Miss Jami Centrella, Caroline L. Reutter School English Language Arts Teacher, has been named the Gloucester County Teacher of the Year!
Prior to becoming a member of the Township of Franklin Public
School staff, Miss Centrella was an honors graduate from Rider University and
was named the 2013 New Jersey Distinguished Student Teacher. In September 2013,
Miss Centrella was appointed as a sixth grade English Language Arts teacher at
the Caroline L. Reutter School, and has held that position for the past seven
years. Miss Centrella has demonstrated herself as a highly effective
educator. Within her position as an English Language Arts Teacher, Miss
Centrella has motivated a vast array of learners with her intriguing lessons
and pedagogical methods.
Most noted by her colleagues are Miss Centrella’s dedication as an
educator and her intrinsic belief that all students can succeed
in her class. Miss Centrella is credited for infusing book club novels
into her classroom activities. In book clubs, she encourages students to select
books of their common interest, while promoting student facilitated discussions
to reinforce higher - level, metacognitive thinking. While higher order
thinking is at the forefront of her activities, she values student engagement
in those activities equally as much. She also utilizes feedback to refine her
lessons, all while understanding the various needs of her students. She
challenges the exceptional students as well as the ones that might be
struggling with their learning.
As a reflective practitioner and professional in her craft, Miss
Centrella is often discussing with administration and colleagues about a new
research-based practice that she recently read from a new book, participating
in an online discussion forum, or leading a professional learning
session.
One of Miss Centrella’s colleagues commented that she “has a very
authentic, positive rapport with her students. She makes sure each and
every one of them knows how much she values their education…” “There is
no question that she has the respect and admiration of those around her.
Her spirit is infectious! She is the first to offer a helping hand or
even a smile to cheer someone up whether it is a fellow teacher or a
student. She takes to heart each and every student’s success or failure.”
Miss Centrella demonstrates sound leadership skills by serving as
the facilitator for her Professional Learning Community (PLC) and a
representative on the District Leadership Committee (DLC). She is also
actively involved in various school-wide committees that contribute to a
positive and productive school climate. School Principal, Mr. Theodore
Peters, commented that “Miss Centrella demonstrates the qualities that truly
define the role of a “teacher leader” through her development of productive
meetings with colleagues, infusion of unique collaboration methods, and
continuous motivation to strive for success in everything that she attempts.
Her impeccable organization and facilitation methods have allowed her to serve
as an exemplary Teacher Leader while utilizing the Connected Action Roadmap
framework within her professional learning community and department. She
is not just an asset to our school, but also the district through her
demonstration of commitment to the profession, intellectual engagement of her
students, and the high standards that she has set for all educators that she
encounters.” Additionally, one of Miss Centrella’s fellow departmental
colleagues stated, “Miss Centrella is a role model who exemplifies all that is
great about our profession”.
It is with great pride that the Township of Franklin Public School
District congratulates Miss. Jami Centrella on being named the 2020-2021
Gloucester County Teacher of the Year!