7 Lawrence Teachers Selected for Governor's Award

Seven Lawrence Township teachers who have “distinguished themselves” during the school year were recently named winners of New Jersey’s annual Governor’s Teacher Recognition Award.

The award was created in 1985 to recognize teachers “who exhibit outstanding performance.”

A committee of teachers, administrators, Board of Education members, and parents selected the following winners to represent Lawrence Township Public Schools:

• Melissa Poli, preschool teacher at Ben Franklin Elementary School
• Amy Amiet, music teacher at Eldridge Park Elementary School
• Elizabeth Strauss, third-grade teacher at Lawrenceville Elementary School
• Sharon Civil, second-grade teacher at Slackwood Elementary School
• David Boggs, physical education teacher at Lawrence Intermediate School
• Tracy Bozarth, science teacher at Lawrence Middle School
• Kathryn Henderson, English teacher at Lawrence High School

In order to be eligible for the award, according to criteria outlined by the state Department of Education, an educator, among other things, must use effective instructional techniques and methods; create a productive classroom climate and rapport with students; and develop feelings of self-worth and love of learning in students.

“We are very excited to recognize a group of extremely dedicated and skilled educators as our Governor’s Teacher Recognition Award winner recipients. Each year their selection gives us the opportunity to celebrate the combined talents of all the creative teachers in the Lawrence Township Public Schools. We are very proud of each and every one of them,” said township schools Superintendent Philip Meara.

Township Board of Education President Laura Waters said, “The board congratulates this cadre of exemplary educators. They represent everything great about Lawrence: a tireless commitment to all students and the skillful instruction that promotes both academic achievement and a love of learning.”