by Cassidy Ronk
Woodbridge High School’s new health and physical education teacher, Mr. Maurizio, was excited for the school year as he transferred from John F. Kennedy Memorial High School. He teaches Woodbridge High School seniors. Now in his 10th year as a teacher, Mr. Maurizio teaches WHS seniors. Formerly, he is a graduate of JFK and Montclair State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He is also a coach at Montclair State University and is looking forward to continuing his coaching career at WHS.
Barron Perspective: How did you start teaching at Woodbridge High School?
Mr. Maurizio: I applied for a coaching job a couple years ago and got hired as a coach. Then I got asked to transfer from a school in Newark back to Woodbridge [Township] to teach.
BP: Are you involved in anything else in the school?
MM: Yes, I’m going to be helping out with the weight room after school.
BP: Have you always wanted to teach?
MM: Not always. I was a pre-med student in college and wanted to be a pediatrician. Then, I started tutoring people in college and decided I wanted to be a teacher.
BP: What do you love about teaching?
MM: The relationships I get to build with students, other teachers, and parents.
BP: What do you think about the students?
MM: They’re fantastic kids, there’s no bad kids in Woodbridge Township.
BP: What have you learned so far as a teacher?
MM: People will always surprise you.
BP: As a teacher, what are your responsibilities?
MM: To care for the children here and keep them safe.
BP: What advice would you give students who would like to have a career in teaching?
MM: You have to put other people first for the rest of your life.
BP: Do you plan to pursue coaching at Woodbridge?
MM: Yes, I’d love to coach anything at Woodbridge High School. I’m a football coach at Montclair State, and I was a head track coach, as well as wrestling.
BP: Do you have any personal goals you would like to accomplish this year?
MM: I would like to spend more time with my family.
BP: What do you like to do in your free time?
MM: I like to spend my time with my wife and daughter.
BP: Do you have anything else to add?
MM: I love Woodbridge!
