Pascack Valley Social Studies teacher Marisa Mathias received the New Jersey Council Social Studies (NJCSS) “Fred Cotterell Teacher of the Year” Award for the 2023-24 school year in the high school educators category. 

This award is given every year to one NJ elementary school teacher, middle school teacher, and high school teacher who specializes in social studies. 

According to the NJCSS, the criteria for this award considers someone who is “dedicated and skilled, [demonstrates] strong ability to foster excellence, [possesses] strong content area expertise, [incorporates] innovative instructional materials, and [demonstrates] professional involvement in social studies educational activities.”

Mathias explained her teaching philosophy and how it correlates to the award’s criteria. 

“I encourage students to think critically about historical events and analyze causes and consequences and how we see the connection to our present. I also emphasize diverse perspectives showing that people of all genders, races, ethnicities, religious affiliations, and classes contributed to making our country what it is today,” Mathias said, “It’s important for me to create a learning environment that is inclusive and equitable for all of my students and that students feel welcomed and happy to come to their history, religion, or film class.” 

“This award really means a lot,” Mathias said. 

Mathias has been teaching for 15 years, 10 of which have been at PV. This award is the first recognition that Mathias has received as a teacher. 

“It’s also extremely meaningful because a panel of social studies educators chose the recipient, so I feel very honored to have been chosen by a group of well-respected peers,” Mathias said. 

Teaching wasn’t always Mathias’ path. After graduating from Rutgers University, Mathias wasn’t sure if she wanted to be a teacher. 

“I didn’t have a plan of action for after graduation…I began working in a public library and it eventually led me into teaching,” Mathias said. 

Mathias then went back to Rutgers University to earn a master’s degree in education. 

After teaching at Ramapo Indian Hills High School in Oakland, NJ for five years, Mathias ended up at Pascack Valley High School (PV) and has been here ever since.   

“I was always very impressed with [PV] and decided to apply for a position and the rest is history.