Radio station WJRZ announced Mr. Cohen as this week's winner of the "Teachers that Rock!" contest. Students in Mr. Cohen's US History 1 class unanimously agree that their teacher is most deserving of the accolade!

Kevin Cohen is an outstanding teacher who is passionate not only about teaching, but also about learning. Over the past 9 years, Kevin has taught World Civilization, Global History, American History 1, American History 2, and Advanced Placement American History. With each new teaching assignment, Kevin does an incredible amount of preparation - familiarizing himself with the text, researching each era of history and reading history books pertinent to his teaching assignment. He then develops power point presentations and creates research assignments for his students - taking advantage of the latest technology to generate student interest.

Kevin's classes are always dynamic - an interactive lesson with involvement from students as well as teachers. History comes alive in his classroom; the lesson on Greeks gods lens itself to oral presentations on the presence of mythology within our society - for example, the mythological background of Nike, goddess of victory, as it relates to the sporting goods company; a discussion on the Chinese dynasty is accentuated with Mr. Cohen passing out fortune cookies and explaining the custom; the Civil War period presents the opportunity for students to dress in appropriate costume - be it a confederate soldier or a middle class colonial woman - and bring to life the nuances of the time.

Kevin's classroom - replete with posters, maps, collages, and pictures - is a testimony to his love of history. His enthusiastic, deep appreciation and love of history is reflected in the environment he maintains within his classroom. The students perceive this - and it is contagious. Kevin is the moderator of the history club; however, this club is unique not only in the 200 plus students who are members, it is also unique in its activities. Mr. Cohen - and the dozens of history buffs he has created - takes historical trips about 4 or 5 times a year. Chartering a bus - and often several buses, the students make day trips to places such as Washington, DC; the Cloisters in New York, Medieval Times, Gettysburg, Ellis Island, etc. The students fund raise and pay their own way on these trips - which are scheduled on weekends. The fact that 3 bus loads of students will sign up to go to Philadelphia - on their own time and at their own expense - is as impressive as the fact that this wonderful teacher enthusiastically volunteers his time to spearhead these amazing learning opportunities.

Additionally, Kevin Cohen is very involved in other extracurricular activities; he has been a basketball coach for almost his entire career - first a freshman coach, then a junior varsity coach, and currently as the head girls coach. As with his teaching, Kevin's enthusiasm and commitment can be seen in the clinics he attends and the camps he participates in. Most importantly, although this year's team is not as competitive as some, there is no doubt these young ladies are learning phenomenal life lessons from this wonderful educator.

Other Teachers Who Rock:

• Mrs. Cyndee Policastro-Smith
• Mr. Kevin Cohen
• Miss Pina DiBrizzi