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Recognition Carly Broomhead
Visual Arts Teacher at Emma C. Attales Middle School in the Absecon School District
Carly Broomhead earned a bachelor’s degree in art education from Rowan University, a master’s degree in teaching from Marygrove College and another master’s degree in painting from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. She has been a teacher of Visual Arts in the Absecon School District since 1997 as well as an adjunct professor of Methods of Teaching Art at Stockton University from 2005 to 2010. Carly has served as the advisor for Yearbook, set construction for the drama department, and assistant coach for the Think Day team. Carly has presented at both the National Art Education Association and the Art Education New Jersey conferences. She currently holds the role of district New Jersey Education Association Pride Chair and has developed a partnership with the Absecon Cultural Arts Alliance, working to create and support events that connect the school and broader community. Carly’s involvement with Students Rebuild, for more than decade, has given her the opportunity to be problem-based learning trained at the Buck Institute of Education Problem Based Learning World Conference. Her leadership drives school-wide and district-wide participation in the annual Students Rebuild challenges, which introduce students to a global issue and offer an opportunity to have influence through art as activism and philanthropy. In Carly’s classroom, she focuses on the importance of visual arts as a form of communication, self-expression, mental health, and social emotional learning. Through her innovative and inclusive approach, Carly fosters an environment where every student can thrive and achieve success in their artistic endeavors.
Margarita Diakos
Special Education Teacher at Ramsey High School in the Ramsey School District
Margarita Diakos graduated summa cum laude from The College of New Jersey with a master’s degree in special education and general education and a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She is also a graduate of Montclair State University's educational leadership certification program, earning the 2023 Promising Leader award. With eleven years of experience as a special education teacher, she currently leads the Student Transition Education Program for neurodiverse students, ages eighteen to twenty-one, at Ramsey High School. Margarita is dedicated to promoting inclusivity, demonstrated through her leadership in and out of the classroom. This includes leading the Best Buddies program, facilitating social connections among students with and without exceptionalities, organizing Special Olympics events to offer sports opportunities to all students, and spearheading Unified Sports, resulting in Ramsey High School being recognized as a Unified Champion School and receiving over $10,000 in grants. Beyond these endeavors, Margarita contributes to the Ramsey School District’s Inclusion and Belonging Advisory Committee, working alongside administration, educators, students, and parents, in making the Ramsey community a more inclusive place for all stakeholders. She strongly advocates for embracing and celebrating diversity, making it her mission to dismantle barriers for her students. Margarita’s relentless efforts consistently enhance learning opportunities for students of all abilities. Through collaborative efforts, she strives to work towards providing an exceptional education to all her students to cultivate resilient, responsible, empathetic, and engaged global citizens.
Margaret Fanourgakis
Health & Physical Education Teacher at Shawnee High School in the Lenape Regional High School District
Margaret Fanourgakis earned her bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from Glassboro State College, now known as Rowan University. For forty-one years, she has taught all levels of physical education and health where she ensures her students know what they are worth and how special they are. “Mrs. Fan”, as she is known, by her students and colleagues, contributes to the school community in various capacities. She started the girls' volleyball program at Shawnee High School and has served as head coach for twenty-one years. She also helped start the boys' volleyball team and has served as the assistant coach for the last two years. Previously, she coached cheerleading, girl’s lacrosse, and has been the athletic trainer. In addition to coaching, Margaret is the student council advisor, the Blue Crew advisor, and chaperones senior prom and their class trip to Disney. She cares so wholeheartedly and deeply about the traditions and community at Shawnee High School and gives of her time freely. It is frequent that you will see Margaret at the school hours into the evening; whether it is working the clock at basketball games, spearheading supervision for the student section at football games, attending school musicals, or helping to organize gift bags for seniors on the senior trip. Margaret makes sure that every student in the building knows what they are worth and how special they are. Her goal for her students is to get them to step out of their comfort zone, try new things and get involved so that they will leave high school with great memories and no regrets.
