GEORGE
CHILMONIK, TEACHER
The Star-Ledger • Sunday, May
22, 2005
George Chilmonik says he cannot account
for his popularity.
"I'm aggressive," says the math teacher
at Phillipsburg High School. "I'm very aggressive. I keep my
students in class after the bell rings. I give them more
homework than any other teacher. I tell them, 'So sue me!'
So why do they like me?"
One of those students, Will Reid, The
Star-Ledger Scholar for Warren County, says the reason is
Chilmonik's ability to get his students excited about math
and interested in what he's teaching.
"He's great fun," says Will. "He's manic
depressive without the depressive."
Will is the third Star-Ledger Scholar
from Phillipsburg to select Chilmonik as his most
influential teacher. He's been teaching for 34 years, all at
the same school.
"I like kids," he says. "I show them
respect, and I show them that I appreciate them. I think
they see that."
He grew up in Flemington and wrestled at
Hunterdon Central High School. He continued at what was then
East Stroudsburg State College. He wanted to follow his
interest in wrestling -- and Phillipsburg, historically a
powerhouse in the sport in New Jersey, was the place to come
as a coach.
Of course, he had to teach,
too.
Chilmonik no longer coaches wrestling,
but he officiates at matches -- including championships --
for the NCAA.
His wife, Jennifer, also is a teacher.
They have two adult children.
The veteran teacher says he has no plans
to retire.
"As long as I still can remember the
cosine of a 60-degree angle, I'll keep teaching."
|