Amy Maloney, a fifth-grade teacher at School No. 1 in Linden, has been chosen as an Exemplary Educator by the New Jersey Department of Education.
She is one of just 93 teachers across the state who are being honored for 2020.
“Congratulations to Ms. Maloney on this amazing honor,” Superintendent Dr. Marnie Hazelton, said. “The Exemplary Educator program recognizes the best of the best from around New Jersey, and we couldn’t be prouder to have one of our teachers recognized. Ms. Maloney’s love and dedication to her students exemplifies the wonderful educators we have in Linden working hard for all of our students, especially during these difficult times.”
Each year, the New Jersey Department of Education invites public school districts to participate in the Exemplary Educator Recognition Program. The goal of this program is to identify outstanding educators for special recognition.
Exemplary Educators exhibit strong knowledge and skills, an inspiring presence, and a positive impact on students, colleagues and the school community.
“Amy is the embodiment of each of those characteristics,” School No. 1 Principal Dona Preston said. “She is an integral part of the Instructional Leadership Team, School Improvement Panel, and Data Team, to name just a few. “Whether it is in her classroom instructing her students, or presenting professional development to her colleagues, Amy demonstrates high expectations. She is a lifelong longer and is greatly admired by the School No. 1 community, her students, and their parents.”
Maloney said teaching is her passion.
“My work has always been about helping the students understand how important education and learning are in this fast-moving world,” she said. “Teaching is something that I take great pride in, so to be the recipient of this recognition as an Exemplary Educator is an honor. But it is not just my efforts; School 1 has an amazing team that supports and motivates each other.”
Preston and the entire School No. 1 faculty and staff surprised Maloney with the news during a video conference on Thursday, December 17.
“Ms. Preston had called an afternoon meeting,” Maloney recalled. “Everyone had their cameras off. I hear ‘Cameras on,’ and that is when everyone turned their cameras on and I saw all the posters that my colleagues had made. I didn’t realize at first and I was so confused. Once I grasped what was happening, I was in complete shock! I never expected it! I am genuinely grateful, and I want to thank Ms. Preston and my colleagues for seeing me as deserving of this recognition.”