Stacey Brown-Downham
Elementary Reading Interventionist at J. F. Tatem Elementary School in the Haddonfield School District
Stacey Brown-Downham earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Brock University and another bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Toronto. She also has a master’s degree in creative writing and literature from Fairleigh Dickinson University. After seventeen years of teaching high school English, special education, and reading, she is now an elementary literacy interventionist. She has been an integral part of the process where her students grow from being frustrated readers to students who carry books in and outside of school and read for fun. Stacey is also a building equity leader, Comic Book Club adviser, the high school’s Preserving Black Haddonfield History Club adviser, and the Haddonfield Education Association’s social media manager and events coordinator. She has brought in tens of thousands of dollars in New Jersey Education Association Pride and Families and Schools Together Work for Children (FAST) grants to help organize and fund community events like the Preserving Black Haddonfield History Project, a yearly virtual cooking workshop, and book clubs that bring students, educators, and the community together, to foster inclusion and education for all. Stacey has also served as the local association Co-President, Haddonfield Memorial High School’s Gender Sexuality Alliance adviser, and a first-year class adviser. She strives to create a rapport with all her students above almost everything else because she feels that when students know they are seen, cared about, and respected, they will rise to every challenge and succeed.
Antonio Martín Franco
Spanish, Health & Physical Education Teacher at Stone Harbor Elementary School in the Avalon Stone Harbor School District
Antonio Martín Franco earned a bachelor’s degree in education with a minor in Spanish and a major in health and physical education from the Universidad de Granada in Spain. He began his teaching career in Spain before he moved to the United States where he taught for three years in Pennsylvania before arriving at Stone Harbor Elementary School. He strives to build a sense of community through sports. He created a pickleball tournament between school staff, the local police and fire departments and borough employees, as well as an annual kickball game between the staff and the students. He also implemented a new program called Marathon Kids that encourages mental and physical health through running. Antonio also prides himself in championing diversity in his students through classroom activities, thematic days and lessons that cover multicultural topics, allow his students to deepen their understanding of other countries, cultures, and people. He works very hard not only to engage his students but also to establish relationships with them. You will see him leading a cha-cha line around the school, riding a bike alongside the students during bike safety, singing in the microphone during a school assembly, and even lying in the way of danger during a BMX show. When he became a teacher in America, he knew he wanted his students to understand that there is a big world out there, and the more they understand and appreciate other cultures, the more that world opens to them.
Karolina Mills
English as a Second Language Teacher at Marie D. Durand Elementary School in the Vineland School District
Karolina Mills holds a bachelor’s degree in English and education and a master’s degree in education from Palacký University in the Czech Republic. She taught English as a Foreign Language for five years in the Czech Republic and has been an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher for eighteen years in the Vineland School District. Karolina was named a Featured Educator in 2017 by the World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment Consortium and was recognized as a New Jersey Department of Education’s Exemplary Educator in 2020. She has served on New Jersey’s Bilingual-ESL Education Advisory Committee, where she had the opportunity to advocate for multilingual learners across the state. Karolina has been an active member of New Jersey Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages / New Jersey Bilingual Educators and has presented at their state conferences. She is a lead teacher in ESL curriculum development and an ESL coach in her district. She serves as the Multicultural Club Advisor and Yearbook Advisor and actively volunteers in numerous school and district family events. This enables her to interact with her students and ensure that their parents are well-informed. In her classroom where the “linguistic metamorphosis” happens, many of her students have entered without knowing one word of English, having unexplainable fear in their eyes, and leave her classroom with confidence and pride rooted in their accomplishments and hard work of learning the English language.
El Houcin Houssam
Mathematics Teacher at West Side High School in the Newark School District
El Houcin Houssam holds a master’s degree in teaching from Montclair State University and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics of finance and actuarial science from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. With just five years of teaching experience in mathematics, he has expertly guided young adults in their pursuit of careers in science, engineering, and mathematics, instilling in them a passion for learning and discovery. El Houcin's commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment defines him as an outstanding educator. He goes above and beyond to ensure that every student can thrive, embodying leadership qualities highly regarded in his school community. As an active participant on the school improvement panel, he offers valuable insights to enhance the educational experience for all students. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, El Houcin serves as the advisor of the Debate Club, where he nurtures critical thinking and communication skills among students beyond the classroom. He demonstrates leadership and innovation in and outside of the classroom by contributing his ideas and expertise with his colleagues, students, and families which fosters a culture of continuous improvement and responsiveness to the diverse needs of the school’s educational community. El Houcin’s ultimate goal is to make a lasting difference in the lives of his students, equipping them with the skills and confidence to navigate the complexities of both mathematics and the world beyond the classroom.
