Randolph High School’s Erik Novack named NJAHPERD Driver Education Teacher of the Year
RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP, NJ (Morris County) – The New Jersey Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (NJAHPERD) has recognized Randolph High School Health, Physical Education, and Driver Education teacher Erik Novack with the prestigious Driver Education Teacher of the Year Award.
NJAHPERD, which is dedicated to advancing health and physical education through professional development and advocacy, recognizes educators who go above and beyond in their efforts to educate students on critical topics like driver safety. Novack, who teaches Driver’s Education to sophomores, was selected for his commitment to providing students with the skills and knowledge needed to become responsible, safe drivers.
The Driver’s Education course at Randolph High School teaches students the essential skills for obtaining a New Jersey driver’s license while emphasizing the responsibilities that come with being a licensed driver. The curriculum includes lessons on safe driving practices, vehicle maintenance, understanding road laws, and the impact of driving behaviors on others. The course also highlights the importance of preventing driving-related injuries and following laws to ensure safety for all.
“Mr. Novack exemplifies excellence in teaching by ensuring every student is equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to become safe drivers,” said Marybeth Foran, Supervisor of Health and Physical Education. “His passion for education and innovative teaching strategies has left a lasting impression on our students, helping them make responsible decisions behind the wheel.”
Novack’s approach to teaching Driver’s Education is hands-on and engaging. One example is the mock driving course he sets up at the school’s Athletic and Wellness Center, where students use scooters to simulate real-life driving scenarios like a four-way stop, merging lanes, yield signs, and signal usage. Novack has also incorporated tire-changing demonstrations into his curriculum over the past three years to further enhance student safety.
“My goal is to provide students with real-world experiences,” Novack said. “By using hands-on learning opportunities like the driving course, students can better understand the concepts being taught and retain the information. I believe in four core principles I call S.T.E.P. – Significance, Trust, Experience, and Progress. I want my students to know they are significant, build trust in the classroom, gain real-life experience, and see progress in their learning.”
While humbled by the honor, Novack expressed gratitude for the opportunities to educate and support students, as well as for the teamwork and backing from staff, administration, and the Randolph community. “Being a teacher is one of my proudest achievements,” he said, “and I am thankful for the role I get to play in the development of our students every day.”
