ATLANTIC COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION

Atlantic County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Daniel G. Loggi is pleased to announce the nominee of this year’s New Jersey Teacher of the Year Program, Ms. Elizabeth (Betty) J. Howell.
           
Ms. Howell teaches Health and Physical Education to grades 10 through 12. She has been teaching for 31 years, all of which she has served at Oakcrest High School in the Greater Egg Harbor Regional District. Elizabeth was selected as Atlantic County’s New Jersey Teacher of the Year nominee for school year 2006-2007 by a panel of judges consisting of various educational leaders and administrators from other school districts. 

Dr. Loggi stated, “Ms. Howell’s influential civic and community dedication is highly commendable. She has demonstrated through her 31 years of teaching at Oakcrest High School a sense of responsibility that reaches out not only to her students but beyond the classroom into all of Atlantic County as she serves this community through her many volunteer responsibilities.  Elizabeth maximizes her opportunities as an educator to the fullest extent by setting an example for her students and engaging them in community outreach as well. She makes a conscientious effort to embrace each student’s individual talents and skills to truly make a difference for one and for all students.  Ms. Elizabeth J. Howell is an exceptional teacher, leader and community representative and an impeccable candidate for State Teacher of the Year.”
 
Elizabeth has stated that her favorite law of physics is the “ripple effect;” every action produces another action and this philosophy is evident through her style of teaching. Ms. Howell is quoted, “We must instill in young minds not only an enthusiasm to learn, but also a pride in their accomplishments, a feeling of self-worth, a drive to succeed, and an understanding of individual responsibility towards community and the world.” 

Betty’s self-proclaimed obsession with student volunteer work is remarkable. According to her research, students who volunteer even one hour a week are fifty percent less likely to abuse drugs, alcohol or cigarettes and engage in other destructive behaviors. Ms. Howell demonstrates the kind of dedication to our youth that continues to impact our community even after the high school years are but mere memories.