Schools

District Veteran Honored as Lawrence Teacher of Year

Amy Van Treuren, a fifth grade teacher at Lawrence Intermediate School, has taught in the Lawrence Township school district for 17 years.

Amy Van Treuren has been named Lawrence Township Public Schools’ 2011 Teacher of the Year.

The fifth grade teacher at Lawrence Intermediate School was selected for the honor by a committee made up of school district administrators, teachers, parents and a representative of the township Board of Education.

Van Treuren will now compete with teachers from other districts in the county for the honor of being named Mercer County Teacher of the Year. She will also represent Lawrence Township in a state-wide Teacher of the Year recognition program.

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“I am truly honored to be chosen as district Teacher of the Year for Lawrence Township Public Schools. Not only have I taught in the district for 17 years, but my children also went through the school system. I know the deep commitment and dedication of my colleagues at every level, and I represent a staff of excellent teachers whose goals are to help students reach their highest potential,” Van Treuren said in a news release issued by the school district.

Having earned her bachelor’s degree and teacher certification at Wheaton College in Illinois, Van Treuren also holds a master’s degree in curriculum, instruction and supervision from Rider University.

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“I am very excited to hear that Mrs. Van Treuren has been named Lawrence Teacher of the Year,” LIS Principal Jonathan Dauber said. “Amy is a tremendous asset to our school and our profession. She is a deeply thoughtful educator who does a masterful job of understanding the needs, skills and interests of her students every day.”

School District Superintendent Philip Meara offered similar praise in saying, “I was so proud to hear that Amy Van Treuren will represent her colleagues as the Lawrence Township Teacher of the Year. Amy epitomizes what’s best about our schools in her creative approach to teaching. She customizes each lesson to meet the needs of all students. Amy has high expectations for her students and empowers each child with the critical thinking skills and creativity that they need to ensure their success in the future.”

“Amy Van Treuren exemplifies the finest caliber of the teaching profession. Throughout her career at Lawrence Public Schools she has demonstrated academic rigor, creativity, and the skill to accommodate a wide spectrum of student learning styles,” Laura Waters, president of the township Board of Education, said.


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