Springfielder Named Outstanding Teacher of the Year

Springfield resident Pamela Friedman was recognized Tuesday evening by the Optimist Club of Westfield and the Westfield Board of Education as one of Westfield's Outstanding Intermediate School Teachers of the year.

Friedman, who is in her ninth year as a technology teacher at Roosevelt Intermediate School in Westfield, said she knew from the time she was a child that she wanted to be an educator.

Starting as a kindergarten teacher, Friedman, who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Albright College, a Master of Science degree in Educational Technology from Walden University, and a Supervisors Certificate from Kean University, said she learned a lesson that she has carried with her throughout her career. Quoting Aristotle, Friedman said, "Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all,” when speaking of the importance of teaching "the whole child."

RIS Principal Stewart Carey shared a letter he'd received from one of Friedman's former students, a recent Duke University graduate, who credited her with providing him a great experience in which "a seed was planted" that ultimately shaped his future. The student said he will soon start a coveted position with Google. 

In addition to her work in the classroom, Friedman is the Instructional Technology Support specialist for Roosevelt, the advisor to the Digital Yearbook Club, and the coordinator of Roosevelt’s annual Black History Assembly and anti-bullying assembly. Friedman also serves on the Leadership Committee and School Safety Committee and teaches numerous Professional Development Courses on technology. She was chosen by Google, Inc. in 2007 as a Google Certified Teacher and is a contributing author to Retool Your School: The Educator’s Guide to Google’s Free Power Applications, International Society for Technology in Education, (2010), according to a press release from the Westfield school district.

Westfield Board of Education member Mitch Slater, who grew up in Springfield, said Friedman embodies everything that is right about the profession and about the future of technological learning.

"I have been fortunate to have known Pam Friedman and her family for most of my life," Slater said. "We grew up together in Springfield and more recently both of my kids were lucky enough to have Pam as their teacher at Roosevelt. 

"This honor comes as no suprise to the Slater-Dickstein household. As a Board Member I rely on Pam's expertise to help us with our Technology initiatives and I know that the next Google or Twitter entrepreneur will remember their time in Pam's classroom and her inspiration to make them think differently."

Friedman said she believes the joy she has shown for her profession is what led her two daughters to become teachers.

Friedman's daughter Allison Eberenz, who teaches in Perth Amboy, said her mother is a source of constant inspiration.

"My mom has never lost that passion for the teaching profession and the motivation to help her students," Eberenz said. "Every time I speak with her about how her school year is going, she's excited, enthusiastic and truly enjoys every day. She makes me want to try my best as a teacher. She's been a wonderful role model for me and for my sister."

In thanking both the Optimist Club and the Westfield Board of Ed, Friedman said, "To receive an award for doing something you love is tremendously rewarding."