Janine Horber, who was recognized as one of the best educators in New Jersey last year, got her start “to the top” at Warren Community College. At this year’s Warren Community College Foundation’s Hall of Fame dinner she will be recognized with the WCC Alumni Award.

The annual Hall of Fame event, presented by the Warren Community College Foundation, will take place at Hawk Pointe Golf Club in Washington Township on Saturday Nov. 11. This year’s inductees include: Dr. Frank Gilly, Susan Sloan, Michael Lavery, Matthew Czigler, and Jim Kelsey. Also chosen posthumously were former college trustee Harry Brown and Tiffani Warren, who was the college’s Dean of Learning. 

A resident of Warren County, Horber graduated from WCCC in 2012, and then went on to receive a B.A. in Literature from Ramapo College of New Jersey and an M.F.A. in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts.

Her outstanding work as an English teacher received statewide attention when she was named the 2022-2023 Governor’s Educator of the Year for Warren Hills Regional Middle School . This award recognizes teachers that serve their building and community, both in and beyond the classroom. Since receiving the award Janine has moved up to the high school where she teaches students in grades 9 and 11, and English.

“Being nominated for the Governor’s Educator of the Year last December was an incredible feeling,” Horber said. “But actually receiving the award was indescribable. Normally, teachers don’t receive that award until much later in their career, so it was an honor to be recognized for all I do and have done in the local community.”

Regarding her time at WCC, Horber says that “Warren is actually where I was inspired to become a teacher. (Professor) BJ Ward saw something in me during a writers workshop, and that sparked my interest. I was also part of a peer mentor program and a scribe for students with special needs while I attended WCCC. Those two undertakings challenged my mindset as a student and showed me what type of impact I could have on other students.”

Horber’s writings have been featured in journals throughout the United States. Her ultimate goal is to publish a full-length book of poetry in the near future.

Advancing her educational pursuits, Horber is completing credits to become a Reading Specialist using the Orton-Gillingham method via MaxScholar to design a course of study and corresponding curriculum for an ELA Support program for grades 7 & 8. Janine also maintains a NJ Standard Certification in Secondary Education, English, and is endorsed as “highly qualified” in her content area as a result of her advanced study. She plans on becoming a high school administrator one day.

Horber has always believed in giving back to her community through volunteer work and encourages her students to do the same.

The event is open to the public and includes musical entertainment by the 3 Lelicas. For advance information on sponsorships or tickets,https://conta.cc/3EZmiMe, or email samir@warren.edu.