Monday, Dec 21, 2015
Cheryl Pieroni '17 nominated for her leadership and dedication
Cheryl Pieroni '17 was awarded the 2015 exemplary Secondary Educator Award by the New Jersey State Department of Education. She was nominated last spring for the award by her principal, Dr. Mark Morrell, who chose her because of her exemplary extracurricular involvement and leadership. Pieroni was also awarded staff member of the month by the staff at the high school where she teaches and the young science achievers award for mentoring student research
What program are you in at Rider?
I am working on my graduate certificate program in STEM education through the School of Education.
Where do you teach and what subjects do you cover?
I teach physics, chemistry, biology, earth science and forensics at Bridgewater-Raritan Regional High School. I also work as the science coordinator to bring science clubs, fairs and awards to students interested in science. I have helped advise the STEM Club, Research Club, Chemistry Olympiad, Engineering Olympics team and Science Bowl clubs.
Where are you from originally and what brought you to this program at Rider?
I have an undergraduate degree in biology from Rutgers University, a master's degree in biology from Montclair University and a master's degree in educational leadership from The College of New Jersey. I enrolled at Rider University because I am a true believer in the New Jersey education system.
In addition, as a full-time teacher, Rider is the only university to offer an online degree program for educators who would like to teach STEM in grades K through 8.
We need to start engaging students in science earlier, so they want to enter the field later in life. I commend Rider for offering a stellar STEM certification program.
What do you find most gratifying about teaching?
I teach physics, a subject students have a preconceived belief that it is too difficult. Helping them learn physics and realize they are intelligent and can accomplish their goals while also enjoying science makes all of the hard work worth it.