Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) has a new Educator of the Year.

Social Studies teacher, advisor, and mentor, Stephanie Pennetti, was awarded the title while teaching a class on Nov. 13.

RFH Principal Kevin Pfister, English and Social Studies Supervisor Sarah Fitzgerald, Vice Principal Stephen Sarles, World Language teacher, and last year’s recipient of the honor, Christina Gauss, along with other school administrators, bestowed the honor.

The Educator of the Year is selected annually by a small group of anonymous administrators, teachers, students, and parents who consider nominations from any members of the RFH school community. 

“There is no one more deserving of this honor than Ms. Stephanie Pennetti, who has distinguished herself as an exemplary educator both in and out of the classroom …

“Pennetti works tirelessly in constant collaboration with her colleagues and supervisor, Sarah Fitzgerald, to elevate the quality of Social Studies instruction, awareness of current issues and trends and to build a meaningful and self-sustaining economics program.”

Prepared statement from RFH

Currently in her seventh year of teaching at RFH, Pennetti is a graduate of the University of Delaware with a degree in Political Science Education and Public Policy. While she has taught Global Cultures and Civilizations, United States History I and AP United States History, Pennetti currently crafts economic lessons for learners of all levels and abilities in Introduction to Economics, AP Macroeconomics and AP Microeconomics “that convey the relevance, importance and applicable nature of theories, policies and trends to our own society and the world,” the release said. 

Pennetti’s  students have described her as a teacher who strives to make learning fun, truly cares about them and is always available for help and to support her students both academically and with more personal issues. 

Students who nominated Pennetti for the honor said that she has an infectious, positive energy and is an inspiring leader in the classroom.

Pennetti is also known for setting high expectations for her students while keeping class goal achievable.

“Ms. Pennetti has been an integral member of the Social Studies Department and school since she began her teaching career here at RFH,” Fitzgerald said. “She gives of her time and knowledge selflessly to students and colleagues, is always receptive to new ideas and exudes confidence and expertise in the classroom well beyond her years.  The entire school community is lucky to have such a dedicated educator exemplifying the values of RFH day in and day out.”

Pennetti is also an advisor to students and a mentor to her colleagues within and outside of the Social Studies department.

“Under her leadership of the Student Government Association and as a class advisor to the recently graduated Class of 2020, student leaders have expanded their voice in the school community, have raised money for many notable causes, have proposed and implemented changes to the operations of the school day, and have organized events to build school spirit and bring students together for fun,” Fitzgerald added. 

Pennetti also serves as a Girls Lacrosse coach and the advisor to the Mock Trial Team, and the Euro. and Fed. Challenge Teams, all of which have won state, regional and/or national accolades in their respective competitions over the last few years.  

As a mentor to her colleagues both in the Social Studies department and in other disciplines, Pennetti shares her knowledge of technology, educational strategies and theory at professional development workshops. She participates in interdisciplinary activities and on school leadership committees, as a Nearpod and Common Sense certified educator. She is also a member of many professional organizations, such as NextGen Personal Finance and the NJ Council for Economics Education.

Stephanie Pennetti poses with Principal Kevin Pfister and former Teacher of the Year, Christina Gauss in her classroom when the honor was announced and outside of RFH in front of a sign announcing her as the 2021 Educator of the Year.

— Edited press release from RFH

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