The New Jersey Department of Education's Governor's Educator of the Year Program celebrates educational excellence across our state. The program highlights educational innovation, student achievement, the rewards of teaching, and essential services outside the classroom that support student success.

Do you know a classroom teacher or educational services professional who is dedicated, inspiring, and making a difference in the lives of students?

Our district participates in this program to honor the outstanding educators who shape our students' minds and hearts every day. Each school recognizes both a classroom teacher and an educational services professional for their contributions to education.

The New Jersey Department of Education has announced the Governor's Educator of the Year Program for the 2026–2027 school year.

To recommend an educator, complete the nomination form for their school and submit it to the building principal on or before Wednesday, November 11, 2026.

• CTMS 2026–2027 Nomination Form

• RVS 2026–2027 Nomination Form

• PMG 2026–2027 Nomination Form

• SRPS 2026–2027 Nomination Form

Administrators, staff members, parents, and community members are all encouraged to participate.

For questions about the program, please contact your building principal.

Educators nominated for this award must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be an exceptionally skilled and dedicated licensed classroom teacher (PreK to grade 8 in CTSD) whose primary responsibility is teaching rather than administration or supervision, or an educational services professional (ESP) in one of the eligible enrollment areas listed below

• Have a latest summative rating of at least effective. If the teacher or ESP has not received a summative rating at the time of application, their most current practice rating should be at least effective or the equivalent

• Be an expert in the field who inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn

• Actively collaborate with colleagues, students, and families to create a strong culture of respect and success

• Demonstrate leadership and innovation in educational activities at the school, district, state, and/or national level, both within and outside the school setting

• Have the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues

• Not have earned the title of school, county, or state Teacher of the Year or ESP of the Year in the past five (5) years

Note: There is no minimum number of years in the classroom. As an ambassador for education, this award is based on merit and leadership and should not be given solely for years of service, as a retirement award would be.

To be considered for Educational Services Professional of the Year, nominees must be classified as one of the following:

• Anti-Bullying Specialist

• Athletic Trainer

• Behavior Specialist

• Child Study Team

• Cooperative Education Coordinator/Hazardous Occupations

• Educational Interpreter (Cued Speech, Transliteration, Oral Interpreting, Sign Language Interpreting)

• Guidance / School Counselor

• Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant

• Library Media Specialist

• Mathematics Specialist / Mathematics Coach

• Nurse (Instructional & Non-instructional)

• Occupational Therapist

• Paraprofessional (Instructional only)

• Physical Therapist

• Psychologist

• Reading Specialist / Reading Coach

• Social Worker

• Speech Language Specialist

• Student Assistant Coordinator

• Technology Coach

Please nominate our amazing staff! Each school will recognize both a classroom teacher and an educational services professional, so you may submit nominations in each category.

For more information, visit the NJDOE Governor's Educator of the Year Program eligibility criteria.