Rider University's Emily DiPaolo of Newton Named NJ Distinguished Student Teacher of the Year

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Emily DiPaolo

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ (05/21/2010)(readMedia)-- Rider University's Emily DiPaolo '10 of Newton, N.J., was recently recognized by the state Department of Education as a 2010 New Jersey Distinguished Student Teacher award recipient. The prestigious honor recognizes the 15 most outstanding prospective teachers in the state. Last fall, DiPaolo student-taught second grade at Toll Gate Grammar School in Pennington, N.J.

"It is very humbling to be recognized with this honor," said DiPaolo, who received bachelor degrees in Elementary Education and Integrated Science and Mathematics during Rider's undergraduate Commencement ceremonies on May 14. "I didn't earn this alone; I share this with the entire education faculty. It's really a reflection of the Teacher Education program and my cooperating teacher, Jessica Amodio."

Dr. Sharon McKool, associate professor of Teacher Education at Rider, said the School of Education nominated DiPaolo based on her GPA, involvement in extracurricular activities and her performance as a student teacher. McKool met DiPaolo two years ago in her field-based literacy course. While she was not DiPaolo's student-teaching supervisor, McKool does have firsthand knowledge of her teaching abilities from the school's teachers because she supervised interns in the same building.

"She had a reputation of being a team player who was eager to learn, but who also shared her own creative ideas and best practice methods," McKool said. "When I would see Emily in the hallway, she shared her passion for teaching, respect for her students, and curiosity about instructional practice. Because Emily truly is a reflective practitioner, these hallway conversations led to many focused discussions about classroom practices."

Dr. Michael Curran Jr., professor of Teacher Education, who supervised DiPaolo during the sophomore-level program with G.J. Fisher Middle School in Ewing, N.J., echoed McKool's observations. He said that many teachers commented on her enthusiasm, dedication and professionalism. In addition, he noted that DiPaolo has a knack for developing cooperative learning activities and creating a positive classroom environment

"She was exceptional in a small, one-on-one setting," Curran added. "She adapted and tailored her lessons to students of diverse learning abilities."

Since she was a sophomore at Rider, DiPaolo has worked as a tutor in the Math Skills Lab of the University's Student Success Center. As a tutor, she not only boosted the confidence of students, but she grew as an effective educator.

"That experience has really helped me to be in tune with different learners and cater to what they know," said DiPaolo, who also privately tutors a family during the summers and is also certified to teach middle-school math and science. "Some students have either math phobia or they have had a horrible experience in a math class. To them it's a foreign language. As a tutor, I guide them and try to build confidence. Everyone's needs are different – your job is to accommodate them and help them to be the best that they can be. Everyone has potential."

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