Official Site of The State of New Jersey
County Teachers of the Year 2026-27
Atlantic County
Kimberly Briles
History Teacher at Cedar Creek High School in the Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District
Kimberley Briles received a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Delaware and completed graduate coursework in education and history at Ohio University. She has spent twenty-six years teaching nearly every social studies course and level offered at Cedar Creek High School in the Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District, including World History, United States History I, Advanced Placement United States History, Advanced Placement European History, Advanced Placement Government and Politics, and Popular Culture. Kimberley is recognized for creating civic learning experiences that connect classroom instruction to authentic participation. Through professional development with the Case Method Institute and fellowships with the Sphere Institute, the College of William and Mary, Founding Forward, and Ohio State University, she has developed programs that promote civil discourse, historical inquiry, and student engagement. She recently led a schoolwide civic engagement initiative that partnered with voting advocates and election administrators to provide more than four hundred students with authentic voting experiences. Kimberley also created Novel Ideas, a professional learning community that pairs educational texts with experiential field trips to foster collaboration among educators. Beyond the classroom, she has advised numerous student organizations, coached field hockey, chaperoned five international travel experiences, and served seven years as president of the Greater Egg Harbor Regional Education Association, representing four hundred educators. Kimberley is defined by her ability to foster inclusive learning environments where students think critically, engage respectfully, and discover the power of their voices as informed citizens.
Bergen County
Tomas Villa
Science Teacher at Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan in the Northern Valley Regional High School District
Tomas Villa received a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Ramapo College of New Jersey and a master's degree in educational leadership from Montclair State University. He is certified in both chemistry and special education, preparation that supports his work with a diverse student population. Tomas has fifteen years of teaching experience and currently serves in the Northern Valley Regional High School District, where he teaches all levels of chemistry, including honors and co-taught special education sections. He created RadiantSims.com, a platform that hosts more than eighty custom science simulations used thousands of times internationally as free formative assessment tools. Tomas also helped develop a districtwide "Reflection and Revision" assessment policy that encourages students to adopt a growth mindset when they encounter setbacks. He presents at state conferences, including Techspo and the New Jersey Educational Computing Cooperative conference, and mentors new chemistry teachers to sustain a collaborative, laboratory-focused environment. His active-learning strategies have helped double enrollment in Advanced Placement Chemistry sections as student demand has increased. Beyond his classroom responsibilities, Tomas serves as the technology lead for the Intervention and Referral Services Committee, using data to collaborate with families and support students who may be at risk. He also takes a leadership role within the science department and regularly supports extracurricular events. Tomas is defined by his commitment to making chemistry accessible and meaningful, inspiring colleagues, sharing open-source resources, and removing barriers that can prevent effective teaching from reaching every student.
Burlington County
Joseph Latigona
Criminal Justice Teacher at Burlington County Institute of Technology-Medford Campus at the Burlington County Institute of Technology-Medford Campus
Joseph Latigona received a bachelor's degree in law & criminal justice from Rowan University and a master's degree in criminal justice from the University of Cincinnati. He is also a veteran of the United States Army and served for twenty-five years as a police officer in the Township of Medford, including service as a school resource officer. Joseph began training educators throughout New Jersey in geospatial technologies for homeland security from 2005 to 2011, providing career-focused, real-world learning opportunities. Since 2011, he has continued that mission as a criminal justice teacher and Career and Technical Education head teacher at Burlington County Institute of Technology. He developed a hands-on program that prepares students for careers in criminal justice, forensic science, and public service. Joseph's students can earn eighteen college credits, complete industry-recognized credentials such as Community Emergency Response Team certification, and participate in experiences that build leadership, accountability, and service. He also designed and three-dimensionally printed trauma kits for all Career and Technical Education shops and trained staff members in their use, strengthening schoolwide safety and preparedness. Beyond the classroom, Joseph serves as an Honor Guard instructor and has been selected multiple times to mentor students inducted into the National Honor Society. Through these activities, he helps students represent their school and community with professionalism, discipline, and pride. Joseph is defined by an unwavering commitment to developing not only skilled students, but also compassionate leaders who are prepared to serve, protect, and make a lasting impact in their communities.
