Submitted by Rob Kinch
In recognition for his “Sustained Commitment to Pre-Service Teacher Education,” Principal Farinella was the 2016 recipient of the Richard J. Nichols, Ed. D. Award at a ceremony held Tuesday, May 24th at the university. The award which honors Dr. Nichols, a former dean of the graduate school, is given annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the College of Education at Kean University.
A lifelong resident of South Plainfield, NJ, Mr. Farinella has dedicated 22 years to the students of New Jersey’s public schools serving as teacher of mathematics, vice principal, and high school principal.
Currently principal at RHS, he is also a member of the New Jersey and New York Bar, as well as the United States District Court of New Jersey Bar.
It has been with equal dedication that Principal Farinella has striven to consistently create opportunities for teachers “that can take this profession forward with intensity, with competence, and with a caring mindset.” He ensures daily that the Kean Professional Development School program remain an integral part of Rahway High School. He affirms, “We look at individuals for who they are and for what they need.” Mr. Farinella firmly believes that schools exist, first and foremost, “to deliver a rich curriculum which is facilitated by capable and competent teachers.” He helps to guide the Kean student interns in making this a reality.
AP English teacher Bobbie Wright, Cooperating Teacher and former Kean student intern herself, offers, “Because RHS is a Professional Development School, the Cooperating Teachers have a wealth ofexpertise working with interns. This creates a professional, yet welcoming atmosphere for student teachers. I am happy that Mr. Farinella continues to support this wonderful partnership with Kean.”
Recent Kean graduate Joana Sa, who is currently serving as interim Math teacher at RHS, was eager to express her enthusiasm for her experience as Math intern at the high school. (above) Rahway High Principal Farinella, seated, was recently honored by Kean University. “The entire faculty and administration were very welcoming and offered assistance in any way I needed it. The students were wonderful to work with and Mr. Farinella made sure that they, too, were welcoming and respectful of the student interns in the building.”Mr. Farinella is honored to have been chosen to receive this year’s Richard J. Nichols, Ed.D award and looks forward “to continuing to strengthen our Professional Development School activities at Rahway High School as the PDS program bolsters this mission.”
(above) Rahway High Principal Farinella, seated, was recently honored by Kean University.
Photo by Jeff Romano
