Darlene Noel is one of 21 educators -- one for each county -- competing to become New Jersey's state Teacher of the Year.
Darlene Noel remembers the words from early in her career when people said her enthusiasm for teaching would eventually dim.
That was 21 years ago.
Noel, a third-grade teacher at Green Street School in Phillipsburg, said nothing could be farther from the truth.
"I love school -- the sights, the sounds, the smells," she said. "It's sort of a full-body experience, especially with elementary school.
"Curriculums change and programs change. The only thing that's a constant to me is the kids. They show up and they want to be here. It's never boring. It's always changing. It's fast-paced. I'm more involved now than ever."
Noel, of Easton, was named Warren County Teacher of the Year for 2015-16 and is a finalist for New Jersey's state Teacher of the Year.
The winner among the state's 140,000 teachers will be announced in October. Winners in each of New Jersey's 21 counties were selected by a panel of administrators, teachers and parents.
RELATED: See N.J. Teachers of the Year in each county
Noel, 44 and a 1989 graduate of Saucon Valley High School, said the recognition by her peers and supervisors is especially gratifying.
"There's a level of respect that comes with a leader, being respected by peers and colleagues," she said. "It definitely feels good and there's a lot of great things going on in all of our classrooms."
Noel grew up in Lower Saucon Township and her parents, Lydia and William Yob, still live there.
She was worked her entire career in the Phillipsburg School District and at Green Street School, which covers third through fifth grades.
Sixteen years ago, she formed a drama club and also began working with young English language learners.
"I feel like I have a unique perspective because my mother emigrated when she was 9," she said. "She came through Ellis Island from the Ukraine. Those kids have a special place in my heart because of that."
Noel holds a bachelor's degree from East Stroudsburg University and a master's from Wilkes. She's enrolled now in the principal certification program at Moravian College in Bethlehem.
She said she's grateful for her bosses and her family, which allow her to flex her teaching muscles and stay so involved.
Besides her work with the drama club, which puts on an annual show, she mentors young teachers, enlists help for a weeklong school celebration and organizes an end-of-year talent show.
She credits her husband, Matt Noel, and 9-year-old daughter Ava with giving her the time and flexibility to pursue her passions.
"I try to be involved because I think if I don't do it, who will?" she said. "Where I can be of service, I try to do that. I feel that way about Green Street School. It's a home away from home and a part of all of our lives."
Noel was honored in 2003-2004 and again in 2014-2015 as Green Street School's Teacher of the Year. But being named Warren County's representative for the Governor's Educator of the Year award is a special honor, she said.
"Growing up, I always said I had two options: being like Julie McCoy on 'Love Boat' or being a teacher," she said. "I feel like I'm doing a little bit of both. It's just that my cruise ship stays in port all day at school."
Jim Deegan may be reached at jdeegan@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @jim_deegan. Find lehighvalleylive on Facebook.
