Hardin named Vernon Teacher of the Year=

VERNON — Patricia Hardin has been named the Vernon Township School District's Teacher of the Year for 2014.

Hardin is a physical education teacher at Vernon Township HIgh School and a 32-year veteran of the district.

As part of its participation in the state of New Jersey’s Teacher of the Year program, Hardin was nominated by her principal and was selected among top picks from each of the district’s five other schools. A committee made up of administration, teachers, community members and past winners of the same honor helped select Hardin as this year’s award recipient.

Hardin is known as a passionate, enthusiastic, and innovative educator who continuously strives to set rigorous standards for her students.

Vernon Township High School’s principal, Tim Dunnigan, couldn’t be prouder.

“Pat’s caring attitude and superior knowledge make her effective with students of all abilities," he said. "She strives to be her best every day.”

One of her greatest accomplishments is her institution of the Teen Prevention Education Program. This school-based prevention program is designed to increase knowledge, skills, and behaviors that help promote sexual health among adolescents.

Dunnigan touts that “Mrs. Hardin teaches students life lessons. They take away knowledge that can be used in crucial decision making long after they have left high school and college.”