Schools

Retired Kinnelon High Driver's Ed Teacher Honored

Maureen Nussman was named a Graduated Driver Licensing Champion by the New Jersey Teen Safe Driving Coalition.

On Tuesday, May 28, retired Kinnelon High School health and driver education professional Maureen Nussman was named a Graduated Driver Licensing Champion.

The event was held in Monroe Township and was attended by teen safe driving advocates from across the state.

Nussman, and several others, were named 2013 GDL Champions by the New Jersey Teen Safe Driving Coalition, a project made possible by a grant from The Allstate Foundation in partnership with the National Safety Council.

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“Maureen and the other members of the Class of 2013, are working diligently to educate and advocate for the proven principles of NJ’s progressive GDL program, which has helped lower teen driver crashes, injuries and fatalities to historic lows,” said Pam Fischer, Coalition Leader.

“GDL is a three-step licensing process that helps novice drivers gain experience and build skill while minimizing risky driving behaviors -- distraction prompted by passengers and the use of cell phones and other electronic devices, as well as driving late at night and driving or riding unbelted," she added.

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Nussman taught as a driver education teacher at Kinnelon High School for 14 years and focused on ensuring that every student is given the experience and understanding to make better driving decisions before getting behind the wheel.

She also recognized the critical role of parents and instituted an annual teen safe driving parent-teen night, tied to a graduation requirement, that is now in its sixth year at the high school, the NJ Teen Safe Driving Coalition said in a written statement.

Nussman retired in 2012 but continues to mentor students participating in the “U Got Brains Champion School” peer-to-peer, teen safe driving education program. She also coordinates the New Jersey Teen Safe Driving Coalition’s outreach effort to driver education professionals.

“From managing a statewide needs assessment, to planning and facilitating professional development opportunities, identifying and sharing curriculum, and providing e-updates to her peers, Maureen doesn’t view teaching driver education as a job, but a calling,” said Joyce Buford, Division Manager of

Stakeholder Relations for Allstate New Jersey Insurance Company, a Coalition member and GDL Champions partner. “Her impact is far-reaching and her passion for teaching driver education inspires and motivates both novice and seasoned teachers.”

Along with Nussman, New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Company, the Center for Injury Research & Prevention at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Wayne Shelton and Mike Tullio, of the South Jersey Traffic Safety Alliance were also given awards.


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