Camden County
Ana Sánchez Hernández
Spanish Teacher at Haddonfield Middle School in the Haddonfield School District
Ana Sanchez received dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Spanish and Education from Rowan University, completed a graduate certificate in English as a Second Language, and earned a master's degree in teaching and learing the Spanish language and its culture from the Universidad de Granada in Spain. Her graduate research examined how classroom community and affectivity influence second-language acquisition. Ana teaches Spanish to sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students at Haddonfield Middle School through culturally responsive, proficiency-based instruction centered on communication, connection, and global citizenship. Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, she immigrated to New Jersey during high school and experienced firsthand the challenges of learning a new language and adapting to a new culture. Ana's experience as an English language learner profoundly shaped both her identity and her mission as an educator. She has facilitated district professional development and co-presented at the Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, sharing practices that support meaningful and inclusive language instruction. Beyond the classroom, Ana advises the National Junior Honor Society and the Hispanic Heritage Club, leading initiatives focused on service, culture, leadership, and community engagement. She brings energy, creativity, and heart to each of these roles. Ana believes language learning is about far more than vocabulary and grammar; it is about empathy, identity, and understanding the world through multiple perspectives. She is defined by her belief that education can build empathy, amplify student voice, and help young people recognize both their own worth and their responsibility to the world around them as compassionate global citizens.
Cape May County
Carly Crisanti
Art Teacher at Lower Cape May Regional High School in the Lower Cape May Regional School District
Carly Crisanti received bachelor's degrees in studio art and secondary education from William Paterson University. She began her teaching career in 2015 with Passaic Public Schools, where she developed a strong foundation in collaboration with fellow educators. Carly returned to Cape May in 2018 to teach at her alma mater, Lower Cape May Regional High School, and has continued to strengthen the presence of the school's visual arts program. She introduced Advanced Placement Studio Art, established a chapter of the National Art Honor Society, and co-founded the return of the Celebration of the Arts. This collaborative event highlights student work across art, fashion, television media, woodworking, engineering, and other creative disciplines. Carly also provides opportunities for students to use their artistic skills in service to the school and surrounding community. Her students contribute to displays, murals, and fundraisers, including an Empty Bowls event in which students sold handmade clay bowls to raise money for a local outreach center. Beyond school, she works as a freelance illustrator, creates mixed-media artwork, and has begun studying Deaf culture and American Sign Language. Carly is defined by her goal of serving as a role model for students in the same way her own teachers inspired her. She leads with curiosity and open-mindedness, believing that educators make the greatest difference when they learn about students' individual experiences, struggles, and perspectives and use that knowledge to prioritize what matters most.
Cumberland County
Jeffrey Martine
Gifted & Talented Teacher at the Anthony Rossi Elementary School in the Vineland School District
Jeffrey Martine received a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in special education with a concentration in learning disabilities from American University in Washington, D.C. He later earned a doctorate in educational leadership from Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, where his dissertation focused on informal teacher leadership. Jeffrey taught special education for three years before joining Vineland Public Schools' inaugural Take FLIGHT gifted and talented program at Anthony Rossi Elementary School. His early experience developed a strong commitment to differentiation, student advocacy, and equitable opportunities for learners. Jeffrey has helped students from four different elementary schools enter his classroom as strangers and leave as a united community of compassionate scholars. At Rossi Elementary School, he directs the drama club and has successfully led five school productions. Jeffrey also supervises the school safety patrol, Culture Exchange Club, and Respect and Recreation Club, an after-school program focused on sportsmanship and teamwork. In the community, he mentors students through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland and Salem Counties. Jeffrey is defined by his commitment to establishing and nurturing collaborative school cultures, empowering teacher leadership, and advancing equitable opportunities for all students. His vision of leadership extends beyond his own classroom and is grounded in the belief that strong relationships, student advocacy, and shared responsibility can positively influence an entire school community.
