Following her recent Teacher of the Year win, we decided to interview Ms. English about what it’s like to be such a key member of Patriot Nation.

What is your favorite thing about being a teacher?

Students are my favorite part of teaching. Being part of a child’s high school career means the world to me. I feed off their energy.

Why did you become a teacher?

I had great teachers when I was in school. In college, I did a lot of volunteer work with high school students so when I changed my major to education, I knew I wanted to do high school, and I wanted to be just like my Freshman English Teacher, Mrs. Paterson.

How is coaching similar to teaching?
Coaching is an extension of the classroom. You must coach the player before athlete just like you teach the person before the student. Establishing trust is essential in both situations. If your student-athletes trust you, they will work for you.  I find the same in the classroom. If you keep their interest and they are motivated, they will work for you.

If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be?

I want to be a talk show host. I want to think I could talk to people and help them. I could be Ellen’s hype girl.

If you had all the money in the world, what would you do with it?

I would donate to various organizations that can help with our veterans, autism research, cancer research, and ALS research. I would travel with my friends and family.

What do you love about Freehold Township?
Freehold Township is a great place to work because of the people I work with. My greatest mentors and supporters work here. It is a great place to come to every day. I am very grateful to work with my best friends and role models. Driving here in the morning, I look forward to being with my students and co-workers.

What do you love about teaching English?
Students are sincere in their writing. I feel the discussion and writing in an English class allow the teacher to get to know their students more quickly. The subject manner is very relatable to the students, and that is a big plus.

How long have you been teaching for?
I have been teaching for 18 years. I signed my contract for FTHS my Spring semester at Villanova.

What is your least favorite thing about teaching?
The worst part of teaching is paperwork and when students are struggling, and I can’t help. However, the good outweighs the bad.

Who are some of your role models?
My dad and my husband are my role models.

How do you feel about winning teacher of the year?
I am extremely honored to represent this incredible school. I am proud to be on the wall next to amazing teachers. To be associated with this school, administration, students, and the staff is a career high for me. This recognition is an award that I share with my co-workers, without their encouragement, support, and motivation I would never reach this goal. Every teacher in this building is deserving of it. I am touched that I was selected. Thank you for everything!

We also asked some of Ms. English’s closest friends about her win.  

What is your favorite thing about Ms. English?

-Mrs. Lanza, English Teacher: My favorite thing about Ms. English is that she is such a positive and authentic person. She always looks for the best in people and in situations, and she makes everyone around her smile.

-Mrs. Cosgrove, Latin Teacher and Assistant Coach for Tennis:  My favorite thing about Ms. English is her heart- she is full of love and light and she shares it with everyone in this building.

-Mrs. Striffolino, History Teacher: It’s hard to describe Ms. English. Mainly because she’s like a “feeling” you get. When you are having a rough day, she senses it and very genuinely is there to provide comfort and encouragement. When you are having the best day, you want to see her to share the smiles and the laughter with. Her passion for her students and athletes comes from a genuine place where she just loves people. Ms. English makes it all look effortless, even though we know it certainly is not. She has worked so hard for so many years, it is so awesome that Township has recognized all of her hard work and dedication.

-Ms. Latz, Math Teacher: My favorite thing about Ms. English is her energy.  Everyone is drawn to her because she makes you smile and feel valued. You become a better person just by being around her.