Theresa Butler is Kittatinny’s Teacher of the Year

Theresa Butler has been chosen by her peers as Kittatinny’s Teacher of the Year.

At Kittatinny it’s often said, “Once a Cougar, always a Cougar.” This is certainly true of Mrs. Butler, who graduated high school from Kittatinny. She is a cougar through and through. Though starting at KRHS as a certified athletic trainer in 1995, she is now celebrating her 17th year of teaching.

“I have always had a love for learning and exploring ideas and information,” she said.

Mrs. Butler earned her bachelor’s degree from Castleton State College (now Castleton University), received her teaching certificate from William Patterson University, and completed her master’s in educational technology from Ramapo College. She is currently enrolled at Rutgers University pursuing an additional certification as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities.

“By conveying my enthusiasm for learning, I wanted young people to gain the ability to see education in the same way and to benefit from it as I have throughout my life,” Mrs. Butler said.

What’s her favorite part about teaching ?

“I value having shared experiences with students that lead to those ‘Aha!’ moments where things just click and make sense in the science classroom,” she said. “I also enjoy watching students grow and succeed from their time in junior high through high school at Kittatinny, that is something unique about our school that makes the experience more meaningful to me.”

COVID-19 has changed life for all of us, but during such moments, we learn a lot about ourselves and others. Butler has learned to be more creative and has tried other options when it comes to teaching in this virtual world.

“My approach to teaching during this pandemic has made me more flexible and sensitive to the needs of my students under these unusual circumstances,” she said. “I continue to be impressed by the resilience of the young people I work with and the value of the community that our school provides them beyond learning.”

Mrs. Butler said she wants to “share my thanks and gratitude to the members of KRHS who nominated me for this recognition and say that I am honored and humbled by it. There are so many deserving educators in our building, and in light of this unusual year, I feel as though we should all share in the recognition! To my former and current students, thank you for making every day unique and making my job worthwhile. I have been so fortunate to work with such dynamic, bright students over the years.”

Her colleagues said, “Congratulations, Mrs. Butler! Thank you for all you do for everyone here at Kittatinny.”