Watchung Staff Honored as Teachers of the Year

Two Watchung Hills teachers were honored for service Thursday as the board of education recognized them as teachers of the year.

Grade one and two combination teacher Jennifer Marquis-Dursee and sixth and seventh grade language arts teacher Susan Walsh were chosen as teachers of the year.

Bayberry and Valley View principal Mary Nunn said she has known Marquis-Dursee for many years as the Bayberry teacher was also a graduate of Watchung schools.

"I am thrilled that the board and community members all helped select Jen as this year's recipient," she said. "She is the kind of teacher we are all looking for in Watchung."

Nunn said Marquis-Dursee has had a different kind of year this year because she has been teaching a combination class of first and second grade. This is the second year in a row they have had these combination classes.

"She has had a particularly interesting year this year with the continuation of the multi-age class," Nunn said.

But Nunn said she is glad that Marquis-Dursee has come to their school.

"It is with pride that I see how far she has come," Nunn said.

Nunn said she had the opportunity to get to know Walsh last summer when they were working on a language arts curriculum.

"I was thrilled when she was nominated and chosen," Nunn said. "She is getting students ready for all the skills they need to be successful in language arts."

Nunn said Walsh is involved in many committees in the school, and helps in any way she can.

"You can count on Susan for everything," she said. "This is very well-deserved."

Both teachers received gold apple statues for their accomplishments.