Vanessa Poggioli
Mathematics Teacher at Thomas E. Bowe Middle School in the Glassboro School District
Vanessa Poggioli holds a master’s degree in school administration from Rowan University, a master’s in fine arts degree in stage management from Columbia University, and a bachelor’s degree in the growth and structure of cities from Bryn Mawr College. She is entering her twelfth year of teaching. Prior to working at Thomas E. Bowe Middle School, she taught for four years in the Camden City School District. Recently honored with a Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms award, Vanessa participated in a year-long professional development initiative focused on global education, collaborating with educators in the United States and Colombia. Visiting schools in Columbia, where she observed high levels of student autonomy and community support, had a significant impact on her classroom practice where she now incorporates group roles and team challenges. This year, Vanessa developed a lunchtime speaker series to help eighth graders learn about potential career options and began a Bilingual Math Club to support Spanish-speaking newcomers. She also raised money to initiate a 3D printing club. Vanessa serves on the School Leadership Team, School Improvement Panel, African American History Month Committee, District Referendum Committee, and Annual School Planning Team. She loves teaching math because learning from one's errors is one of the most important skills someone can master. Vanessa continually strives to be an innovative, tech-savvy, selfless and inspiring educator.
Kelly Carroll
Multi-Sensory Reading Specialist at Mary J. Donohoe Community School in the Bayonne School District
Kelly Carroll earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Hofstra University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Saint Peter’s University. She is currently finishing her doctoral program in higher education at Saint Peter’s University. She also holds the state certifications for a principal and supervisor. In her fourteen years in education, Kelly worked as a Title I and second-grade teacher before becoming the district’s Multi-Sensory Reading Specialist. She is dedicated to the success of her students. In her pursuit of promoting literacy and the Science of Reading, she has obtained a Wilson Dyslexia Therapist Level 1, 2 & Group Certification, Foundations Facilitator, and Reading Specialist Certification. She is also the supervisor of a district-wide after-school reading program, the 100 Book Challenge. Kelly serves as a mentor teacher, curriculum writer, and presenter for professional development throughout the district. Kelly is committed to the betterment of her district as a member of the School Improvement Panel, Annual School Planning System, Gifted & Talented Committee, Data & Analysis Team, and New Jersey Tiered System of Supports Committee. As a life-long learner with great appreciation for the profession, she enjoys seeking out professional development opportunities, sharing best practices with colleagues, and bringing it all back for her students. Kelly is a staunch advocate for her students with a great rapport with parents and the education community. She strives to create lasting positive memories that shape a student’s outlook on learning and life.
Meghan Luick
Mathematics Teacher at North Hunterdon High School in the North Hunterdon-Voorhees Reg. High School District
Meghan Luick earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics and master’s degree in secondary education from Lehigh University. Since beginning her teaching career at North Hunterdon High School in 2015, Meghan has taught a variety of courses from supplemental Algebra and Geometry to Advanced Placement Calculus. Her engaging teaching style directly contributes to her students’ increased confidence in and appreciation for the subject, while her empathy and understanding create a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment for all students. The strong rapport Meghan has with her students enables them to form positive, supportive connections not only with her but also with peers in their small groups, no matter their ability or background. She loves seeing her students help each other regularly, honing their interpersonal skills. Outside of the classroom, Meghan is an active member of the school and education community. She serves on multiple faculty committees that work to foster unity and improve school climate, chaperones school dances and ski club outings, attends student musicals, and sporting events, and works with class officers, advisors, and administrators as an Activities Council Assistant to organize off-campus events. This highlights her commitment to the holistic development of her school community. Meghan continuously seeks out opportunities to develop dynamic teaching strategies and connect with others in her field. She is looking forward to learning more about “Building Thinking Classrooms” in her professional development next year and implementing its ideas into her classes.
