Mr. Edward M. Easse is the proud general music teacher at Theunis Dey Elementary School, where he consistently infuses new and fresh ideologies into his music classroom. His classroom is a safe space to make mistakes, to laugh, and most importantly, to create. Mr. Easse’s favorite thing about being a music teacher in Wayne is having the ability to work with a diverse population of students, encouraging his students to not only create and perform, but also to think critically about the world around them. Holding every student who walks into his room to the highest standard possible is something he prides himself on, from his youngest students in kindergarten to his oldest students in fifth grade.

The Wayne Township Public Schools place a high emphasis on the role of performance, and Mr. Easse’s general music classroom provides all students with opportunities to perform and create. Grade level performances are one of Mr. Easse’s favorite aspects of his job; he is constantly taking them to the next level, having his students not only perform songs and recite lines, but also providing his students with the experiences of a true theatrical performance, such as running a sound board or operating lights. By providing students with a high-quality performance experience in his classroom, he is not only developing the musicianship of his students, but also helping to develop life skills such as public speaking and critical thinking. Mr. Easse hopes that he can create a learning environment that not only helps his students grow musically, but also ensures that each and every student who walks through his door develops a lifelong love of music.

Community is a huge part of the Wayne Township Public Schools, and the community of students, parents, teachers, and administrators is something to be commended at Theunis Dey School. Mr. Easse is forever grateful for the trust his students, parents, teachers, and administrators have put in his ways of teaching. Each stakeholder in the Theunis Dey community places a great deal of confidence in Mr. Easse’s abilities as their music teacher; this is something he takes with great pride and honor.

Mr. Easse grew up in Wayne, New Jersey, and attended Theunis Dey Elementary School as a student. To be able to teach in Wayne, specifically at his former elementary school, is truly the most amazing part about his tenure in Wayne. Being named Theunis Dey’s Teacher of the Year is something he will cherish for his lifetime, and he looks forward to a long and prosperous career in the Wayne Township Public Schools.

Many years of hospital nursing certainly gave Julia Kelly the background to deal both confidently and comfortably with whatever might occur each and every day at school. Besides the state mandated screenings for all students, the allergic reactions and the asthma attacks, school nurses must also assess students, write interventions and draw up care plans for any child in need. The students find the nurse's office as a place where they can feel safe and still have a conversation with her. Julia loves being able to watch the students grow until fifth grade. As a mother of 4 children that are now grown, it warms her heart to be able to be surrounded by children all day.

Wayne teachers are the best! From the principal to the secretary and every teacher, the communication between nurses and the staff is quite important and needs to be shared, when it can be. The teachers at Theunis Dey know they can collaborate with the nurse at any time and together they will form a plan of action. Maggie Landowski, Supervisor of Nurses, is also available to answer questions or give some guidance any time she needs it. During this pandemic, it was needed quite often! She has a great relationship with her team and is thankful for each one of them. It truly is a nice place to work.