Brick Teacher Who Created A Harry Potter Class To Reach Students Celebrated By NJ Program

BRICK, NJ — If you skim through the course guide at Brick Township High School, there's an unusual offering among the English/language arts electives: a course structured around the Harry Potter novels.

The course blends the study of historical themes with language arts skills and ties them all together through the use of the popular fiction series of books and movies — just the ticket for engaging students in a unique way.

The course is the brainchild of Charles Pazmino, a social studies teacher at Brick Township High School, said Susan McNamara, director of planning, research and evaluation for the school district.

The course is just one of many things Pazmino has done for the students in his time in the Brick Township School District, and one of the reasons he was recently honored as an Exemplary Educator for 2023 by the New Jersey Department of Education.

Pazmino, who was the Brick Township High School Teacher of the Year for 2023, was one of 123 teachers across New Jersey who were honored as exemplary educators, McNamara said at the Dec. 14 Board of Education meeting, where the award was announced.

Pazmino teaches AP Geography, Sociology, World Civilizations and U.S. History, but his work does not stop at the classroom door, McNamara said; he is a club adviser for an array of activities and also coached the boys tennis team.

According to the district's website, Pazmino advises the Mock Trial team, the Coin Club and the Harry Potter Club. He advises the National Honor Society, is a co-adviser for the Class of 2025, and advises a student-led club that discusses politics and society.

"He takes time to connect with students on a personal level," McNamara said, quoting Brick Township High School Principal David Kasyan.

The Exemplary Educator program aims to honor teachers who have a strong vision for teaching and learning, who exhibit strong knowledge and skills, an inspiring presence, and have a positive impact on students, colleagues and the school community," the state website says.