Beloved CHS biology teacher Jennifer Alvarado was recently recognized for her exceptional teaching. On July 5th, Alvarado, who teaches biology, sports medicine, and forensics, received the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award for New Jersey gifted by the National Association of Biology Teachers. According to Alvarado, her teaching was nominated anonymously.
“I don’t know honestly. Somebody nominated me. I don’t know who it was,” Alvarado said. “Mr. Palmer did not tell me who it was, and I got the email that I was nominated for it so I don’t know what I did. I guess somebody thought ‘Hey she’s a good teacher, let me nominate her,”
After being nominated, Alvarado describes the process she had to complete to be considered for the award.
“I was asked to submit a resume, an essay, some recommendations, and a sample of me teaching,” Alvarado said.
Having taught at CHS longer than any other current teacher, Alvarado has been a Pirate for 31 years.
“I’ve been in the same district for 31 years and my greatest accomplishment is the success of all my students,” Alvarado said.
Alvarado said she became a teacher because she wanted to help kids. A graduate of the University of Delaware and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Alvarado wants to make an impact on students’ lives.
“Having them reach out, and saying ‘Hey, I’m a nurse from your class or I’m a police officer because of your forensics class.’ That’s my greatest accomplishment. It’s not just an award, it’s just a culmination of everything,” Alvarado said.
Alvarado credits her parents for inspiring her and encouraging her to pursue her goals.
“My biggest inspiration I guess would be my parents because they always told me to try my best and just go for whatever you want,” Alvarado said.
One of her new goals is to get the new sports medicine program off the ground. With help from her department and lots of time and hard work, Alvarado said it’s been a slow but steady process.
“I do have a big support system in the science department, especially Mr. Perekupka who has been helping me get stuff going with the sports medicine program. It was hard getting the sports medicine program off the ground; it’s a slow process but we are getting there,” Alvarado said.
Alvarado stresses the importance of persistence and wants to influence students by showing them that hard work pays off. After all, this mindset is what helped her win this prestigious award.
“Don’t give up. I mean it took me 30 years to get it. I have a golden apple, I have the teacher of the year, and little things along the way, but I guess you do not need an award to be a good teacher, Alvarado said. You know you’re doing a good job if you know your students are receptive, they support you, they appreciate what you’re doing… but getting the award shows others that, hey it is possible, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that I could get something like this.”