Essex County
Carla Ferreira
English Language Arts Teacher at Newark School of Architecture & Interior Design in the Newark School District
Carla Ferreira received a bachelor's degree in English, magna cum laude, from Harvard College; a Master of Philosophy in English from the University of Cambridge; a degree in education from Stanford University; and a degree in creative writing from Rutgers University-Newark. She later published her Cambridge dissertation on Walt Whitman and T. S. Eliot. Carla is a teacher, poet, and daughter of Portuguese immigrants who has taught English language learners in France, California, and New Jersey. Now in her tenth year of teaching, she has returned to her hometown community of the Ironbound in Newark to teach ninth-grade English and bilingual English and Portuguese during the inaugural year of the Newark School of Architecture and Interior Design. Carla has designed and delivered professional development on Socratic seminars and the ethics of artificial intelligence. She is also the author of the 2024 poetry collection A Geography That Does Not Hurt Us, published by River River Books. In 2019, Carla co-edited No Tender Fences: An Anthology of Immigrant and First-Generation American Poetry, which raised more than two thousand dollars for the immigrant-rights organization Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services-Texas. Beyond the classroom, she advises the school newspaper and encourages students to read closely and ask thoughtful questions in and outside of class. Carla is trained in restorative justice practices, equipping students with the skills to navigate conflict, build meaningful connections, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them. She is defined by her belief that teaching is a practice of community and care, grounded in rigorous learning, close attention, and respect for every student's voice and experience.
Gloucester County
Pamela DeRose
Art Teacher at Delsea Regional High School in the Delsea Regional School District
Pamela DeRose received a bachelor's degree in art education with a minor in art history from The College of New Jersey. She has applied that preparation throughout a twenty-year career at Delsea Regional High School, where she teaches visual arts and advocates for the studio as a safe space in which every learner feels seen and supported. Pamela champions the arts as vital tools for communication, self-expression, and social-emotional well-being. She fosters an inclusive classroom where students are encouraged to take creative risks, develop confidence, and grow as artists. As an Advanced Placement Studio Art teacher, Pamela maintains a one hundred percent passing rate, and her students have consistently earned Scholastic Art Awards, Teen Art Awards, and placements in national exhibitions. She founded the Delsea Art Show and transformed a school initiative into a large community celebration that brings students, families, and educators together. Pamela also leads curated museum trips and connects students to the global community through the Memory Project, through which they create portraits for children around the world. Beyond her teaching assignment, she advises the Art Club and National Art Honor Society and serves as the scenic artist for school musicals. Pamela is defined by her commitment to helping students see the world through a creative lens. She strives to ensure that young artists leave her classroom not only with stronger technical skills, but also with confidence, empathy, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts and their power to connect people.
Hudson County
Shelly Witham
Earth and Environmental Science Teacher at High Tech High School in the Hudson County Schools of Technology
Shelly Witham received a bachelor's degree in solid earth geology and a master's degree in science education from Purdue University and a Doctor of Philosophy in education from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Her academic preparation as a geologist and education researcher enables her to bring authentic scientific inquiry and field experience into every aspect of her teaching. Shelly has taught Earth and environmental science for twenty-five years at High Tech High School in the Hudson County Schools of Technology. She also serves as an adjunct professor at Hudson County Community College, teaching dual-enrollment courses that expand students' access to college-level learning. Shelly has designed curriculum in physical geology, soil science, field research, and Advanced Placement Environmental Science, consistently connecting classroom instruction to real-world scientific investigation. She is a founder and leader of the Environmental Science Academy, a program that allows students to earn an associate degree in environmental studies while still in high school. Her students have earned national recognition in science competitions, and many have continued into science and environmental careers. Beyond the classroom, Shelly advises student organizations, including co-leading the school’s FFA chapter, mentors new teachers across the district, and advances outreach and sustainability initiatives through programs like the Environmental Science Academy and campus-based environmental projects. Her professional contributions include peer-reviewed publications in science education and national recognition from the National Association of Geoscience Teachers for excellence in Earth science teaching. Shelly is defined by her ability to create rigorous, authentic learning experiences that help students see themselves as capable scientists, thinkers, and problem-solvers who can contribute meaningfully to their communities and the environment.
