CREST HAVEN – “Mrs. (Mary Elizabeth) Libro believes in the statement ‘To teach is to touch a life forever,’” Dr. Richard Stepura, interim executive county superintendent of schools, told freeholders Oct. 11 about 2016-2017 Cape May County Teacher of the Year.
Stepura described Libro as a dynamic, compassionate and talented educator who always puts her students first.”
Libro teaches third grade in Ocean City Primary School. For a decade she has been in the district, this is her fourth year teaching third graders.
Stepura added “Through her caring, compassionate approach she is touching the lives of her students every day.”
The honor brings responsibilities on Libro’s part. She told the board that she recently traveled to North Jersey to participate in a teachers’ leadership conference. There, she noted, teachers were asked to pinpoint their passion for teaching. “It was challenging for me,” she said.
At first she thought of technology and how it has helped in the classroom; next she thought of reading. Finally, she concluded “These aren’t my passions; these are some of my strengths. I only have one true passion, as far as education is concerned, and that is the children. It’s that simple. I wake up each and every day ready to see how my children are, my own babies and the ones that are mine for nine months each school year.”
Libro added that she strives in the classroom and elsewhere to achieve mutual respect, one of the attributes she wants most to impart on students.
“With this strong foundation, I am truly able to touch a life forever,” Libro said.
Guiding principles taught by Libro annually, beginning in September, are:
- Respect for yourself
- Respect for others
- Respect for our school
Her students also learn to compliment others and point out good in a friend. In that manner, “They learn how to touch lives,” said Libro.
Not only does Libro strive to touch the students’ lives, but also that of their parents or guardians.
Each note she sends home with students is signed, “Your partner in education.”
“I want you to know that I proudly represent Cape May County, and will continue to touch lives. I ask you to call on me; if there is something you need or want to know in education today. Call on me if you want a representative at a statewide conference or workshop,” Libro continued.
After her address Libro was presented with a resolution attesting to her honorary title by Freeholder Will Morey, the board’s educational liaison.
Joining Libro for the presentation was her husband, John Libro, and the couple’s 6-year-old twins, Mary Josephine and Stefano Anthony Libro. On her school website, Libro stated, “I love my family and talk of them often in school to the students.”
Representing the Ocean City School District was Superintendent Dr. Kathleen W. Taylor and Primary School Principal Cathleen Smith.
The selection of state 2016 Teacher of the Year was made Oct. 5 at a meeting of the state Board of Education. The state’s top teacher is Argine Safari.
She is a music teacher at Pascack Valley (Bergen County) High School. She will receive a six-month paid sabbatical to serve as a liaison between the teaching community and the state Department of Education, according to a report on NJ.com.
