The Passaic County Technical and Vocational School (PCTVS) community has proudly announced its Educators of the Year for 2020. The honor of Educator of the Year goes to Robert Nutile, while Julissa Rodriguez has been named Educational Specialist of the Year.

Robert Nutile came to PCTI in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Police Administration and ten years of law enforcement experience. As an educator in the Academy of Criminal Justice, Nutile consistently strives to apply his knowledge of child development to create a learning environment that nurtures the whole student. By fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity and mutual respect, Nutile is able to successfully support, guide, and encourage his students. “My overriding principle is to be available to my students and to structure my classroom and lessons to meet their needs,” he said.

Outside of the classroom, Nutile coaches the school’s Mock Trial team, which has taken home top honors six times in Passaic County. The extracurricular activity allows students to use critical thinking and presentation skills, while learning about the various roles within the criminal justice system. Additionally, Nutile coaches the championship varsity baseball team, encouraging hard work, discipline, maturity, and teamwork. As a testament to his leadership, the team was the recipient of Passaic County’s Pete Amoruso Memorial Award for excellent sportsmanship in 2017.

For Julissa Rodriguez, pride in PCTVS runs deep, as she is a graduate of PCTI. In her seventh year employed by the District, she currently serves as an Instructional Technology Coach. Prior to this position, she taught business courses in both the Academy of Finance and the School of Business, earning three consecutive W!SE Gold Star Teacher Awards. With a Master’s degree in Accounting and almost a decade of industry experience, Rodriguez made the transition to education through the alternate route program.

As an educator and coach, Rodriguez heralds the merits of lifelong learning -- and she practices what she preaches. Not only has she completed the requirements for her supervisor’s certification, but she is also working towards completing a second advanced degree in Educational Technology. Additionally, Rodriguez earned the prestigious title of ISTE Certified Educator earlier this year. “The world is constantly changing and innovating, and it stops for no one. So keep learning and sharpening those skills, and success will follow,” she said.