Wantage Community News
Teacher of American History Honored by the DAR
The Chinkchewunska Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution
(DAR) has announced their outstanding Sussex County Teacher of American
History: Matthew Majka at Kittatinny Regional High School. A lifelong resident
of Sussex County, Matt grew up in Frankford and attended High Point Regional
High. He graduated cum laude from William Paterson University, where he
also earned his master’s degree. He is currently working towards a second
master’s degree and a supervisor’s certificate.
During his eight years at Kittatinny, Matt has taught almost every American
History class offered. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he
has been the head coach for the school’s ski racing team and the head coach
for the girls’ soccer team, where he has gained respect and accolades for
the teams and personal admiration from his athletes.
The honor from the DAR comes on the heels of Matt being recognized for
the first time with one of Kittatinny’s Golden Apple awards, which is given
each marking period. According to his students and peer teachers, both
honors are well deserved.
Combined with his dedication and commitment to helping students understand
the importance of American History, Matt’s natural teaching ability, outgoing
personality, and positive attitude make him well liked and respected at
Kittatinny. Asked about his teaching philosophy, he says that it’s twofold:
“first, the teacher must have a mastery of his or her subject matter and
must be able to present it effectively to a class, and second, and possibly
more importantly, the teacher must create an atmosphere of mutual respect
in the classroom.”
Matt also believes that a teacher should set a good example inside as well
as outside the classroom. He adapts a community approach to his profession,
fully supporting the students not only by teaching in the classroom, but
also by coaching sports, volunteering to chaperone after-school activities,
and just being in the audience applauding their efforts at musicals and
concerts.
The Daughters of the American Revolution is a lineage-based membership
organization of women dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education,
and patriotism. DAR chapters are involved in raising funds for local scholarships
and educational awards, preserving historical properties and artifacts
and promoting patriotism within their communities. DAR has chapters in
all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia.
Membership in DAR is open to women who can prove lineal bloodline descent
from an ancestor who aided in achieving United States independence. There
are a variety of eligibility categories such as the signers of the United
States Declaration of Independence, military veterans of the American Revolutionary
War, participants in the Boston Tea Party, doctors and nurses who aided
Revolutionary casualties, and any others who gave material or patriotic
support to the Revolutionary cause.
The New Jersey Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution was
organized in 1891. A charter was granted in 1903 to the Chinkchewsunka
Chapter in Sussex County. The chapter name originates from a Native American
word meaning “hilltop town” or “town on the side of a hill”. Each year
the chapter honors an outstanding American History teacher in Sussex County.
The successful candidate will also be submitted for the New Jersey State
and National competitions.
Teaching American History is a passion for Matt Majka and he says is honored
to have been recognized for being part of the effort to help young adults
understand, appreciate, and be proud of their American heritage.
posted May 1, 2010