Cory Picketts '04

Teaching, being the art that it is, requires an inspiring approach... On a daily basis whether as a teacher or coach I get to share my passions and encourage my students and athletes to do the same.
Cory is a 7th & 8th grade Science teacher at the Ocean City Intermediate School, a varsity field hockey head coach and a 2017 Distinguished Secondary Teaching Award Winner.

After graduating from Princeton University with a BA in Psychology and a certificate from Teacher Preparation, Cory taught 6th grade Math & Science and 8th grade Honors Algebra at Goetz Middle School in Jackson, NJ. She also volunteered as coach for the middle school field hockey team. 

In 2007 she returned to her hometown of Ocean City, NJ where she joined the staff of Ocean City Intermediate School as a 6th grade Math & Science teacher before moving on to teaching 7th and 8th grade Science in 2012.  She is very happy to be working in a town that she has known and loved all of her life. 

In 2013 she received her master’s degree in transpersonal psychology and transformational life coaching certification at Sofia University in Palo Alto, California.

Cory advises the Cogenetics Club.  She is the varsity field hockey head coach and has led her teams to six South Jersey titles and three state titles.  She's been awarded the South Jersey Rookie Coach of the Year in 2010 and the South Jersey Coach of the Year in 2012.  Cory spearheaded several community service functions with the team including: raising funds for Change A Life, walking to fundraise for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Relay for Life (American Cancer Society) and the Hero Foundation.

Cory has been a leader with her colleagues in realigning the curriculum to meet the Next Generation Science Standards.  She co-wrote a grant with a member of the Ocean City Environmental Coalition and received $10,000 to create a rain garden in the school courtyard.  She's also been vital in writing, organizing and executing the school's Wetlands Grant.  She is an active leader in the annual 7th grade trip to the Stokes National Forest where students learn about New Jersey's habitats and wildlife while being exposed to a variety of cooperative learning experiences. 

Cory is a life-long learner, who models reliability, punctuality, organization, academic growth and service to the community.  According to her students, she is more than a dedicated teacher, she is an inspiration.  This year, during Princeton University's 270th Commencement, Cory Terry will be awarded the 2017 Distinguished Secondary Teaching Award

Class Year
2004