Franklin teacher recognized for excellence

FRANKLIN - Patricia J. Pfeil, principal at Franklin Borough School, is the 2004 recipient of the Dale Reinhardt Excellence in Education Award, presented by the Sussex County Administrators and Supervisors Association. Pfeil, an administrator for the past 6 1/2 years, previously served 18 years as an outstanding classroom teacher in three districts, teaching in all areas of elementary and middle school. She has also taught Curriculum Design as an adjunct professor at Centenary College, and is now in the final stages of her doctorate, completing her dissertation in 2004. Dr. Thomas N. Turner, Franklin Borough Superintendent, praised the K-8 principal, stating, "Mrs. Pfeil embodies all of the qualities of an outstanding educational leader and models the professionalism that makes this award so special. She is a promoter of children, faculty, and public education." Describing her as "a relentless explorer for new ideas, better mousetraps, and creative ways to make learning and teaching fun," Turner credited Pfeil for bringing such curriculum innovations to Franklin School as: Balanced Literacy, including a reading coach provided by the State, the Rebecca Sitton Spelling Program, Project Read—The Writing Strand (Orton-Gillingham), and Everyday Mathematics (Chicago Math). In her short tenure at Franklin School, she has also been instrumental in restructuring the schedule to include looping in first and second grades and block scheduling for language arts in grades 5-8. Many of these undertakings were accomplished by Pfiel's direct instruction of staff at in-service workshops and in-district courses. Evening meetings for parents regarding new instructional programs were conducted by Mrs. Pfeil with teachers she trained and/or encouraged in these areas of professional development. Previously awarded the Governor's Teacher Recognition Award as an Allamuchy teacher in 1995, Pfeil was nominated for the Dale Reinhardt Excellence in Education Award in recognition not only for her leadership, but also for her acts of kindness and generosity. Through lunch with the principal, RAM Awards, and personal letters to praise achievement, she puts a high priority on recognizing children, building self-esteem and rewarding effort. Mrs. Pfeil stated, "Knowing the exceptional administrators practicing in Sussex County, receiving this award is quite an honor. At Franklin School, I am very fortunate to work with an outstanding administrative team and a faculty that is enthusiastic, learning, and growing. It is because of their efforts that the children at our school are on the road to success."