Seneca High School already recognized Dave Knecht as teacher of the year earlier this year, and now, Knecht is receiving that same recognition on a larger scale, as he was named Burlington County’s teacher of the year.
“I was definitely shocked and honored,” Knecht said. “We work with so many dedicated staff members, so being recognized is truly an honor.”
Knecht, a Gloucester City native, worked as a student teacher at Seneca while obtaining his degree from The College of New Jersey. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English from TCNJ and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Delaware Valley College. Upon graduating from TCNJ, he learned Seneca was hiring an English teacher. The match was a perfect one for Knecht.
“It was great, it was where I wanted to be,” Knecht said. “The students and the staff make it an amazing place to work. The students love to go to the school. I really noticed the excitement of the teachers and the kids when I student taught, and it was something I wanted to be a part of.”
Entering his seventh year at the school, Knecht teaches advanced placement language and composition, English I and English II in addition to an English elective, discussion and debate. During his teaching career, he has been a class advisor to the class of 2014, a National Honor Society advisor, debate team coach and an advisor for the gay/straight alliance. Later this year, he will be presenting at the Conference on English Leadership. Knecht credits Seneca for his success as an educator.
“The staff has been so supportive since I was a student teacher here,” Knecht said. “It’s been an amazing group to work with since I first started at Seneca.”
The awards have been piling up for Knecht as he was already named Seneca High School’s and Lenape Regional High School District’s teacher of the year earlier in 2014. The state will announce its teacher of the year in October. When he was named the school’s teacher of the year, Knecht was excited to share the honor with his students.
“It was really nice. They were clapping and congratulating me,” Knecht said. “The students really got into it and were excited for me, which was great.”
Knecht marks the 11th teacher in the Lenape Regional High School District that has won the county’s teacher of the year distinction. Previous teacher of the year winners from the district are: William Lovelle, 1995–1996; Ingrid Williams, 1999–2000; Susan Brandt, 2000–2001; LeeAnn Lowden, 2001–2002; Gary Williams, 2004–2005; Carol Smith, 2005–2006; Kate DeSantis, 2006–2007; Justin Smith, 2007–2008; Kim Condurso, 2012–2013; Rick Bozarth, 2013–2014; and Knecht for 2014–2015.
