Mrs. Randi Petrucelli, a known and loved PE and Driver’s education teacher is retiring. A positive light and excellent motivator, Mrs. Petrucelli is adored by the JP Stevens community and has taught for almost 32 years, including 23 years at JP. A lover of health and fitness, her intriguing story and path to becoming a teacher was far from easy. 

Starting her education in Long Island, New York, her family made an unexpected decision to move to Putney, England, where they resided for 5 years until they settled in Bergen County, New Jersey. She graduated from Bergenfield High School in 1981 and attended Monmouth University in the fall, acquiring a Bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in music. After a two-year stint in the business world, her love for children inspired her to head back to school and become an educator. She studied at Kean University, obtaining her teaching certificate in Health and Physical Education in 1989. 

She went on to her first teaching job at Elizabeth High School from 1991 to 2000, where she taught health and physical education. She is also experienced in coaching softball and cheerleading. Afterward, Mrs. Petrucelli taught at Rumson-Fair Haven High School for three years, coaching track and field, as well as field hockey. Finally, in 2003, she arrived at JP Stevens.

Mrs. Petrucelli’s desire to become a physical and health educator stemmed from her passion for sports, nutrition, and teaching children. Her main goal was always to engage students in ways that increased their appreciation of sports and physical activity. Although she loves to teach, Mrs. Petrucelli admits that there were many hard times for her while doing so. 

“Technology played a huge role during Covid,” expressed Mrs. Petrucelli. “Motivating my students online was definitely difficult and extremely challenging.”

Nevertheless, Mrs. Petrucelli loves her students and has fun every day encouraging them to be the healthiest versions of themselves. One of her great pieces of advice for other teachers is to laugh with students every day and be caring, patient, and empathetic. She always tries to develop a positive connection with all her students. 

As time has flown by, Mrs. Petrucelli realizes that, in her opinion, she has the best job in the world. Being able to teach young, impressionable minds and create so many strong bonds along the way has made her life so much sweeter. She will greatly miss seeing her colleagues on a regular basis and will miss the positive relationships she has created with her students. 

“Never stop learning and growing as a person,” said Mrs. Petrucelli. “Develop positive habits and stay true to yourself!” 

During her new free time, she has plans to pick up a new hobby, go to the beach, and start checking off things on her bucket list. We hope that Mrs. Petrucelli has a relaxing retirement and we congratulate her on her wonderful career.