Hunterdon County
Gretchen Biedermann
Special Education Teacher at JP Case Middle School in the Flemington Raritan School District
Gretchen Biedermann received a bachelor's degree in special education from Bloomsburg University. She has served the Flemington-Raritan School District since September 2004 and currently teaches seventh- and eighth-grade students in a self-contained classroom for learners with language-based disabilities. Gretchen focuses on meeting individual learning needs while helping students develop essential academic, life, social, and transition skills. She creates meaningful, hands-on experiences that build independence, confidence, and connection within the classroom and throughout the school community. Gretchen was instrumental in creating and implementing the Community-Based Instruction program for grades six through eight. Alongside fellow teachers, she completed specialized training through the Rutgers Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities and used that preparation to help develop and write the Community-Based Instruction curriculum now used in her school. Gretchen is especially passionate about inclusion and meaningful peer relationships. Through initiatives such as a peer mentor program and a student-run coffee cart, she has created authentic opportunities for students to strengthen communication, vocational, and social skills. Beyond daily instruction, these programs allow students to contribute visibly to school life and develop relationships across classrooms. Gretchen is defined by her patience, creativity, and dedication to ensuring every student feels connected, capable, and valued. Watching students build friendships, gain confidence, and recognize their own potential continues to inspire her. Her commitment to students' academic, social, and emotional growth has made a lasting impact on learners, families, colleagues, and the broader school community.
Mercer County
Jennifer Vogel
STEM Teacher at Melvin H. Kreps Middle School School in the East Windsor Regional School District
Jennifer Vogel received a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering with honors from Rowan University, completed graduate studies in instructional mastery, and earned a National Certificate for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Teaching from the National Institute for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education. Her combination of engineering expertise and pedagogy forms the foundation of an innovative, student-centered approach.Jennifer has served for sixteen years at Melvin H. Kreps Middle School in the East Windsor Regional School District, where she began as a mathematics teacher and later transitioned to STEM, leading the design and implementation of a comprehensive program that ensures all students engage in equitable, hands-on learning connected to real-world, community-based applications. For eight years, she has taken on the role of district lead teacher, mentoring colleagues and piloting a model classroom. Her scholarly work includes research on a blacklight rocket engine published by the NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts and the Universities Space Research Association, experience that strengthens the real-world rigor of her instruction. She also presents at conferences for the Association of Mathematics Teachers of New Jersey and the New Jersey Science Convention on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, teacher leadership, and educational technology. Jennifer is defined by her belief that design thinking and engineering are universal tools for empowerment. She transforms complex concepts into accessible, student-led breakthroughs and inspires diverse learners to become confident creators, collaborators, and the next generation of global problem-solvers.
Middlesex County
Jessica Miele
Third Grade Teacher at James Monroe Elementary School in the Edison Township School District
Jessica Miele received a bachelor's degree in elementary education from The College of New Jersey. At James Monroe Elementary School, she has taught both second and third grade, creating a classroom where learning is memorable, relationships are meaningful, and students are motivated to reach their full potential. She designs engaging experiences through hands-on robotics lessons, pen-pal exchanges with students in Texas, immersive themed learning days, and vision-board activities that help children identify their own goals and aspirations. Jessica also leads professional development workshops for district educators, mentors new teachers, and welcomes future educators into her classroom. Her leadership extends across the school through service as a Wellness Ambassador, where she supports initiatives focused on staff well-being, physical fitness, and community engagement. Beyond the classroom, Jessica co-advises the Robotics, Mentoring, and Kindness Clubs. She strengthens relationships by celebrating students' accomplishments inside and outside school and often attends sports games, dance recitals, and other events to show her support. Jessica encourages students to cultivate kindness, integrity, and perseverance while developing confidence in themselves as learners and community members. She is defined by her ability to make each school day feel purposeful and memorable. Inspired by the lyric, “long live all the magic we made,” Jessica approaches teaching as an opportunity to create lasting experiences and relationships that students will carry with them long after they leave her classroom.
