West Morris Regional is pleased to announce that three district teachers have been selected as 2023 New Jersey Exemplary Educators. Mr. Barry Buchanan, Teacher of Special Education at West Morris Central, Mr. Daniel Coiro, Teacher of Science at West Morris Central, and Mr. Nathaniel Ward, Teacher of English at West Morris Mendham, were acknowledged for their outstanding contributions to education and commitment to excellence in teaching. This year, across New Jersey, only 123 educators received this honor.
The Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Melissa Heike, submitted nominations on behalf of building and district administration last April. Heike reflected, “Mr. Buchanan, Mr. Coiro, and Mr. Ward exemplify what it means to be an educator in West Morris. Dedicated to their craft, their students, and the larger school community, these gentlemen engage, inspire, and motivate their students and colleagues, providing a model of excellence for the teaching profession.”
Buchanan has worked at West Morris Central for twenty-one years, the last fourteen years as a teacher in the school’s special education department. Michael Reinknecht, Director of Special Education, said “Mr. Buchanan motivates students in the classroom and on the field to give 100%. Learners of all capabilities, from our Life Skills students to our IB Career Programme candidates, excel because he meets them where they are, accepts them, and gently helps them move forward in their learning.”
Corio joined the faculty at West Morris Central in 2018. Heike called Corio a “passionate” educator. “He demonstrates passion for teaching and learning, passion for chemistry and robotics, and, most importantly, passion for kids,” she said. “Dan spearheaded the effort to resurrect our robotics team. Not only was the team more successful in competition last year than we could have ever imagined, but his involvement in the program significantly increased enrollment in our robotics courses. I can’t wait to see what the team accomplishes this year.”
The 2023-2024 school year marks Ward’s 17th year at West Morris Mendham. Joseph Geddes, Supervisor of Curriculum, Instruction, and Evaluation, remarked that “Mendham High School students view taking one of Nate’s classes - be it Academic English, Public Speaking, or IB Film - as a necessary component to gaining a full high school experience. He thinks in terms of large-scale projects that include as many students and community members as possible.” Two years ago, Mr. Ward led his IB Film class in producing the “Heart of a Giant” project, an initiative that documented the achievements of the legally blind Mendham football player, Shane Sullivan.
The New Jersey Department of Education’s Exemplary Educator Recognition aims to identify exceptional educators who are valued by their school community and have exhibited strong knowledge and skills, an inspiring presence, and a clear vision for quality teaching and learning. The program, which includes a rigorous selection process, alternates between elementary (PreK - 5) and secondary (6 - 12) each year.