There is no greater honor for an educator than to be recognized by students, parents, and colleagues for excellence and contribution to the field. Please join us in congratulating the Burlington Township Educators of the Year.
On behalf of the Board of Education, administration, and staff, we honor and thank these educators for their hard work and dedication to the children and families of Burlington Township. The Teachers of the Year will all be honored at a County Teacher of the Year program and during an upcoming public Board of Education Meeting.
Regards,
Mrs. Mary Ann Bell Mrs. Elizabeth A. Scott Ms. Ann Marie Britt Superintendent Director of HR Assistant Superintendent
B. Bernice Young School
Rebecca Merz-Inverso Teacher of the Year Pre-School Disabled Teacher
Mrs. Merz has served as a special education teacher in Burlington Township for 14 years. She is currently a Pre-school Disabled teacher. She is a teacher who gives 100% to her students, parents, and the district. She is a teacher leader and mentor who is always willing to help her colleagues. She makes learning fun and uses exciting learning activities for her students. Mrs. Merz-Inverso is a valued team member who is flexible, helpful and collegial.
Becky's colleagues and students say:
She shows great leadership.
She is a head teacher who is always available.
She helps the children to learn.
She tells her students that they are leaders.
She is fun and does fun games with us.
She is not loud.
There is no one else like her.
She is helpful and has resources to help ALL kids.
She is very knowledgeable.
She is flexible and very helpful to new teachers.
She works well with her colleagues.
B. Bernice Young School Dr. Lauren McWhirk
Educational Specialist of the Year Physical Therapist
Dr. McWhirk has been with the District as a physical therapist for over a year. In that year she has had a big impact on the children and her colleagues. She is innovative, student-centered, and full of love for her craft. She gives selflessly of herself and is always looking to implement new programs and ideas to improve student performance.
Lauren's colleagues say:
She is innovative.
We love her focus on students.
She is deserving of recognition.
She does what is needed first for children.
She has new ideas.
She is always looking to improve programs and student performance.
She truly cares about her students and colleagues.
She is phenomenal and always welcoming.
She is focused and student-centered.
Fountain Woods Elementary School
Kelly Gamez Educational Specialist of the Year
District Literacy Coach
Mrs. Gamez is an outstanding educator who has served the students of Burlington Township for 3 years. She is an invaluable resource for teachers and administrators as the District Literacy coach. She is a Family Learning Series facilitator and is always willing to help. Mrs. Gamez is relatable and able to speak to parents as a community member and parent in the District. She truly cares about the students and staff of Burlington Township.
Kelly's colleagues say:
She supports and educates all the staff members including the administration.
She is a crucial resource.
She is always available.
She is over the top caring and professional.
She is a student advocate.
She speaks as a parent and a community member.
Fountain Woods Elementary School
Amy Sullivan
Teacher of the Year
3rd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Sullivan has served as a teacher in Burlington Township for 17 years. She is currently a 3rd grade teacher. She is ateacher leader who gives 100% to her students, colleagues and the District. Mrs. Sullivan is always smiling and tries to put a smile on the faces of everyone around her. She is fair, innovative, and caring. She is always willing to try new programs to enhance teaching and learning.
Amy's students and colleagues say:
She is a fair and kind teacher.
She is a genuine and kind leader.
She gives second chances.
She handles issues very well.
She is a strong part of the community.
She is encouraging.
She is a teacher leader.
She pilots new programs.
Her antics make school fun.
Jokes with us all the time.
She makes learning fun.
She keeps our attention and makes school fun.
Burlington Township Middle School at Springside
Crystal Berry
Educational Specialist of the Year School Social Worker
Mrs. Berry has been employed by Burlington Township for 11 years as a School Social Worker. Crystal has a vested interest in our students and extremely professional with everyone in the execution of her duties. She loves her vocation and does not see it as work. She goes above and beyond for everyone. She has a caring heart and gives useful insight into educating the whole child. Mrs. Berry is also a mentor and always there to help others.
Crystal's students and colleagues say:
She is diligent.
She follows the law.
She is vested in our kids.
She collaborates.
She is professional.
She is vested in the students.
She advocates for her students.
She is the epitome of collaborations with all the schools.
She goes above and beyond for her students.
She is a great mentor to her colleagues.
She is caring and helpful.
She gives excellent insight into issues.
Burlington Township Middle School at Springside
Joyce Schoolik
Teacher of the Year Mathematics Teacher
Ms. Schoolik has been a mathematics teacher in the District for 15 years. She has an amazing sense of humor and always goes above and beyond to help her students. Her students appreciate that she is willing to use her lunchtime to help them understand mathematics. She is passionate about teaching and learning, and always an advocate for her students. Her patience, care, and determination makes a difference with students and her efforts are truly appreciated by students and parents.
Joyce's students and colleagues say:
She teases and has funny jokes.
She is patient.
She takes the time to have study sessions.
She ensures understanding of information in her classes.
She uses her lunchtime to help others.
She makes Math fun.
She cares.
Her students complain but they admitted that she really does not give a lot of homework.
She is determined.
Burlington Township High School
Virginia Rulli Educational Specialist of the Year School Nurse
Mrs. Rulli has been the BTHS school nurse for 3 years. In these 3 years, she has positively impacted not only the students, but the staff as well. The students agree that she is more like a mom than a nurse. She is always there when you need a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen. Mrs. Rulli is trustworthy, caring, and genuine in her interactions with students and staff.
Virginia's students and colleagues say:
She is always available and very accessible.
She has great relationships with people.
She is always helpful.
She takes care of the staff and makes the staff comfortable with her.
She always finds time for everyone.
She is appreciated.
She is like a mom not just a nurse.
She is compassionate.
She is always there to talk.
She is a wonderful nurse.
She is always nice.
She loves everyone.
She is trusted by the students and staff.
She has a caring and concerned attitude for the students.
Burlington Township High School
Jason Williams Teacher of the Year Mathematics Teacher
Mr. Williams has been in Burlington Township as a Mathematics teacher for 15 years. Not only is he a teacher, but has been a BT basketball coach for 13 years. His students stated that it is cool how patient he is with them. His teaching style has helped his students not only learn but be successful. One of his students stated, "Mr. Williams is the man and is a good teacher!" The admiration between Mr. Williams and his students is apparent. He believes in setting his students up for success.
Jason's students and colleagues say:
He helps everyone even if they are not paying attention in class.
He is a good teacher.
He is cool.
He is patient.
He gives his students 1-on-1 times.
He puts up with our shenanigans even when we won't stop talking.
He is the best teacher ever.
He helps us learn and succeed.
We love you!
District Mission The Burlington Township School District will develop the intellectual, creative, and social potential of each child through an active partnership with all members of the community.