Monmouth County
Megan Watts
Mathematics Teacher at Manalapan-Englishtown Middle School in the Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District
Megan Watts received a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in education from Rutgers University and a master's degree in education from the Rutgers Graduate School of Education. She has spent nine years teaching students in grades six through eight in both special education and mathematics settings. Megan currently serves as an eighth-grade mathematics teacher at Manalapan-Englishtown Middle School, where she creates a learning environment that encourages critical thinking, collaboration, perseverance, and confidence in mathematics. She has helped lead the school’s mathematics team to success, including a second-place finish in the Christian Brothers Academy Mathematics Competition. Megan also supports colleagues and schoolwide initiatives through her involvement with Faculty Council and the Sunshine Committee, contributing to a positive and connected professional culture. Beyond the classroom, she advises Student Council and Future Teachers of America, co-founded the school's Dance Team, and contributes choreography to school productions. These roles allow Megan to connect with students through leadership, creativity, service, and the performing arts while helping them develop a strong sense of belonging. She brings energy and enthusiasm to both academic and extracurricular experiences, working to ensure that students’ talents are recognized in many different settings. Defined by her creativity, dedication to student growth, and commitment to meaningful relationships, Megan strives to ensure that every student feels valued, appropriately challenged, and supported, making her an extraordinary educator and a positive role model throughout her school community.
Morris County
Hannah Olmo
Dance Teacher at Dover High School in the Dover School District
Hannah Olmo received a bacheor's degree in dance from Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts and a master's degree in dance education from Rutgers Graduate School of Education. Inspired by her own experience as a high school dancer without access to free public dance education, she is committed to ensuring that all students can experience dance and the arts regardless of background or financial circumstances. Hannah has spent eight years at Dover High School in the Dover Public Schools district, where she built a four-year, scaffolded dance program centered on equity, creativity, and community. The program serves approximately one hundred students in academic dance courses and more than eighty students through extracurricular opportunities. Hannah founded the Dance Club, Heritage Dance Ensemble, and the school’s first chapter of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts, and revitalized the Latin Mix Club as a culturally focused dance group. Under her leadership, students have received recognition at the Morris County Teen Arts Festival and the State Teen Arts Festival, and several have continued their dance education at the college level and beyond. Hannah also produces the district's annual Spring Dance Concert, one of its largest events, featuring more than one hundred student performers and welcoming over five hundred audience members each year. Hannah is defined by her passion for creating spaces where students feel seen, valued, and empowered. Through dance, she helps young people develop artistic skill, confidence, discipline, cultural pride, and a lasting sense of community.
Ocean County
Angela Germano
English Language Arts Teacher at Toms River Intermediate East in the Toms River Regional School District
Angela Germano is a doctoral candidate in general psychology with a concentration in integrating teaching, learning, and technology at Grand Canyon University. She holds a master’s degree in public and corporate communication and a bachelor’s degree in communication from Monmouth University. She served for two decades as an adjunct professor at Ocean County College, consistently earning strong teaching evaluations, and contributed to literacy initiatives and dual-enrollment programming at Bucks County Community College. Angela currently teaches language arts in Toms River Regional Schools. She has secured more than twenty grants to support literacy, family engagement, student well-being, and community-connected learning, while maintaining strong student growth outcomes and high performance ratings. Angela’s path to education was shaped by personal challenges and the lasting impact of supportive educators, experiences that continue to inform her commitment to creating a classroom where all students feel seen, valued, and capable of achieving their goals. Beyond the classroom, she leads a range of student-centered initiatives, including literacy drives, family book clubs, open mic events, and community partnerships that provide students with opportunities to publish their work, share their voices, and connect learning to real-world experiences. Angela also extends her impact as an author, speaker, and consultant through books, presentations, and community outreach. She is defined by her dedication to building students’ confidence, strengthening communication skills, and creating opportunities for authentic learning and connection.
