New Jersey Department of Education

Teacher of the Year Responsibilities

Being named a County or State Teacher of the Year is not only an award, but an honor that comes with an enormous amount of responsibility to represent the teaching profession in the county and/or state. 

County & State Teacher of the Year Roles

  1. A liaison between the teaching community and the NJDOE, County Offices of Education, districts, and communities; 
  2. An education ambassador to businesses, parents, service organizations, and media; 
  3. A resource on the state of the profession to be available for workshops and conferences around the state; 
  4. An education leader involved in teacher forums and education reform; and
  5. A representative for the teaching profession by:
    1. Articulating the many ways that teachers contribute to the profession, and
    2. Sharing knowledge about specific programs and instructional strategies that benefit teachers and students.

6-Month Sabbatical for State Teacher of the Year

  1. The State Teacher of the Year receives a 6-month sabbatical (salary and benefits covered by Educational Testing Service) to work at the New Jersey Department of Education from January until June from his/her teaching assignment to fulfill the role/responsibilities. 
  2. Since the State Teacher of the Year will be asked to attend many events and make numerous speeches during the school year he or she must be poised, articulate, and have the energy to make and withstand a busy schedule. 

State Teacher of the Year Benefits

  1. Attend national events and conferences; 
  2. Meet the President of the United States; 
  3. Serve as the representative for the teaching profession, making public appearances statewide speaking with professional, business, education, civic, parent, and student groups; 
  4. Gain a network of friends and colleagues from the nation’s top teaching professionals; 
  5. Receive a 6-month paid sabbatical (salary and benefits) to work at the New Jersey Department of Education courtesy of program sponsor ETS; 
  6. Receive a brand-new car leased for 1 year with EZPASS, a gold ring, travel reimbursement to events, a $500 clothing allowance and an LCD Projector courtesy of program sponsor NJEA; and 
  7. Become New Jersey’s candidate for the National Teacher of the Year Program, the oldest and most prestigious honors program to focus public attention on excellence in teaching. The National Teacher of the Year Program is a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers. 

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