The New Jersey Department of Education's Governor's Educator of the Year Program celebrates educational excellence across our state. This distinguished program highlights educational innovation, student achievement, the rewards of teaching, and important services outside the classroom environment that lead to 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 the minds and hearts of our students every day. Educators selected through this process are recognized at both the district and state levels for their exceptional contributions to education.

Each year, our school community has the opportunity to recognize deserving educators. When the nomination period opens, information will be shared regarding:

• Nomination timelines and deadlines

• School-specific nomination processes

• Eligibility criteria

Administrators, staff members, parents, and community members are all encouraged to participate in celebrating our exceptional educators.

For questions about the program or to learn about current nomination opportunities, please contact your building's main office.

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

• Be an exceptionally skilled and dedicated licensed classroom teacher (PreK to grade 12 in a public or charter school), where teaching is the primary responsibility rather than administrative or supervisory responsibilities, or an educational services professional (ESP) who is listed as one of the eligible enrollment areas

• Must have the latest summative rating of at least effective; if the teacher or the ESP has not received a summative rating at the time of application, then 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, and/or state and national levels that take place both within and outside the school setting

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

• Have not earned the title of school, county, or state Teacher of the Year, nor ESP of the Year, for the past five (5) years

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

In order to compete for the 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 one nomination for each.