Distinguished Faculty Award for Teaching

MARLENE ROSENBAUM

Associate Professor of Education
Associate Director, Peter Sammartino School of Education
College at Florham

It’s been said that a teacher’s influence can affect eternity. Imagine then the potential impact of the great educator who teaches teachers. You have embraced this profound responsibility and captivated and inspired a generation of teachers.

A faculty member since 1988, you have developed and taught a wide range of courses in education. Your students have described you as the “model of what a teacher should be”; a mentor who radiates “energy, enthusiasm and commitment”; and the “epitome of a master educator.”

You are renowned for creating a caring and dynamic learning environment. Your course work is challenging; but — through your encouraging guidance, positive reinforcement and constructive feedback — all have opportunities to succeed in your classroom.

Your student evaluations are always superb. You are particularly well known for understanding the range of learning styles and tailoring your lessons to reach every student. One student said, “What I learned in her class I use every time I walk into a classroom or lecture hall.”

Your door is always open; and those who pass your office often see a line of students waiting to speak with you. And you make time for all of them.

Beyond the classroom, you served as director of the Peter Sammartino School of Education for six years, increasing enrollment and revenues and helping to develop numerous academic programs including the QUEST five-year undergraduate and graduate teacher preparation program. You now are associate director of the school and direct the critical teacher-education accreditation initiatives.

You have been an executive board member of the New Jersey Association for College Teacher Educators and editor-in-chief of the New Jersey Association for Teacher Educators Journal. Your numerous publications and presentations have focused on many educational topics including learning disabilities, critical thinking skills and gender issues.

But it’s the role of teacher you love most. We can think of no greater complement than the one paid to you by a former student, who said, “Dr. Rosenbaum has instilled in me a desire to teach!” This person added that whenever she encounters negative attitudes, she recalls your passion and positive demeanor, and feels proud to be a teacher.

For instilling that desire to teach and that pride in countless students and for equipping them with the skills to excel, we are honored to present you the Distinguished Faculty Award for Teaching.