- Morris County Vocational School District
- Academy for Education & Learning
Academy Teacher

Phone: 973-627-4600 ext. 276
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
English-Secondary Education (6-12), B.A. Special Education, M.A.T.
Jennifer Skomial
Mrs. Skomial was once a high school student in the Academy for Education and Learning (formerly called the "Child-Related Careers" program). Upon graduation, she attended Kean University and Montclair State University where she earned her bachelor's degree in English-Secondary Education. Mrs. Skomial began her career teaching Language Arts at a middle school in East Orange. The following year, Mrs. Skomial was hired at MCST where she taught English for five years. She went on to earn her Masters of Arts in Teaching in Special Education from New Jersey City University. For the past seven years, Mrs. Skomial has been the teacher for the Academy for Education and Learning. She was selected as the 2016-2017 Educator of the Year, 2018 Morris County Teacher of the Year, and the 2019 New Jersey State Teacher of the Year.
Education & Learning Classroom 360 View
The Education and Learning classroom. - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA
Education & Learning Preschool 360 View
The Education and Learning Preschool. - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA
Career Field - Education & Learning
-
Career Pathways in Education & Learning (include, but are not limited to):
Teaching and Training: Preschool, Kindergarten Teachers, Aides •Elementary Teachers, Aides •Secondary/CTE Teachers, Aides •Special Education Teachers, Aides •College/University Lecturers, Professors Human Resource Trainers Physical Trainers Professional Coaches •Preschool & Child Care Program Directors •Child Care Assistants/Workers •Child Life Specialist •Nanny •Early Childhood Teachers and Assistants • Instructional Systems Specialist Corporate Trainers and Educators Adult Literacy Teachers Librarians/Assistants/ Technicians
Professional Support Services: •Psychologists- Clinical, Developmental, Social •Social Workers •Parent Educators •Counselors •Program Advisors •Financial Aid Advisors •Career Counselors/ Advisors •Career and Employment Placement Counselors •Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists •Instructional Resources Coordinator •Technology Support Administrator Database Administrators/AV Specialists •Distance Education Coordinator Human Resources Manager Organization Development Specialist Training Manager/Coordinator Instructional Coordinators Museum Coordinators/Technicians Media Coordinators/Specialists Instructional Media Designer
Administration and Administrative Support: Elementary and Secondary Superintendents, Principals, Administrators •Supervisors and Instructional Coordinators •Education Researchers, Test Measurement Specialists/ Assessment Specialists •College Presidents, Deans, Department Chairs, Program Coordinators Post-Secondary Administrators •Curriculum Developers •Instructional Media Designers Education and Training Technician Labor Relations Managers/Specialists
Seniors in the Academy for Education & Learning have completed internships with (including, but not limited to):
Celebrate the Children Lincoln Elementary School Code Ninjas P.G. Chambers Copeland Middle School Riverview Elementary School Dover School District Thomas Jefferson Middle School Gottesman Academy Unity Charter School Kumon Learning Center Valleyview Middle School Lake Drive School for the Deaf Woodmont Elementary School Lakeview Elementary School
Academy Course of Study
-
9th Grade
Academy: Introduction to the Field of Education
Education & Learning Academy students will start their experience at the Morris County School of Technology with an introduction to the field of education. Students will investigate potential careers in education by researching different roles in the school community that are of interest. Students will explore the overall characteristics of functioning in a professional environment, the process by which one becomes a professional educator, and the educational requirements needed to do so. In addition, students in this program will explore the qualities of effective educators. This includes identifying personal strengths and weaknesses and working toward improving oneself to be able to participate in a professional educational setting. One particular focus will be on communicating with members of the school community and techniques for avoiding conflict, as well as conflict resolution. Furthermore, students will be introduced to the standards associated with instruction in the state of New Jersey. Students will learn the role of standards in basic requirements, such as daily lesson planning, and complex tasks, such as curriculum writing. The course will then introduce students to the basic components of a lesson plan. Students will engage in various teaching strategies that promote student-centered learning. Students will put these newly learned skills to use by planning developmental activities for Pre-K students across a realm of subject areas, including literacy, math, science, and the arts. Finally, this course will introduce students to the multiple aspects that contribute to an educator’s ability to manage an educational setting. Students will learn the importance of establishing a safe and conducive learning environment. Working off the knowledge attained while learning how to develop lesson plans for Pre-K children, students will learn how effective lesson planning contributes to effective classroom management. Activities will include the collaborative development of classroom rules and procedures, and the application of useful strategies to monitor and reinforce positive behavior in the on-site learning center.
