NPS Honors District Teacher of the Year Edith Battle
District also Celebrates Teacher of the Year Finalists and Governor’s Recognition Award Recipients
Newark, N.J. Newark Public Schools (NPS) today announced the selection of West Side High School Campus Teacher Edith Battle as the 2014-2015 District Teacher of the Year at a breakfast the District hosted in her honor. Yesterday, Superintendent Cami Anderson surprised Battle in the classroom and invited her to the breakfast, which also celebrated other Teacher of the Year finalists and the winners of the Governor’s Recognition Award Program.
Serving as an NPS teacher for 25 years, Battle serves the District’s over-aged and under-credited students at West Side High School's Acceleration Academy. As part of a district-wide strategy to ensure all students excel, the recently launched, specialized "school within a school" at the West Side High School campus helps students who previously struggled get back on track to graduate.
“Mrs. Battle raises the bar for all teachers, and proves that all students can succeed when given the right tools,” said Superintendent Cami Anderson. "As an educator and advocate for students who are over aged and under credited, it is personally gratifying to honor someone who has dedicated herself to young people who many others have underestimated.”
Battle is credited for maintaining a culture of high academic expectations as well as a positive environment where students feel comfortable sharing their personal struggles. Students rely on her compassion and relentless encouragement to focus on attaining excellence in the classroom and beyond.
"Mrs. Battle is a committed educator who works to transform our students. She pushes to ensure an excellent education for everyone, including those students who thrive in an alternative setting,” said Assistant Superintendent Brad Haggerty.
Battle gives her time before and after school, engaging students in reading and writing interventions for anyone willing to receive additional time for academic growth. In addition to teaching, she leads collaborative Professional Learning Communities in the areas of Literacy, Blended Learning and Project Based Learning. Battle is also seen as a leader and has coached several teachers at West Side High School this year.
“Mrs. Battle is one of my most dedicated teachers,” said Principal Larry Ramkissoon. “I am proud to celebrate the work that she has done not only for our students here at the Acceleration Academy, but for the all the students she’s served for over 25 years.”
The Teacher of the Year program recognizes and honors the contributions of outstanding classroom teacher leaders who possess a special talent for inspiring a love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities. This program is one of many steps that the District has taken to recognize that excellent teachers are critical to our student's and the district's success. NPS has honored our most effective educators in many ways including financial stipends, increased professional development, and opportunities for teachers to assume leadership roles.