East Orange teacher Jodi Cenac was honored as "Charter School Teacher of the Year" at the New Jersey Public Charter Public Schools Association's conference March 18.
As part of the award, Cenac accepted a check for $10,000 from the association. It was the first time the association awarded a cash prize to the teacher of the year.
"That's a lot of money for a teacher," said Kean University President Dawood Farahi, a trustee of the association who presented the award. "But it speaks loudly about how important teachers are to the charter school movement."
Cenac, a science teacher at the Pride Academy in East Orange, was first inspired to pursue a teaching career by reading the book, "Savage Inequalities: Children in America's Schools." Many consider this work by Jonathan Kozol to be a classic look at the inequities that economically disadvantaged children face as they struggle to complete an education.
"To my students, you are my greatest achievement," Cenac said. "The greatest gift we give our students is the opportunity to learn. I'm humbled to have the opportunity to do that."
Carlos Lejnieks, chairman of the NJCSA board, said Cenac exemplifies the spirit and enthusiasm of the entire charter school community, adding that she is a shining example of all that can be accomplished.
At Pride Academy, Cenac has generated enthusiasm for a rigorous science program that incorporates hands-on lab experiences, science fairs and exhibitions, project-based learning, and co-teaching with her colleagues in an inclusionary classroom setting. She organizes and leads tutoring sessions during lunch and after school and never misses an opportunity to motivate and inspire her students.
Farahi noted that as both a founder and faculty member of a charter school, Cenac's duties encompass not only teaching but also program development, mentoring other teachers, coordinating school wide assessments, organizing enrollment, helping out at board meetings and providing leadership where it is needed most.
"There are many excellent, dedicated teachers working in schools throughout the State of New Jersey, especially in charter schools, and it has been difficult to choose just one for this honor," Farahi said, "But based on the compelling nomination of her principal and her solid record of dedication and achievement, we are proud to recognize Jodi Cenac as Charter School Teacher of the Year."
Farahi said Cenac is a compassionate and caring teacher who understands the importance of being both firm and kind.
"She seizes upon teachable moments to encourage reflection and collaboration, facilitating the skills needed for the peaceful resolution of conflicts between students," he stated.
The two-day conference in Long Branch, attended by hundreds of educators, parents and supporters of New Jersey's growing charter school movement, spotlighted the many achievements of the state's 68 charter schools and featured discussions among state and national leaders about how these schools are transforming public education.
The two-day conference was also attended by notable New Jersey officials, each with a reputation for being at the forefront of education reform. Education Commissioner Bret Schundler gave the morning address and Gov. Chris Christie delivered a keynote supporting charter schools. The NJCSA also honored former Governor Thomas H. Kean with the first-ever "Great Leaders in Education" award.
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