Core Courses:
- English 9
- Algebra I, Geometry or Algebra II
- Biology
- Health and Physical Education 9
- World History
- World Language
- Financial Literacy
NOTE: Financial Literacy is a 2.5 credit graduation requirement that is taken along with Academy courses throughout 9th, 10th, and 11th grade.
10th Grade
Academy: Childhood Development and the Learning Process
During sophomore year in the Education & Learning Academy students will focus on childhood development and the learning process. It begins with an in-depth study of the development of children from ages three through eighteen. All aspects of human development are studied, including the physical, emotional, intellectual, social, emotional, moral, and language milestones for each level of schooling (early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school). The development of children and its impact on the learning process will be closely analyzed through observations of the children in the on-site learning center. In addition, students will explore barriers to learning, such as medical conditions, substance abuse, loss of a family member, and bullying. Furthermore, the course will introduce students to the guidance and discipline of elementary through high school students. Students will learn the underlying causes of misbehavior and techniques for managing it. Finally, students will enhance their lesson planning knowledge by developing lessons for elementary through high school levels. Additionally, they will incorporate higher-order thinking, key instructional skills, and a variety of teaching strategies into their plans.
Core Courses:
- English 10*
- Geometry*, Algebra II* or Pre-Calculus*
- Chemistry*
- Health and Physical Education 10
- US History I*
- World Language
- VPA Elective
*Honors courses available and determined by grades and teacher recommendation
11th Grade
Academy: Advanced Topics in Education
Junior year explores the historical foundations of American education. Students will gain an appreciation of how education in America has changed over time, with respect to race, socioeconomic status, age, gender, and a rapidly developing technological society. Students will explore classroom settings that require additional consideration and planning, including inclusion classrooms, special education classrooms, and ESL/ELL classroom. Furthermore, this class will focus on the governmental structures that impact the school system and notorious court cases that have impacted educators. The course will also analyze the relationships between schools and local institutions and individuals, such as businesses, clubs, residents, and parents. Junior year also provides perspectives on various alternatives to traditional public education as well as the many job opportunities available to students interested in working with children. Students will further investigate curriculum planning and instructional strategies. In doing so, they will be able to read, plan, and apply the components of curriculum to daily classroom instruction. A great deal of time during the course, and school year, will be on providing high-quality instruction through planning and preparing, student engagement, and achievement and accountability, all which can be perfected through reflection. During this year, students will visit various educational settings to get a first-hand account of diverse learners and career pathways in the field. Students have the option to earn college credits through Seton Hall University and Rider University.
Core Courses:
- English 11*
- Algebra II*, Pre-Calculus*, Calculus
- Physics*
- Health and Physical Education 10
- US History II*
- World Language
- Elective
*Honors courses available and determined by grades and teacher recommendation
12th Grade at MCST
Work-Based Learning Experience (Graduation Requirement):
- All Seniors must complete 120 hours of an approved internship in their respective career field.
Core Courses:
- English 12* (required)
- Health and Physical Education 12 (required)
- Calculus, Statistics, Foundations of College Math
- Environmental Science, Anatomy and Physiology I
- World Language*
*Honors courses available and determined by grades and teacher recommendation
NOTE: Financial Literacy is a 2.5 credit graduation requirement that is taken along with Academy courses throughout 9th, 10th, and 11th grade. This course is transcripted senior year, after the successful completion of the learning activities in 9th, 10th, and 11th grade. If a senior has not successfully completed the financial literacy requirement, the course will be taken in 12th grade.
12th Grade at County College of Morris, Montclair State University, Centenary University
Eligible Seniors may complete their Senior coursework in full or in part at one of our college partners. See School Counseling Department for more information.
Required Courses:
FALL
- English Composition I (ENG111)
- Lifetime Wellness (HED128) or PE (labeled HES)
- Academy Course (1)- may vary
CDC 110 Early Childhood Development
PSY 113 General Psychology
PSY 213 Child Psychology
PSY 116 Psych & Ed of Disabled
COM 104 Interpersonal Communications
COM 109 Speech Fundamentals
CMP126 Computer Applications (all but CIS students)
CMP128 Computer Science 1 (all but CIS students)
BUS 112 Introduction to Business (all but FIB students)
ACC 110 Elements of Accounting (all but FIB students)SPRING
- English Composition II (ENG112)
- PE or Lifetime Wellness (whichever was not taken in the Fall)
- Academy Course (1) (see above list)
*See Guidance (School Counseling) Department for additional information on CCM courses