Passaic County
Gemmerton Reyes
TV Video Production Teacher at Passaic County Manchester Regional High School in the Manchester Regional High School District
Gemmerton Reyes received a bachelor's degree in media arts from New Jersey City University and a master's degree in film studies from National University. He has dedicated his career to storytelling, creativity, and student empowerment while inspiring the next generation of media creators. Gemmerton currently teaches television and video production at Manchester Regional High School, where he brings technical expertise and creative vision into the classroom. Before joining the school, he taught technology and graphic design at Saint Mary High School in Rutherford, NJ. Gemmerton’s dedication to educational excellence earned him the Manchester Regional High School Golden Apple Award for 2024–2025, along with administrative recognition for his innovative multimedia initiatives and community outreach. Under his leadership, student-created public service announcements earned third place at the Passaic County Film Festival for three consecutive years. He gives students authentic opportunities to plan, produce, revise, and share media that reflects their interests and experiences. Beyond the classroom, Gemmerton advises the Television and Video Club and the Class of 2029, leads the morning announcements team, oversees the yearbook, and supports numerous schoolwide initiatives and events. He also serves as lead technician for the school's Performing Arts Center and consults on its operations. Gemmerton is defined by his unwavering commitment to empowering student voice. Through a student-centered approach, he encourages learners to create, collaborate, solve problems, and discover the power of their own stories while developing the technical and interpersonal skills needed to communicate meaningfully with others.
Salem County
Michelle Schnetzler
Special Education Teacher at Paul W. Carleton Elementary School in the Penns Grove-Carneys Point Regional School District
Michelle Schnetzler holds a master’s degree in special education from Rutgers University and is currently completing a second master’s degree in educational leadership at Wilmington University. She has dedicated thirteen years to education, serving students in both general and special education settings across elementary grade levels. Michelle currently teaches fourth- and fifth-grade students with emotional regulation impairments in the Penns Grove-Carneys Point Regional School District, providing targeted instruction in reading, mathematics, and social-emotional learning. Her classroom emphasizes structure, consistency, relationship-building, and individualized instruction so that every student can access grade-level content while strengthening self-regulation and communication skills. Michelle uses data-driven instruction, differentiated strategies, and ongoing progress monitoring to support measurable academic growth, improved engagement, and increased confidence. Her work has established a strong reputation for compassion, leadership, and student advocacy. Beyond the classroom, Michelle serves as her school's choir director, fostering creativity and self-expression through music while building a sense of belonging among students. She also leads a student resilience and empowerment club and contributes to the district wellness committee, supporting initiatives focused on student and staff well-being. These activities allow her to strengthen connections across the school and provide students with additional opportunities to develop confidence and community. Michelle is defined by her unwavering belief that every child can succeed. Through meaningful relationships, high expectations, and compassionate support, she empowers students with diverse needs to grow academically, socially, and emotionally within an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Somerset County
Neil Thompson
Social Studies Teacher at North Plainfield High School in the North Plainfield School District
Neil Thompson received a bachelor’s degree in history, a master’s degree in social studies education from Rutgers University, and another master’s degree in educational leadership from the College of Saint Elizabeth. He has spent his entire twenty-five-year teaching career in North Plainfield, first at North Plainfield Middle School and now at North Plainfield High School. Neil teaches United States History, World History, multiple Advanced Placement history courses, and a wide range of electives. He is also known for developing the highly sought-after Law, Crime, and Punishment course, which immerses students in real-world criminal justice investigations and connects academic learning with authentic career pathways in law enforcement, law, and public service. Neil has served in numerous leadership roles throughout North Plainfield, including Co-President of the North Plainfield Education Association, teacher mentor, curriculum writer, and member of both the high school’s Scheduling Committee and Security and Safety Team. Through these roles, he has helped shape district initiatives, strengthen school operations, and support colleagues in their professional growth. Beyond his formal school roles, he has deep ties to North Plainfield as a resident and the parent of North Plainfield graduates. These connections strengthen his commitment to the students, families, and community he serves. Neil is defined by an unwavering focus on student needs. His priority is to instill a love of learning and a sense of community in the classroom through engaging experiences, relevant content, and practical knowledge. He works to ensure that students feel connected to their learning and understand how history, citizenship, and thoughtful decision-making shape their lives and communities.
