Robert Fenster, a Social Studies teacher of 33 years here at Hillsborough high school, was awarded the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of New Jersey’s Award for Excellence in Education on September 8 at a faculty meeting. The organization dates back to the founding of the country and studies the American Revolution, yet this is the first time the award has been given. “It’s gratifying to be recognized for one’s work” Fenster said.
Hillsborough high school’s principal, Jeffery DiLollo, made a statement about Mr. Fenster’s recent achievement. “The best teachers in my experience are the ones who recognize that teaching is an extension and a continuation of their own learning. And Mr. Fenster is about the greatest example I’ve ever seen of somebody who is 10, 20, 30, years into education, and is still, every year, interested in honing his craft, getting better at it, and learning more information about the history topics he teaches. Congratulations to Mr. Fenster,” DiLollo said.
Fenster was awarded for his work concerning the American Revolution. Specifically, he had developed several lesson plans that focused on the role of black soldiers, Native Americans and enslaved people during that period. This information was mainly taught in the form of lectures, Fenster explained. “My lesson plan designs are very strong, well thought out connected to both content and skills and I have a strong intuitive sense of how to frame things in the classroom so that students learn.”
“There are a lot of good teachers who are doing excellent work who don’t get recognized, but anytime that we can celebrate educators I think it’s a positive thing. I appreciate the recognition. It’s nice to get some affirmation every once in a while for what you do,” Fenster said.