LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NJ – The Linden Board of Education shined a well-deserved spotlight on Teal Anderson, Dean of Students at Linden High School, presenting her with the prestigious "It Takes a Village" Award at its Feb. 27 public meeting.

The award celebrates educators who go above and beyond to create a supportive, inspiring, and nurturing environment for students—qualities that define Anderson’s approach to leadership.

𝗔 𝗱𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿, 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲, 𝗔𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗮 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟭𝟵. A former teacher and guidance counselor, she now serves as one of two deans of students at Linden High, helping to guide and support its 1,934 students every day.

𝗔 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘀

𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗞𝗼𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲 took to the podium to introduce Anderson, delivering a heartfelt tribute to her unwavering dedication, leadership, and passion for education.

"I am truly honored to recognize a very special educator," Koonce said. "Teal Anderson is an incredibly powerful and knowledgeable leader. In my time working with her, I’ve come to value her wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. She is a former teacher, a former guidance counselor, and now a dedicated dean of students. I know it’s only a matter of time before she becomes an extraordinary school administrator."

He went on to highlight the deep connection Anderson has with students, emphasizing her ability to uplift, mentor, and inspire them every day.

"Every time you pass her office, students are lined up waiting to speak with her because they need her—and we need her," Koonce continued. "She works tirelessly with our administrative team, our teachers, and most importantly, our students. She makes my job easier because a principal is only as strong as their team, and I am blessed to have her as part of mine."

𝗔 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲

As Anderson stepped forward to accept the award, she was met with enthusiastic applause. With characteristic humility, she expressed her gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed her commitment to empowering students and strengthening the Linden school community.

Superintendent Atiya Perkins underscored the significance of the honor, noting that Anderson’s impact reaches far beyond the walls of her office.

"This recognition is a testament to the power of dedicated educators who shape the lives of students every single day," Perkins said. "Through her leadership, passion, and unwavering commitment, Teal Anderson continues to be a vital force at Linden High School."

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗲

In every sense of the phrase, it truly takes a village to support and nurture students—and Teal Anderson exemplifies that village spirit with her relentless dedication, compassion, and leadership. As she continues to uplift and guide Linden’s young minds, her impact will be felt for years to come.