Van Treuren Named Mercer County Teacher of the Year

Amy Van Treuren, who was previously honored as , has been named the “2011-2012 Mercer County Teacher of the Year.”

Van Treuren, who teaches fifth grade at Lawrence Intermediate School, was informed on the honor on April 15 by the New Jersey Department of Education. She is now in the running with teachers from the state’s 20 other counties for “State Teacher of the Year” honors.

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. She has taught in Lawrence Township public schools for 17 years.

Van Treuren is the eighth Lawrence educator to be named Mercer County Teacher of the Year within the past 18 years, according to the school district.

“They say that ‘lightning doesn’t strike twice in the same place,’ but our district continually defies the odds of having our teachers selected ‘Mercer County Teacher of the Year,’” township schools Superintendent Philip Meara said in a news release.

“Amy Van Treuren of Lawrence Intermediate School leads a long list of Lawrence teachers who have been honored with this county-wide recognition. After visiting her classroom on numerous occasions, I know Amy is a worthy choice. She is a creative, effective teacher who works long hours to meet the needs of all her students. We couldn’t be more proud of her selection,” he said.

Township Board of Education President Laura Waters added, “The board congratulates Amy Van Treuren on her wonderful accomplishment. We take pride in all our great teachers at Lawrence, and Amy is a wonderful example of the incredible talent within our district.”