Newark Teacher Of Year Has ‘Passion, Patience’ For Deaf Students

NEWARK, NJ — An inspirational educator at the Bruce Street School for the Deaf has earned a well-deserved nod as the Newark Public School District’s 2021 “teacher of the year.”

DeJanee Martinez eagerly accepted her award during a surprise visit to the school last week, which was attended by her daughter, Superintendent Roger León and members of the Newark Board of Education.

“To know that I am being recognized as Teacher of the Year is a dream come true because I’m doing what I love for my students,” Martinez said.

“I’ve been recognized before as Teacher of the Month, but never Teacher of the Year — and to have Superintendent León honor me, I am beyond speechless,” Martinez added.

Here’s why Martinez earned the award, according to district officials:

“As a teacher of the deaf, Ms. Martinez has dedicated her life to the growth and development of her school community and surrounding neighborhoods. For nearly two decades, she’s worked for Newark Public Schools proving herself as a humble, positive and dedicated professional in which any parent would be proud to have teach their child. Using research and data-driven practices, Ms. Martinez has continuously demonstrated interest in improving her students learning and she does so with consideration for the entire school community at Bruce Street School for the Deaf. It is due to the amount of passion, patience, creativity and pure dedication that Ms. Martinez is deserving of the recognition as the 2020-2021 Teacher of The Year.”

Bruce Street School for the Deaf, located at 333 Clinton Place, is one of the oldest day programs in the country. It serves deaf and hard-of-hearing students ages 3 to 15, who attend from throughout the city, as well as from neighboring towns and counties.

“Teachers such as Ms. Martinez are truly special as they pour into every student the dedication and love necessary to help them see how gifted they all are by helping them accomplish all of their goals,” León said.

Deputy Superintendent Nicole Johnson agreed.

“Sixteen years ago when I left the classroom at Bruce Street School to take on a central office role, I knew then that the students would be in good hands with then student-teacher DeJanee Martinez,” Johnson recalled. “I couldn’t be prouder of her – this honor is so well-deserved.”

• See related article: NJ Woman Opens Groundbreaking Café For Deaf Community In Newark

The day after revealing its overall “Teacher of the Year,” the district announced individual winners of the award at each of its schools (watch the video below).

“This past school year proved itself a challenge to teachers everywhere and we would be remiss to not acknowledge their efforts,” León said. “This is a token of our appreciation for all that they do for the children of the City of Newark.”

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