Long Island Educator Named New York Teacher Of The Year

OCEANSIDE, NY — A high school teacher from Oceanside has been named the 2021 New York State Teacher of the Year by the state's Board of Regents.

Jennifer Wolfe, a social studies teacher at Oceanside High School, was awarded the honor on Monday. Wolfe, was was named the New York State Social Studies Teacher of the Year in the past, was presented with the Thomos Sobol Award and the David Johnson Award, which were created as gifts for the Teacher of the Year.

“Ms. Wolf is a passionate, engaging, and incredibly talented teacher who is committed to the social, emotional, and academic growth of her students," said Oceanside High School Principal Dr. Brendon Mitchell. "Her dedication to the craft of teaching extends beyond the walls of the classroom as she is a powerful voice on teacher leadership as well as gifted scholar on educational research and development. Ms. Wolfe's outstanding contributions to Oceanside High School and all of New York State continue to have a powerful effect for students, teachers, and administrators alike."

In addition to being named both Social Studies Teacher of the Year and Teacher of the Year, Wolfe has earned three Fulbright Scholarships, including the Fulbright Teacher Exchange at Teesside Preparatory in the United Kingdom and an honorary doctorate from Union College. She currently teaches 9th grade Pre-Advanced Placement World History and Advanced Placement Human Geography. She is also the director of the Long Island National Board Network, providing leadership and support to teachers working toward the profession’s highest certification.

“Jen is an extraordinary educator who demonstrates a boundless amount of passion for the work of 'teaching and learning' each and every day,” Dr. Phyllis S. Harrington, Oceanside School District superintendent, said. “She is a true mentor and a gifted ‘teacher of teachers.’ She helps remind us all that teaching is the greatest profession in the world. I can think of no one more deserving of this incredible honor.”

Wolfe co-created the Long Island Teacher Leadership Powered by "Teach to Lead" Conference, bringing together educators to work with national, state and local leaders on special projects for their districts. From 2015 to 2018, she worked as Oceanside’s Improvement Lead on the $95,000 Network to Transform Teaching Grant, awarded to her district from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. One of the grant projects was the subject of an article she co-wrote for Learning Forward titled "Bridging Silos: Novices Partner with Veteran Teachers on the Path to Board Certification" published in August 2016.

“Jennifer Wolfe answered the call to teaching after working as a substitute and in the two decades since, has worked tirelessly to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with her students, fellow educators, families and community,” said Board of Regents Vice Chancellor T. Andrew Brown. “This honor speaks to her professional dedication to education, and the admiration that she has earned in the school community. Ms. Wolfe will be an excellent ambassador for New York’s educators.”

In the coming year, Wolfe will serve as an ambassador for teachers throughout the state and will be the New York State nominee for the National Teacher of the Year.