Saint John the Apostle School educator named Archdiocese of Newark 2023 Teacher of the Year
The Archdiocese of Newark Office of Schools has recognized Susan Jotz as 2023 Teacher of the Year. Since 2011, Jotz has been a fixture at Saint John the Apostle School in Clark, where she teaches 4th– and 5th-grade mathematics, language arts, science, and religion.
“Being a Catholic educator is a fundamental part of my identity, and I strive to deliver superior student instruction while providing a supportive learning environment,” Jotz said.
Jotz got her start teaching in early childhood and primary grades. She said she was inspired to become a teacher after being invited to participate in the school advisory board at her son’s preschool, Helen Baldwin Nursery School in Cranford. Jotz said she found the experience rewarding and decided she wanted to pursue a career in the classroom.
Both in and outside of the classroom, Jotz is dedicated to the success of her students and fellow staff. At Saint John the Apostle School, she is the NWEA MAP Growth Coordinator ensuring the school is prepared for standardized testing. She is also a lead teacher and the Middle States Coordinator at the school. An active member of both the school and parish community, she serves as a Eucharistic Minister at Saint John the Apostle Parish.
Her Catholic identity has been pivotal in shaping her into the teacher she is today, she said. “One of the most impactful ways my faith has shaped my teaching has been helping children on their journey to sainthood,” Jotz said. “It doesn’t mean they have to be perfect but learn to embrace their imperfections and to navigate the world around them.”
Jotz noted that one of the primary goals of Catholic education is to teach children to live like saints in their daily lives, striving to become responsible and caring members of society. She does this by structuring her lessons around Catholic social teachings and incorporating teachable moments when she can.
“As a practicing Catholic, I seek to incorporate Jesus into my daily life and instruction,” Jotz said, hoping to help students see the world through a Catholic lens.
Jotz has shown a dedication to the craft of teaching through the pursuit of continued education and professional development. In 2014, she earned an M.A. in Education Instruction and Curriculum from Kean University. She also participated in the first cohort of the Archdiocesan Future Leaders School Leadership Program during the 2021-2022 school year. The program involves a year-long commitment to attend eight different professional development sessions on topics ranging from leadership, Catholic identity, school law, government, curriculum, partnering with parents, and school budgets.
Jotz cited the support of fellow staff and school leadership as a key factor in her ability to grow as an educator over the years. She said that she is fortunate to work in an environment where she is encouraged in seeking professional development and leadership opportunities.
“Over the years I have gained experience and confidence in the classroom, and one of the things I am most fortunate for is being able to work with my fellow staff and principal,” Jotz said. “One teacher’s success is the school’s success and the student’s success.”
Jotz was nominated for the Archdiocese Teacher of the Year Award by school principal Dr. Deborah Egan, who described Jotz as “an excellent teacher and a wonderful colleague.” According to Egan, she is “well respected by her students, peers, and parents” and is often considered the “go-to person” by fellow staff members who need questions answered.
In May of each year, chief school administrators, peers, and teachers can nominate teachers for Archdiocese Teacher of the Year. According to the Office of Schools, among other criteria, a candidate must “be an exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled teacher” who is respected and admired by students, parents, and colleagues, and possesses the ability “to inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn.”
The Office of Schools selects the Teacher of the Year after reviewing all nominations. Mary McElory, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Schools in Bergen and Essex Counties, stated that “the title is significant because that individual teacher is recognized as exemplary among their peers.”
The Archdiocese Teacher of the Year also serves as the archdiocesan nominee for the New Jersey Council for American Private Education (NJCAPE) 2023 Nonpublic School Teacher of the Year, for which the Archdiocese of Newark has had several past winners.
The Nonpublic School Teacher of the Year Nomination process is open to all nonpublic schools in New Jersey. If Jotz is selected as a finalist for this year’s NJCAPE awards, she will go through a round of interviews with an independent review panel of judges. The winner of the NJCAPE Nonpublic School Teacher of the Year will be announced in September.
