Joe Alfieri Named Somerset County Vocational & Technical Schools Educator of the Year

Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School (SCVTHS) is pleased to announce that Graphic Communications instructor Joe Alfieri has been selected as the school’s 2024-2025 Educator of the Year.

Mr. Alfieri started his career in printing and graphic arts on the advice of his grandfather, who encouraged him to take classes in the field during high school. “As soon as I went into graphic arts, I fell in love with it immediately. I knew right away this was my thing.” He worked in commercial printing for close to 30 years before bringing his passion for printing to the classroom. He began his teaching career working with inmates at Garden State Youth Correctional Facility, but after five years he was invited to interview at SCVTHS. At first he was unsure if he wanted to make the drive from his home in Marlton every day, but after visiting the school and touring the print shop classroom where he’d be teaching, he was hooked. That was 15 years ago, and every day since then he has worked to educate and inspire his students.

“When you walk into Mr. Alfieri's shop you see a professional, functioning print shop in action” said Supervisor of Career and Technical Education Robert Carrig. Graphic Communications students are exposed to multiple hands-on learning experiences, where they are guided through all phases of production, including ascertaining client needs, concept development, graphic design, printing, quality control, and delivery. Mr. Alfieri has also succeeded in creating an enjoyable and supportive classroom atmosphere that engages students and leads to positive educational outcomes. Mr. Carrig added “Our students and our entire school community are extremely lucky to have such an amazing teacher here at SCVTHS.”

Another part of the Graphic Communications program that Mr. Alfieri is proud of is PawPrints, a school-based enterprise that provides printing services to the community. According to Mr. Carrig, “PawPrints successfully completes approximately 100 jobs per year, both designing and printing items for our school and the local community. This would not have been possible without the vision, leadership, and dedication of Mr. Alfieri.” Some of the items created by PawPrints students include business cards, flyers, posters, banners, programs and tickets for school plays, screen printed garments, and many other items. Fees collected from clients are used to fund scholarships for seniors graduating from the program. On average, $2000 per year is distributed, allowing students to continue their studies in graphic communications.

When he is not in the classroom, you will probably find Mr. Alfieri spending time with his wife, Diane, his children, and his five grandchildren (number six is on the way). He is an avid golfer, sports fan, and he enjoys doing home handyman projects.

When asked how he felt about being named the SCVTHS Educator of the year, Mr. Alfieri said “I was surprised but proud to receive this award, especially with the support of my colleagues, administrators, and, most of all, my students.”

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