Gerald Gance began teaching in the Red Bank School District (New Jersey) in 1969, the same year he graduated from Gannon College. Armed with a Bachelor of Science degree in Science, Gance began teaching high school level chemistry and biology and was twice named Teacher of the Year during his illustrious 38-year career. According to the district, Gance “wrote the book” on how to teach Chemistry and Biology at the Advanced Placement and Honors levels. His students passed the AP exams with remarkable success. Throughout his career, Gance coached several sports, including boys and girls tennis, cross country, girls’ basketball and baseball. He was awarded the Shore Conference Girls Tennis Coach of the Year in 2000. In addition to coaching, Gance served as the senior class advisor for several years and ski club advisor for 20 years. The Nobel Society of Educators accepted Gance as a member in 2008 and in 2011 Gance was inducted into the Red Bank Regional (RBR) Hall of Fame, receiving the Honored Alumnus Award.
After retiring from Red Bank Regional High School, Gance taught for 10 years at Ranney School, a private school in Tinton Falls, NJ, where he continued to teach honors and AP chemistry. While at Ranney, Gance developed a program to assist students with learning obstacles, known as A.L.O.T. – Academic Learning and Organization Tools. Gance and his colleague, Dr. John Avella, presented this program to many inner-city children through the Boys and Girls Club and Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
Gance was also active in his local community, serving as recreation commissioner for Monmouth Beach (NJ) for four years. He spent several years as a lifeguard and camp counselor, and provided a private tutoring service for area students.
During his time at Gannon, Gance was a member of the TKE Fraternity and has many fond memories of his fraternity brothers, Greek activities, and Gannon basketball games. One game that really stands out in his memory was a 6-overtime win for the Knights against Youngstown. He is grateful to Gannon for exceptionally preparing him for a teaching career.
Gance is married to Villa Maria College alumna, Rosemary (Cox) Gance ’69VMC. Together they reside in Monmouth Beach, NJ and enjoy a well-deserved retirement life. They have been married 50 years and have lived in the same home throughout their marriage. His hobbies include golfing, fishing, skiing (at one time) and building model ships.
Photo Caption: Gerald Gance with a model boat he built in 2000, following open heart surgery.
(published May 2020)