in this district,” Berry said. “When you see any success for a student, that is a great accomplishment that makes me feel proud to be a part of this district.”
Joyce Schoolik is the Teacher of the Year at Burlington Township Middle School. Schoolik is a mathematics teacher who has been with the district for 15 years and is a graduate of Burlington Township High School. She has an amazing sense of humor and always goes above and beyond to help her students, even sometimes working with them through her lunchtime, according to the district press release.
Schoolik’s students say she’s funny, doesn’t give a lot of homework and makes math fun.
“It is a great feeling when you see the light bulb go off,” Schoolik said.
From Burlington Township High School, the district chose School Nurse Virginia Rulli as the Educational Specialist of the Year. The district says Rulli has had an extremely positive impact on not only students, but staff as well in her three years with the district.
“She is always there when you need a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen,” the district press release says.
Burlington Township High School students say Rulli is not just a nurse — she’s like a mom to them.
“I love interacting with our high school students, and that is the best part of my job. I never know what they will do or say, and helping them grow, mature and navigate life decisions makes for a very exciting day,” Rulli said.
The Teacher of the Year from Burlington Township High School is Jason Williams, who has been a mathematics teacher in the district for 15 years and a basketball coach for 13 years. Students in the district are very fond of Williams and say they appreciate his patience and willingness to help.
Williams says he was very surprised to win, as he did not consider himself a candidate.
“I have stayed at Burlington Township for 15 years because I love the people here. The staff and administration are very professional, caring, good people who I enjoy working with,” Williams said. “I enjoy coaching to provide the student athletes of Burlington Township with this very same positive impact on their lives.”
If the winners chose, they can enter into the statewide competition for teachers and educators of the year.
“We are very proud of all of our honorees,” Scott said. “Our children are very fortunate to have such caring educators who are willing to go above and beyond to help all students achieve.”
