NJSBA Congratulates New Jersey’s County Teachers of the Year

TRENTON, August 26, 2020—The New Jersey School Boards Association, a long-time supporter of the state’s Educator of the Year program, today congratulated the 21 outstanding educators who have been selected as the County Teachers of the Year for 2020-2021.

“You represent the very best in education. Your dedication, talent and creativity are at the very heart of New Jersey’s public schools and the success of our students,” said Dr. Lawrence S. Feinsod, NJSBA executive director, during a virtual ceremony honoring the recipients today.

“New Jersey’s County Teachers of the Year—and the teachers of the year in every school and every district—exemplify the hard work and dedication of their colleagues throughout the state,” he added.

Feinsod noted that NJSBA’s mission is to advance student achievement through effective school district governance. “An essential part of that mission is to encourage excellence in the classroom,” he said.

Selection of the County Teachers of the Year is part of the Governor’s Educator of the Year Program. It promotes a positive school culture by acknowledging the hard work and dedication of outstanding teachers.

“Our County Teachers of the Year exemplify the dedication and commitment we see in educators throughout the state,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Now, more than ever, it’s important to celebrate and support our teachers in their efforts to ensure all students have opportunities to succeed.”

Individual schools are encouraged to nominate exceptional educators with diverse backgrounds to ensure that the honorees represent the ethnic/racial diversity of New Jersey.

Through the work of the New Jersey School Boards Association, the 2,400 educators named as their school’s educator of the year can receive free virtual education resources that will benefit their students.

“Teachers and schools have the power to change lives, said Interim Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer. “The County Teachers of the Year who were announced today are being honored not only for their outstanding performance, but also for their high expectations for all students.”

The County Teachers of the Year will network with educators throughout the state and serve as ambassadors for New Jersey’s public schools. A panel of educators then will select the New Jersey State Teacher of the Year based on written applications, video submissions, and interviews with the top finalists.

The New Jersey State Teacher of the Year is typically announced at the State Board of Education’s October meeting and will go on to represent New Jersey in competing for the title of National Teacher of the Year.

Additional information can be found on the Governor’s Educator of the Year webpage.

New Jersey’s 2020-2021 County Teachers of the Year 

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The New Jersey School Boards Association is a federation of the state’s local boards of education and includes the majority of New Jersey’s charter schools as associate members. NJSBA provides training, advocacy and support to advance public education and promote the achievement of all students through effective governance.