The Education Department at Cedar Crest College recently honored middle school teacher Ann Breidenbach with the Howard L. Klopp Exemplary Teacher Award.

Faculty members presented Breidenbach with the award Nov. 19.

The award is named for Howard L. Klopp, a former education professor and chair of the education department at Cedar Crest College.

The annual award recognizes the outstanding teaching taking place in elementary, middle and secondary schools in Lehigh and Northampton counties. School administrators, teachers, students and parents are encouraged to nominate an outstanding teacher who represents excellence in the teaching profession.

Breidenbach teaches English as a Second Language at Eyer Middle School and Lower Macungie Middle School. She was nominated by Cedar Crest Associate Provost Joan Kern, Ph.D., for the care and empathy she displays working with ESL students, as well as the effort she puts into preparing creative lessons.

Breidenbach works to get to know each of her students and their interests and makes an effort to engage with her students’ families. She is a leader in the ESL field and has hosted and mentored Cedar Crest students working on their ESL specialist certifications.

“Ann’s knowledge and experience is impressive. Ann genuinely cares about her students’ success in the classroom and in the community. I cannot think of a more deserving recipient,” Kern said.