New Jersey Hall of Fame:
Bringing New Jerseyans into the Classroom

The New Jersey Hall of Fame has star power that students and teachers find exciting and engaging. But since the inception of the Hall of Fame a few years ago, teachers have also learned that it provides more than just a celebration of great New Jerseyans. It also provides effective opportunities to teach young people about our state’s history, to introduce them to the voting process, to build leadership skills and to boost pride in themselves and their community. As teachers prepare young people to pursue their dreams and strive to accomplish great things, a new curriculum developed with the NJEA provides some creative lesson plans to do just that.

The New Jersey Hall of Fame curriculum offers a unique opportunity for teachers to capitalize on the accomplishments of some remarkable New Jersey citizens and to inspire students to reach for the stars. The engaing activities help students to identify with others who not only share their Jersey roots, but share similar experiences and challenges. By learning about New Jersey Hall of Fame inductees, students can better recognize and develop the skills they need to reach their goals while strengthen their pride in their community.

The curriculum is divided into three units. The first unit, “Achievements of New Jersey Citizens: The New Jersey Hall of Fame,” helps students identify leadership qualities in Hall of Fame members, as well as in themselves. Students learn more about the role of New Jersey and its citizens in the larger context of the United States and world history. Even more, they will develop an understanding between character and achievement. By presenting positive role models, this unit seeks to help young people make informed decisions about their lives.

Unit Two, “Voting for Hall of Fame Nominees,” introduces students to the voting process. The unit focuses on the rights and responsibilities of United States citizens. Because students can actually vote in an election, the voting process comes alive for them through an interdisciplinary approach which can be modified for grades six through twelve. The lessons challenge students to develop critical thinking skills, communicate ideas and reflect to understand themselves and their community better. They learn firsthand how they can impact decisions on major issues and they develop practical skills through the collaborative and independent activities.

In Unit Three, “Future New Jersey Hall of Fame Nominees,” students take charge in a project that will allow them to enhance academic skills while making an impact on their school and community. Essential questions are raised, such as “What makes a person an effective leader?” or “How can I become a leader?” This unit helps young people understand the leadership qualities in notable New Jersey figures and helps them to look at their own world and its leaders. Most importantly, it seeks to develop leadership skills in your students.

The curriculum was made possible through a generous grant from the Comcast Foundation. The NJHOF extends its gratitude to the team of educators who worked hard to create these units: Dorothy Kohrherr, Frank Stebbins and Sharonda Allen. Dawn Hiltner and Marie Blistan of the NJEA offered valuable insight and guidance and Nora Lenahan was the superb graphic designer.