Each year, the Department of Education for the state of New Jersey sponsors the Governor’s Educator of the Year Program in order to honor hardworking and inspiring teachers from every school in the state. Staff members at Scotch Plains Fanwood High School are encouraged to nominate applicants, one teacher and one service professional, who they feel are exceptionally skilled and dedicated. This year, science teacher Michael Abadir and guidance counselor Amanda Moser were nominated by their co-workers and given Educator of the Year Awards.
“When[Dr. Heisey] told me the news I was so happy and so excited and students were actually right there, and a lot of them heard it, and they congratulated me which meant a lot to me,” Abadir, educator of 26 years, said. “I love my job and being recognized for it is all the more rewarding for me.”
The chemistry teacher first became interested in teaching after spending time playing school with his younger sister. In college, he majored in chemistry, and after much thought as to what professional path he would take, he finally realized that teaching had always been his passion. Abadir hopes that all his students continue to apply what they learned in class in their everyday lives and grow to love learning.
Similarly, Moser, who has been a both a special education teacher and guidance counselor for 14 years, enjoys seeing her students growth and progress.
“You start out here as freshman and you leave as adults with a plan and that is really rewarding for me that I’ve has something to do with it, at least a little bit,” explained Moser.
Being a self-described ‘people person’ lead her towards the path of education, and she continues to love working with young adults as they work towards college and beyond.
Both Abadir and Moser hope to make a lasting impact on the lives of the students they meet and the Educator of the Year Award is just another testament to their continued hard work and passion.