Lorrie Sandhage teaches physical education, health, and driver’s education at Pascack Hills. She started teaching there 19 years ago and was recognized as this year’s Teacher of the Year.

“I am so grateful to be considered for such an honorable award. [It’s] such a great feeling to be thought of in that way,” she said.

Prior to college, Sandhage knew that she wanted to be a teacher; however, she didn’t know what area of study she wanted to teach in. During college, she realized that she wanted to teach in a high school. 

“The summer before college, my high school volleyball coach asked if I wanted to be her assistant for a club team. She also happened to be a physical education teacher, and became a role model,” she said. 

While in college, this experience reinforced this idea. 

Outside of the gymnasium, Sandhage teaches sophomores every year in driver’s education. She mentioned that preparing them for their written exams and seeing them pass is a gratifying feeling for her. 

“Watching my students pass the New Jersey State Driver’s Education Exam is something I look forward to every year. Witnessing the excitement and happiness that goes along with passing is such a joy,” she said. 

Hills junior Joe McNeice talked about how Sandhage helped with his driver’s education exam. He said that the Kahoots she made and practice quizzes that she posted on her Canvas page are “how [he] passed the driver’s education test.” 

Sandhage elaborated more on the variety in her day to day of teaching.

“My day is split between being in the gym and [the] health room. It changes constantly. Some days I am outside, others days in the gym or classroom,” she said. 

Some of Sandhage’s other students shared their experiences having her as a teacher. 

“She’s just an amazing teacher; she’s so supportive and the sweetest person. She’s definitely made me feel comfortable in her class,” said Hills junior Cecelia Hadges. 

Sophomore Miranda Maglio added, “She has been a wonderful physical education teacher since my freshman year and has taught me a lot of great things.” 

McNeice also talked about his experience having her as a physical education teacher. 

“She helps me with anything I need and helps me with any [injuries],” he said.  

Sandhage ended with advice for those that are considering being a teacher.

“Teaching can be a very rewarding experience as well as a challenging one. If you have the heart and passion for teaching, do it. There is nothing better than seeing other people succeed because you were able to provide them with opportunities to do so,” she said.

Marissa Watters is a Learning Disabilities Teaching Consultant (LDTC) at Pascack Hills. This year, she was recognized as the school’s Educational Services Professional of the Year. 

Two words that Watters used to describe how she felt when she found out that she was awarded with his honor are “surprised” and “proud.” 

“I had no idea that it was coming…Mrs. Punim called my husband; I live locally, so he made it here, too. Mr. Wieland walked in [to my office] and called for one of my coworkers…as soon as I saw my husband walk in, I realized what was happening,” she said. 

Watters has been working in the district for seven years. Prior to working at Hills, she worked for another district for eight years. She also taught as a special education teacher in a middle school for four years. 

“When I made the transition here, I knew that I found another home,” she said, “It’s an honor to work here and work with the students that are here.” 

Watters knew since she was young that she wanted to be a teacher, so deciding to pursue a career in education was a decision made years ago.

“I babysat, I taught swim lessons, [and] I was a lifeguard. I’ve always loved children, being around students, and helping people,” she said. 

Her schedule at Hills differs day to day. Watters works with both students and teachers in her position and specifically finds working hands-on to be “rewarding.” Sometimes, she works in classroom settings, but she often helps students in her office on assignments, organization, or allowing them to take a test there so they have a quiet space. 

“I can help students to figure out what their strengths and weaknesses are and how they learn best, and then I can help teachers troubleshoot if they have difficulty reaching their students,” she said. 

The students that Watters work with know her for all four years of high school. She said that this is her most notable experience of working in this position at Hills.

“Being able to stay in close contact with them throughout all four years and seeing the growth, maturity, and progress that they make is something that is really special,” she said.  

Eva Merk, the district’s Director of Special Services, spoke about the work Watters has done at Hills. 

“[Watters] works tirelessly to assist her students and their families…[she] collaborates extensively and effectively with students, building administration & staff, and community resources to ensure student success,” she said. 

The Educational Services Professional of the Year ended with advice for those looking to pursue a career in education.

“You have to keep an open mind because you can’t anticipate what’s going to happen. There are always a lot of surprises that come up…if you get experience…I think that will help you to pull from your toolbox as you go into this position,” she said.