Every year, teachers and educational professionals from each Freehold Regional High School District school are selected to be honored in the Monmouth County Governor's Educator of the Year Program. We are recognizing each of the 2022-2023 recipients in a Staff Spotlight series. This week, we are highlighting Robert Paturzo, a Special Education teacher at Freehold High School. 

Mr. Paturzo has been teaching at Freehold High School since 2001, after beginning his career at Brick High School in 1990. He currently teaches multiple In-Class Resource social studies classes. In the past, Mr. Paturzo coached baseball, soccer, and basketball at Freehold and is currently serving as the equipment manager.

When his name was announced as Teacher of the Year, Mr. Paturzo said he was surprised.

"[Being named Teacher of the Year] has to rank as my proudest accomplishment because I was nominated by one of my peers and chosen by a committee of my peers," he said.

Mr. Paturzo also noted that he enjoys running into former students/players and he hears how the lessons he taught played a role in their lives.  

When asked what advice he would give new teachers, Mr. Paturzo said, "Your first year of teaching is going to be your toughest, and you need to lean on people to help get you through it, and don’t be afraid to ask for help."

He noted that teachers need to find the right balance with their students.