Port Jefferson Educator Makes History With Harvard Club Honor

Port Jefferson NY

13 March, 2022

11:03 AM

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Press release from the Port Jefferson School District: March 12, 2022 The Port Jefferson School District boasts an exceptional and historic achievement with one of its own educators. Dr. Tara Sladek-Maharg is the first teacher from the district to be named a Distinguished Teacher of 2022 by the Harvard Club of Long Island. According to Dr. Judith Esterquest, chair of the Distinguished Teacher Selection Committee, the award honors middle and high school teachers who have profoundly influenced their students' lives. "Dedicated teachers like Dr. Sladek-Maharg inspire Long Island students to excel, to become passionate about learning and to recognize the value of hard work," Dr. Esterquest said. "These teachers devote countless hours to creating better futures for our children." Dr. Sladek-Maharg was nominated by Peggy Yin, Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Class of 2021 valedictorian, who is now a freshman at Harvard College. Dr. Sladek-Maharg will be honored at a virtual awards ceremony on April 2, along with seven other teachers from Long Island. Peggy Yin, Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Class of 2021 valedictorian. (Courtesy of the Port Jefferson School District)Affectionately called Doc by her students, Dr. Sladek-Maharg has taught social studies and psychology at the middle and high schools in Port Jefferson since 2000. Before teaching, she lived in Vienna, Austria, and worked as a Fulbright English teaching assistant. She speaks fluent German and has studied Russian and Mandarin. While Dr. Sladek-Maharg downplays her own accomplishments, directing her pride toward her students, she is proud to have brought therapy dogs into the school district, not only to calm stressed students and faculty, but also to offer her AP Psychology students a living model of classical conditioning. "Dr. Sladek-Maharg exemplifies an extraordinary educator," Superintendent of Schools Jessica Schmettan said. "She has created a learning environment for students that stimulates individual potential. Her dedication, enthusiasm and guidance in inspiring and challenging our students extends beyond the classroom and helps transform Port Jefferson students into lifelong learners." This press release was produced by the Port Jefferson School District. The views expressed here are the author's own.