Galloway Teacher Captures County's Highest Honor

The best teacher in Atlantic County comes from Galloway Township.

Roland Rogers Elementary School Third Grade Teacher Terry Dougherty has been named Atlantic County Teacher of the Year, Galloway Township Superintendent of Schools Dr. Annette Giaquinto announced on Tuesday, April 9.

Dougherty has been employed in the school district for 15 years. Her title as top educator in the county comes on the heels of her recognitions as Roland Rogers and Galloway School District teacher of the year. She's also currently participating in the New Jersey Teacher Advisory Panel PILOT program at the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.

"Using exceptional instructional skills, Terry helps all her students learn and achieve in a safe, nurturing environment," Giaquinto said. "Mrs. Dougherty is a teacher-leader, serving as a mentor, moderator, and motivator, seeking to 'turn adversity into possibilities.'"

In 2012, Dougherty won the inaugural Great American Teach-Off presented by GOOD and the University of Phoenix. She won a $100,000 grant and trip to the White House for Christmas.

She won that contest based on the work she does with military children whose families are always moving. She and a group of volunteers tutor children at Stockton College over the summer.

There were about 60 students in the program last summer, and her program inspired a similar program to sprout in North Carolina. About 10,000 students are enrolled in that program, which started in May.

"Mrs. Dougherty represents excellence in education and inspires her students, colleagues, and the entire school community," Giaquinto said.