TOWAMENCIN – An award winning teacher is unique in her teaching style, all the while effective in the lesson.  A commended teacher not only provides service to the classroom and her students, but surpasses her knowledge to the community as a whole through involvement of edifying activities. An acclaimed teacher has the competence in her acquired subject, which is ultimately supported by her curriculum.  These are some of the recognizing potentials of the American Association of Teachers of Japanese (AATJ), and where better to find those qualifying attributes than at our own North Penn Senior High School.

Noriko Coyle came to North Penn 13 years ago, opening the opportunity for students to learn Japanese as a language. As the only Japanese teacher it is no doubt that she, even in her modesty, is responsible for the distinguished increase of language students in the Japanese classes; numbers growing significantly from the original 35 to over 100.

For this excellence in teaching, Ms. Coyle was nominated to receive the 2012 AATJ Teacher Award, and in attaining that recognition even she was shocked as she exclaimed, “I am very, very honored, I just couldn’t believe it!”

But how did she do it?

“I guess I just got lucky,” she explains. “I always tell my students that there is no substitute for hard work.”

 “Hard work leads to success and success gets recognized,” she conveys. “Many of my students have received awards in various competitions and scholarships, and it was the result of their hard work. I’m very grateful for this recognition by the AATJ organization and will continue to encourage students to do their best to reach their goals.”

Obviously it was not just luck. Ms. Coyle is well known by her students and fellow staff for her dedication and overall joy in her instruction.

“As a classroom teacher, she is rigorous, engaging and committed,” said NPHS Principal,  Mr. Burt Hynes. “Ms. Coyle is an advocate for her students to study abroad, to enter language competitions and to participate in the Japanese Club at the high school.  She is the driving force, the leader in the North Penn Japanese program. With her enthusiasm, dedication and talent Noriko Coyle is truly an inspiring educator at North Penn High School,” Hynes added.

Anyone who knows the captivating Japanese teacher can instantly pick up on her compassion; her energy bursts through the classroom door. “I have a lot of energy. I drink my coffee, but also my mom is very energetic. I think I get that from my mom.”

Students feel this energy, and are easily engaged in this woman’s teachings. But one of her most important traits would be her patience sparked by understanding.

“I value cultural diversity in [the] classroom. I am culturally sensitive and competent, probably due to my background and my strong interests in understanding where students come from… it helps me connect in a much deeper level with my students and their families,” she admits. She wants the best for her students and really stresses the fact that she wants her students to be comfortable in the classroom. She strives for a safe and inviting learning setting.

In terms of teaching though, she continues to explain, “Teaching is sharing what you know, but it’s how you share it that makes the difference.” Noriko Coyle obviously not only has the necessary and valuable knowledge, but is able to relate to her students in a way that they can adapt and interact with her teachings.

Ms. Coyle is not one to just recite a textbook hoping her students get the gist and follow along. Meticulous time and preparation go into her lessons and classes, and in response to her favorite part of the school day, the Japanese teacher answered like one of her students by instantly admitting “Fridays – It’s a break where I can reflect on what went on in the classroom and the lessons.”