Annually the NJ Department of Education invites administrators from each district to recommend educators for the Exemplary Elementary Educator Recognition Program.
Candidates should be mid-career professionals and display exceptional educational talent as evidenced by effective instructional practices and student learning results in the classroom. The nominee must be rated Effective or Highly Effective on his or her most recent summary evaluation.
The candidate must have a history of exemplary educational accomplishments beyond the classroom that provide models of excellence for the profession and contributions to education that are largely unheralded yet worthy of the spotlight.
The candidate must be an engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues and the community, and possess long-range potential for professional and policy leadership.
Mrs. Leslie Bedford was a natural choice for this award, and Kenilworth Administrators were proud to nominate her for this award. The Kenilworth Educational Community is even prouder to announce that Mrs. Bedford has been named a 2016 Exemplary Elementary Educator.
Mrs. Bedford has been a successful and dedicated first grade teacher at Harding School since 1998. In addition to her teaching certification, she also has a Reading Specialist certificate and a NJ Teacher of Disabilities certificate, earning both Masters’ Degrees at Rutgers University. Over the years she has shown a passion for teaching as well as a great dedication to our District on a whole.
Her accomplishments include the following: Curriculum Writing, Coordinator for Accreditation for Growth, Creator of Harding School Beautification Committee, Author of Professional Development Plan for Harding, Founder and member of I&RS Committee, New Teacher Orientation Committee, PLC Coordinator, Cultural Arts Committee Chair, and Creator of the Harding Hall of Fame.
Mrs. Bedford was named Harding Teacher of the Year in 2008 and 2016. In addition, she received the Lysol/ NSTA Science and Your Health Challenge Award in 2003. Mrs. Bedford also received an Appreciation Award from the District for her role in the AFG process.
(above l-r) Mrs. Kathleen Murphy, Principal; Mrs. Leslie Bedford; Dr. Tramaglini, Superintendent
