NJEA’s officers praised her selection for the prestigious role.

“We are so proud of Christine Girtain,” said NJEA President Sean M. Spiller. “As we examine the world around us, as we seek answers to our questions about climate control, for example, Christine is the very teacher that we need at this time. She is teaching her students critical thinking skills, how to draw conclusions based on the facts, and how to explore and examine the world around them with an eye to seeing how things work. She is truly a dedicated professional, always willing to think outside the box in an effort to provide her students the best educational experience in her classroom.”

“Teaching has always been a noble profession and it is important we have people of strong character, steeped in the principals of truth and knowledge, as representative of what we do best in New Jersey,” stated Steve Beatty, NJEA vice-president. “On every benchmark, New Jersey’s schools are number one in the nation, and teachers like Christine are the perfect example as to why we have that distinction. Her passion for finding out the answers and the facts, for asking the questions, and doing the research is what inspires her students to do the same and thrive in an environment where questioning what we see in the world is honored and expected.”

“Christine, and teachers like her, are building a brighter future for students and public schools,” said NJEA Secretary-Treasurer Petal Robertson. “Christine’s expertise and voice serves as a guiding path to show how educators can create synergistic relationships between their students and community organizations, so that both the students and their communities achieve their goals. Christine’s desire to see her students succeed, not just in the classroom but with real world skills, will continue to make a difference. Congratulations, Christine, we are humbled by your dedication to your craft.”

Learn more about Christine and the impressive work that resulted in her winning this honor.

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