Dr. Lynn Romeo, dean of the School of Education at Monmouth University, presented Dr. William George, superintendent of schools at Middletown Township, with the university’s first John Dewey Award on August 19.<\/p>\n
The honor is named for the influential 20th century educator and reformer, John Dewey (1859-1952) and is given to celebrate the commitment and excellence of preschool-through-high school (P-12) educational professionals. George graduated from Monmouth University in 1997 with a master’s degree in Teaching and received a doctorate in education from Seton Hall in 2000.<\/p>\n
Romeo, who has been working with school districts for 10 years to forge active partnerships with schools in Monmouth, Ocean, and Middlesex counties said, “Dr. George is an outstanding educator who embraced the concept of partnerships to improve P-12 education and leadership in the state and region.”<\/p>\n
Romeo credits George for working with faculty members to develop curriculum, implement Monmouth University’s three-year novice teacher mentoring program, and establish the Middle Road Professional Development School (PDS) in Hazlet.<\/p>\n
In addition to presenting research at the National Association for Professional Development Schools National Conference, George has been a guest speaker at Monmouth University student teaching orientation programs and has provided professional development and advice to student teachers about effective interviewing strategies.<\/p>\n
“He has been instrumental in mentoring and placing successful teacher candidates from Monmouth in Hazlet and Middletown schools,” Romeo said. She also credits George, a charter member of the Monmouth University School of Education Central Jersey Consortium for Excellence and Equity, as an inspiration for Monmouth University’s Superintendents’ Academy.<\/p>\n