Teacher of the year: Christopher Pruden

Every year, school districts all over New Jersey show their appreciation for the long nights and hard work teachers put towards educating their students. In turn, one teacher is awarded their school’s teacher of the year and gets the chance to represent them in the state. It is a big honor and many nominated teachers receive a lot of positive feedback and affirmations from students, staff, and even parents. 

UACHS track coach and Physical Education teacher, Christopher Pruden, was granted the title of teacher of the year last December. 

Pruden has been a part of the UACHS family as a teacher and head track coach for almost four years now, creating many bonds with students over the years. Pruden teaches his courses in what he feels is the best way for them to absorb information. 

 “The best way I feel to learn is laid back,” said Pruden. “I want students to do an activity the way that I do an activity.”

Students love that his attitude is laid back and chill. They also appreciate that he tries his best to be there for every student when they need him the most. Many students enjoy his hands-on approach. 

Azaria Farmer, one of the UACHS freshman sprinters shares how it is easy to have a sense of connection with him. 

“Pruden is pretty okay. He gets intense sometimes which I think creates trust between him and his runners,” said Farmer. 

After classes, Pruden heads to the armory with the track team, helping them become faster and stronger. However, Pruden knows how to separate the laid back teacher energy and the competitive coach whenever necessary.

 At his mention, staff and students have great things to say about him as both a teacher and coach. It is easy to see why he was voted teacher of the year. When asked about winning the award, Pruden shares how he’s grateful for winning and feels as though other teachers do more than he does.

 “I’m extremely humbled and it’s kind of nice, but I believe that a lot of teachers do the same, if not more than I do,” said Pruden. 

This further sheds light on his character and who he is as a person not to mention his pride for UACHS. 

“We’re a small crew. We have the idea that we have to stick together because we’re 

all we’ve got,” said Pruden. “We don’t have all the nice things the other schools have but we try to find a way to help you guys enjoy the high school experience and to propel you to be the best versions of you as we can.”