In a celebratory announcement at last week's Convocation ceremony, the prestigious Camden County Schools District Teacher of the Year award was bestowed upon Dr. Jennifer Ritchotte, a dedicated and inspiring educator at Camden Middle School. Dr. Ritchotte, who teaches 6th grade English Language Arts, has served in education for nearly two decades and is renowned for her innovative teaching methods and unwavering commitment to her students' success.
The award recognizes Dr. Ritchotte’s exceptional ability to engage students in learning and her creative approach to education. Known for integrating technology with traditional teaching, she has developed unique projects that foster critical thinking and creativity. Collaborating with her administration, Dr. Ritchotte inspired a culture of writers and artists at Camden Middle School who went on to publish Constellations Literary & Arts Magazine. Her classroom is a dynamic environment where students feel encouraged to explore their ideas and express themselves confidently.
Colleagues and students alike praise her for her kindness, patience, and ability to make each student feel valued. During her acceptance speech, Dr. Ritchotte discussed the ever evolving landscape of education, and while she acknowledged that education has it’s challenges, she encouraged her fellow educators by reminding them that “there will always be students sitting in desks who need a caring teacher, a teacher who is present (physically, emotionally, spiritually) and who endeavors to inspire their love of learning every day. The students we teach are the constant.”
Principal Dr. Christy Roberts expressed her admiration for Dr. Ritchotte stating, "Jennifer’s dedication to her craft and her students is truly exemplary. She goes above and beyond to ensure that each student not only understands the material but also feels inspired to learn more. This recognition is well-deserved, and we are incredibly proud to have her as part of our team."
Dr. Ritchotte, along with the other Camden County Schools Employees of the Year, will have the opportunity to celebrate their achievements with their families and school administrations at a recognition ceremony in October.