Teacher Spotlight: Terri Kahrer Makes A Difference In Hazlet

HAZLET, NJ — Great teachers matter. In Hazlet, we're fortunate to have teachers like Mrs. Terri Kahrer.

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize teachers and show them how much they’re valued and appreciated.

This submission comes from Shannon Jannaco, who nominated Mrs. Terri Kahrer of Hazlet.

Teacher’s name

Mrs. Terri Kahrer

How do you know the teacher?

She is my son’s special education teacher.

What does this person teach?

Mrs. Kahrer is a 2nd and 3rd grade special education teacher.

Why do you believe the teacher should be recognized or honored?

Our family moved to Hazlet in December of 2022. My son, who has an IEP since pre-school, has always loved school and learning. When he started in the Hazlet school system half-way through 1st grade, it was a very difficult transition for him. Not only did he start a new school but he was placed in a class that was completely out of control. He would come home with headaches and an upset stomach every day and begged me to keep him home.

As soon as I realized he was no longer learning and his day was spent with his teacher and paras just trying to bring order to an out of control classroom, I reached out to the child study team and demanded my son be placed in a more suitable classroom. This wouldn’t be easy because of my son’s learning disabilities. My son was suffering daily and beginning to hate school. His behavior at home was extreme because of what he was dealing with at school, and he stopped learning all together.

Mrs. Kahrer heard my pleas for help, saw my son struggling and stepped in. She made room in her 2nd and 3rd grade room for him. He may have been the youngest in the class, but under her leadership, he thrived. Any struggles he is having, she reaches out to me and we work together to help him. My son will be going into 3rd grade and will be in Mrs. Kahrer’s class once again, and I thank god for that.

Our family would be lost without this absolutely amazing, talented and loving teacher. She came into our lives when we needed her most and she has been a guiding light for my son. A little back-story on Mrs. Kahrer, she was at one time an FBI agent. Mrs. Kahrer has a child with Autism and realized schools lacked teachers with the knowledge and resources to really help our most vulnerable children in the community, so Mrs. Kahrer became part of the solution and started a new career in special education.

This community, her students and our family are blessed to have her on our team. We love you Mrs. Kahrer and your compassion, patience and unwavering love for your students does not go unnoticed.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the teacher?

Mrs. Kahrer goes out of her way to really connect with each and every student in her room.

She takes the time to figure out what works and doesn’t work for each student and works hand-in-hand with their families to ensure the best possible learning experience for her kids. Her students love and respect her, their families thank god for her and the community adores her.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.

Know an outstanding teacher who deserves a shout-out? Nominate them here.