Close Close

Monmouth University-William Roberts Charitable Foundation Outstanding Teaching Award

Monmouth University honored three outstanding New Jersey secondary school teachers at a dinner on May 15, hosted by President Paul R. Brown. The 2014 Monmouth University-William Roberts Charitable Foundation Outstanding Teaching Award recipients were Steve Kane, Ph.D., Bridgewater-Raritan Regional High School; David Martin, Hanover Park High School; and Douglas Trumble ’03M, Toms River High School East.

The Monmouth University-Roberts Charitable Foundation Award was instituted in 2006 by Life Trustee William Roberts to recognize outstanding secondary school teachers who have made an important contribution to the education of current Monmouth University students. Each teacher was nominated by a Monmouth University senior student for his outstanding teaching proficiencies and dedication to education. The selection committee included the Dean of the School of Education Lynn Romeo and Monmouth University professors and students. The teachers received an award of $1,500 and were recognized at Monmouth University’s commencement on May 21, 2014.

Steve Kane, Ph.D., has been a mathematics teacher at Bridgewater-Raritan Regional High School since 2008. He brings over 15 years of experience as a scientist and engineer to the classroom. He created an inclusive after-school math and physics clinic serving five to 25 students per day. In addition, he is an advisor to student organizations and clubs including Amnesty International, Helping Hands and the Economics Club. Before launching his career as a teacher, he worked as an applications engineer, optical engineer and research assistant. Kane explained that “my goal as a teacher is to motivate my students to have a real excitement for learning more, and my 15-years of experience as a scientist and engineer is one of my strongest tools for accomplishing this goal in the classroom.” He earned a bachelor’s degree in physics from Haverford College and a master’s and doctorate degree from the University of Michigan. He was nominated by his former student, Elisha Hendelson ’14, who received a bachelor’s degree in English from Monmouth University in May. Hendelson, who is pursuing a career in teaching, stated: “Dr. Kane was the best teacher I’ve ever had and makes me want to inspire students the way he inspired me.”

David Martin, a veteran music educator and conductor, served for nearly 30 years as associate director of bands and brass specialist at Hanover Park High School. He presently serves as adjunct professor of music education at Rutgers University. During his tenure at Hanover Park High School, all facets of the program – concert band, jazz ensemble and marching band – consistently earned Gold and Superior ratings in state and national festivals. With a deep passion for connecting students with professionals, Martin has hosted numerous master classes and guest artist appearances with world-class professional musicians, including members of the Canadian Brass and the New York Philharmonic. Martin explained his goal as a teacher is “to be a positive example to my students, to change their lives, to inspire them to break down their self-imposed barriers and fears and reach beyond what they thought they could do.” He earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Rutgers University, a master’s from Northwestern University School of Music, and is pursuing a Ph.D. at the Eastman School of Music. He was nominated by his former student, Stephanie Silva ’14, who received a bachelor’s degree in health studies from Monmouth University in May. Silva stated: “Mr. Martin always pushed his students to succeed and helped them strive to be the greatest that they can be.”

Monmouth University alumnus Doug Trumble ’03M has been an English teacher and coach of multiple sports at Toms River High School East since 2003. He is known for making literature come alive for students and innovative teaching methods such as dressing and acting out the part of Lennie Small from “Of Mice and Men” in his class. In 2012, he received the Spirit of the Raider award from the graduating senior class for his dedication to the school. Trumble explained that he is “an advocate of instilling life experience and a time of reflection into the lesson plan so students can relate their everyday lives to the literature or fine art being studied.” He earned a bachelor’s degree from Old Dominion University and a master’s degree in teaching from Monmouth University. He was nominated by his former student, Kristen Harz ’14, who received a bachelor’s degree in business administration in May. Harz stated: “Mr. Trumble’s dedication to his job and his students truly makes him stand out from others in the teaching profession.”

For more information, contact Monmouth University’s School of Education at 732-571-7518.