Warren Point School Teacher of the Year: Kathy Lisi-Neumann

With the first day of school less than two weeks away, Patch will be introducing readers to some of Fair Lawn School District's reigning "Teachers of the Year," as well as district educators who are moving into new roles in the district or who are simply new to the district.

Each has been kind enough to answer a few questions we've posed to them about their teaching philosophy and what has informed their approach over the years.

Kathy Lisi-Neumann is a fifth-grade teacher at and its 2011-2012 Teacher of the Year. She was born and raised in Maywood, where she lives with her husband, Gary, a general contractor who owns One-Seventeen Builders and serves as Maywood's assistant fire chief.

Kathy and Gary have four children -- Anthony (age 21), Christopher (19), Mary Kate (16) and Kerri (11) -- and a 6-year-old Westie named Jack.

Kathy received her undergraduate degree from William Paterson College and her Master's in Education from Montclair State University in 2008. In 2010, she completed 30 credits in literacy studies from Marygrove College in Detroit.

Kathy has taught in the Fair Lawn School District since 1998.

Did you always want to be a teacher? What is it about the job that attracted you to the profession?

I am the oldest of four children: I have three brothers, as well as being the oldest of 17 grandchildren, so I had lots of practice being a teacher even before I decided to formally study it in college. I didn’t know what I wanted to do professionally while I was growing up… I just knew that I wanted to be a mother.

I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to study early childhood development and education while in high school. The class offered hands-on nursery school experience as well as lecture-style learning. Spending time in this setting solidified my teaching ambition and set my course for college. I enjoyed young children, but I knew that I wanted to teach reading, so I set my sights on the early elementary grades.

What's your favorite part of being a teacher?

My absolute favorite part of teaching is making a difference in the life of a child. I am referring to something as simple as making a bad day better or mastering a task that is difficult. Sharing a year of our lives together is privilege that I do not take lightly; I truly try to make every day count.

How would you describe your approach to teaching and how has it evolved over the years?

I like to take the role of facilitator or partner instead of educational director.

While teaching, I provide the necessary background information for students to delve deeper into their studies and take control of their learning.

I love to learn with the students and share what we learn with others. I believe that challenging students and igniting a love of learning in the formative elementary years provides the necessary foundation for the many years of schooling that lie ahead.

I was once a teacher-centered educator, but quickly learned that the students needed to be more actively engaged to have an optimal and enriched learning experience.

What's the most valuable advice you've received as it relates to teaching? 

“Be a role model for your students.”

If you want your students to love reading; you must demonstrate your love of reading. Also, don’t be afraid to show your students that you don’t know everything… it is good for them to realize that you are never too old to learn!

What's the most valuable lesson you have learned from teaching?

A person is never too young to be a teacher. I have learned some of my most poignant life-lessons from the students I have had the privilege to learn with.

What's new with you going into this school year?

In September, I will be starting my second year as a fifth-grade teacher.  I am excited to be teaching some of my former second grade students as well as meeting the rest of my class. This year I hope to encourage more parents to be actively involved in our classroom endeavors. There will be lots of new opportunities for parents to “coach” the students during the school day.

What would people be most surprised to know about you?

I think people would be surprised to know that I am hoping to become an author. I have many book ideas, and really enjoy the writing process.

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