NEW JERSEY — Twenty-one educators from across New Jersey have been named County Teachers of the Year for the 2026-27 school year, with one of them set to be selected as the state’s Teacher of the Year this fall.
The New Jersey Department of Education announced the honorees Wednesday during an awards ceremony at The College of New Jersey in Ewing.
The educators represent each of New Jersey’s 21 counties and teach subjects and grade levels ranging from second grade and special education to computer science, criminal justice, dance and environmental science.
“New Jersey’s success depends on the strength of our public schools and the tireless commitment of the educators who show up every day for our kids,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “The 21 County Teachers of the Year who are being recognized today represent the very best of this profession. Their commitment to helping students learn, grow, and achieve their goals strengthens communities across our state and helps ensure a brighter future for New Jersey.”
The 2026-27 County Teachers of the Year are:
- Atlantic County: Kimberley Briles, social studies teacher at Cedar Creek High School, Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District.
- Bergen County: Thomas Villa, science teacher at Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan, Northern Valley Regional High School District.
- Burlington County: Joseph Latigona, criminal justice teacher at the Medford Campus of Burlington County Institute of Technology.
- Camden County: Ana Sánchez Hernández, Spanish teacher at Haddonfield Middle School, Haddonfield School District.
- Cape May County: Carly Crisanti, art teacher at Lower Cape May Regional High School, Lower Cape May Regional School District.
- Cumberland County: Jeffrey Martine, gifted and talented teacher. Martine was teaching at Anthony Rossi Elementary School in the Vineland School District when he was nominated and currently teaches at Vineland High School.
- Essex County: Carla Ferreira, English language arts teacher at Newark School of Architecture & Interior Design, Newark School District.
- Gloucester County: Pamela DeRose, art teacher at Delsea Regional High School, Delsea Regional School District.
- Hudson County: Shelly Witham, earth and environmental science teacher at High Tech High School, Hudson County Schools of Technology.
- Hunterdon County: Gretchen Biedermann, special education teacher at J.P. Case Middle School, Flemington-Raritan School District.
- Mercer County: Jennifer Vogel, STEM teacher at Melvin H. Kreps Middle School, East Windsor Regional School District.
- Middlesex County: Jessica Miele, third grade teacher at James Monroe Elementary School, Edison Township School District.
- Monmouth County: Megan Watts, mathematics teacher at Manalapan-Englishtown Middle School, Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District.
- Morris County: Hannah Olmo, dance teacher at Dover High School, Dover School District.
- Ocean County: Angela Germano, English language arts teacher at Toms River Intermediate East, Toms River Regional School District.
- Passaic County: Gemmerton Reyes, TV video production teacher at Manchester Regional High School, Manchester Regional High School District.
- Salem County: Michelle Schnetzler, special education teacher at Paul W. Carleton Elementary School, Penns Grove-Carneys Point Regional School District.
- Somerset County: Neil Thompson, social studies teacher at North Plainfield High School, North Plainfield School District.
- Sussex County: James McKowen, computer science teacher at Hopatcong High School, Hopatcong Borough School District.
- Union County: Alice Debowski, special education teacher at J. Christian Bollwage Finance Academy, Elizabeth School District.
- Warren County: Melissa Arrambide, second grade teacher at Mountain Villa School, Allamuchy Township School District.
“The County Teachers of the Year exemplify the excellence, creativity, and dedication that define the teaching profession in New Jersey,” said Dr. Lily Laux, Commissioner of Education. “School can change the trajectory of a child’s life – and great teachers are the heart of that change, providing students with meaningful learning opportunities that make them feel safe, supported, and successful. We are proud to celebrate these educators and the positive influence they have on countless students and families.”
Individual schools select their Teachers of the Year, who can then apply for the county honor through the Governor’s Educator of the Year Program.
The 21 county winners will serve as ambassadors for New Jersey’s public schools and network with other educators across the state during the school year.
A panel of educators will select the 2026-27 New Jersey State Teacher of the Year from the county honorees. The selection process includes written applications, video submissions and interviews with finalists.
The statewide winner is expected to be announced this fall and will represent New Jersey in the National Teacher of the Year program.