Sussex County
Jim McKowen
Computer Science Teacher at Hopatcong High School in the Hopatcong Borough School District
James McKowen received a bachelor's degree from Rider University and has eighteen years of experience creating authentic, student-centered learning opportunities across mathematics, science, technology, engineering, arts, computer science, financial literacy, and esports education. James taught mathematics at Hopatcong Middle School, where he developed a comprehensive science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics program centered on sustainability and project-based learning. During that time, he partnered with Dr. Daniel Fried, developer of the Biochemistry Literacy for Kids program, becoming one of the first public school teachers in the country to implement the program and introduce complex biochemistry concepts to middle school students, work later highlighted by The Hechinger Report and republished by The New York Times. James now teachers at Hopatcong High School, where he rebuilt and expanded the computer science program by developing courses in computer science, cybersecurity, video game design, and financial literacy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he founded the school's esports program, which grew into a varsity athletic program that increased student engagement, belonging, and extracurricular participation. Beyond the district, James joined the leadership team at Garden State Esports and now serves as Vice President of Programs and Partnerships. In that role, he supports schools across New Jersey through statewide events, career-centered learning initiatives, and inclusive scholastic esports opportunities. James is defined by his commitment to creating authentic learning experiences that help every student feel valued, connected, and capable of success while building skills that translate to further education, careers, and community participation.
Union County
Alice Debowski
Special Education Teacher at J. Christian Bollwage Finance Academy in the Elizabeth School District
Alice Debowski received bachelor's degrees in history and psychology, with a minor in Middle Eastern studies, from Rutgers University. She later earned a master's degree in social studies education with certification in special education and a doctoral degree from the Rutgers Graduate School of Education, concentrating in education, culture, and society. Alice has served the Elizabeth Public Schools for eleven years and currently works as a special education in-class support teacher at the J. Christian Bollwage Finance Academy. She supports eleventh-grade students across Algebra II, Biology, Physics, English III, and United States History II. Alice has also taught Economics, World History, Advanced Placement World History, Advanced Placement Government and Politics, and sixth-grade social studies. Her experiences across grade levels and content areas have strengthened her commitment to equity, culturally responsive practice, and relationship-based instruction. From 2019 to 2021, Alice participated in Stanford University’s Hollyhock Fellowship, a selective program for educators in under-resourced schools focused on strengthening inclusive, student-centered instruction. Building on this experience, she developed instructional technology resources for her district and led professional development for colleagues to support more equitable and accessible classroom practices. Beyond the classroom, Alice serves on the School Improvement Panel and advises the yearbook. Alice is defined by her belief that effective teaching requires both strong academic instruction and meaningful relationships with students. She creates classrooms where students feel known, challenged, and empowered to understand that their voices, cultures, and experiences are meaningful parts of the learning community.
Warren County
Melissa Arrambide
Second Grade Teacher at Mountain Villa School in the Allamuchy Township School District
Melissa Arrambide earned a bachelor’s degree from Winthrop University and a master’s degree from the University of Memphis. She is also a National Board Certified Teacher and a recipient of a National Endowment for the Humanities fellowship, and holds New Jersey supervisor license. Melissa has more than twenty-five years of experience inspiring young learners and strengthening school communities. She began her career in Memphis City Schools as a kindergarten-through-sixth-grade French teacher, where she designed and implemented an elementary world-language program that engaged students through games, music, and interactive learning experiences. Melissa now teaches second grade at Mountain Villa School, where her classroom, Arrambide's Learning Lair, provides a structured and engaging environment grounded in perseverance and accountability. Through data-driven instruction and strong relationships, her students consistently demonstrate growth in literacy, confidence, and independence. Melissa created and led Wolf Pack Pride, a schoolwide positive-behavior initiative that strengthened school culture, encouraged positive choices, and fostered belonging. She has also contributed to district curriculum work, presented at professional conferences, mentored student teachers, and supported numerous schoolwide initiatives. Beyond her classroom, Melissa serves as the Parent Teacher Organization liaison and helps coordinate community events that connect families, staff members, and students with the school. Melissa is defined by her unwavering belief that every child can succeed. She combines research-based instruction with high expectations, encouragement, and meaningful relationships to create a classroom where students feel valued, challenged, and inspired to grow both academically and personally.