Nicole Hamlet
Biology Teacher at Trenton Central High School in the Trenton School District
Nicole Hamlet earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. After a few years, she went back to school and earned a post baccalaureate degree in Biotechnology, followed by a master’s degree in Developmental Biology from Jefferson University. Recently, Nicole earned her master’s degree in administration and leadership from Georgian Court University. As an educator, teaching for nineteen years in the Trenton School District, she loves working there. What defines Nicole as an extraordinary educator is her firm belief that every student has the capacity to learn. She also believes that students deserve the opportunity to learn in an inclusive, safe, and active learning environment that is culturally responsive as well as meets the needs of her students. Prior to teaching, Nicole worked in a research laboratory setting that studied the eye and development diseases of the eye and uses her background and interest in research to develop opportunities for her students. For the past fourteen years, Nicole has worked with rising sophomores in the Princeton University Preparatory Program where she has created a six-week hands-on, inquiry-based science curriculum that allows students to work collaboratively, using the scientific method, to explore real-life scientific questions and work through experimental laboratory science. She has taken students to visit research facilities such as the Princeton Physics Plasma Laboratory, Rutgers University Protein Data Bank, and PTC Therapeutics Laboratory with Nicole’s ultimate goal of starting a high school biotechnology program for students to gain more exposure to opportunities in the ever-changing field of science.
Kristen Johnson
Social Studies Teacher at Carteret Middle School in the Carteret School District
Kristen Johnson graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in social studies education from Rutgers University, where she also played Division 1 field hockey. She has taught ancient history at Carteret Middle School for twelve years. Kristen is passionate about initiatives that contribute to a positive school culture. In the classroom, she integrates restorative and responsive classroom practices to foster collaborative discussion amongst her students. She engages her students in evaluating and making meaning of the world around them. Kristen has served as an advisor to the schoolwide Positive Behavioral Support Program, “Eagle Strong / Rising Ramblers,” as well as the student-led afterschool club “Eagle Squad.” In 2020, she and several colleagues presented at the New Jersey Department of Education’s Social and Emotional Learning Unconference on the positive changes seen at her middle school. In Kristen’s time as a Varsity Track Coach, she trained the 2019 New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association: Meet of Champions, long jump champion. She currently serves as the Student Council Advisor. Further, as a teacher leader, Kristen mentors new staff members and has presented professional development workshops on integrating technologies into instruction. In building relationships with students, she organized initiatives including The Hour of Code, STEM / STEAM Night, a classroom blog, and podcast lessons to bring digital opportunities to the school, students, and education community. Kristen fiercely advocates for her students and encourages them to be a positive change in the world.
Sara Mazzone
English Teacher at Red Bank Regional High School in the Red Bank Regional High School District
Sara Mazzone holds a bachelor’s degree in English and education from Monmouth University, where she was named a New Jersey Distinguished Student Teacher in 2008. She holds a master’s degree in English from Monmouth University and a doctoral degree in educational leadership from Rowan University. Sara has taught at Red Bank Regional High School since 2010, and currently teaches Advanced Placement English Language and Composition, as well as a college-level course she developed in 2011 called Graphic Novels and Visual Literacy. Over the years, she has helped to write curricula to increase rigor and engage student interests, establish dual-enrollment partnerships, and design new programs, including a summer workshop to support students taking college-level classes for the first time. Sara has spearheaded efforts to raise academic achievement, promote equity, and boost participation in advanced coursework. Her efforts have contributed to increased diversity and overall enrollment in college-level English courses by twenty-two percent among juniors and seniors in just four years. She believes strongly in teacher leadership and has organized many school and department-wide professional development events. Sara often plays a key role in efforts to use data to inform best practices, most recently with the New Jersey School Climate Improvement Survey. She wants her students to understand that the potential to learn from one another is exciting and the possibility of working together, regardless of their differences, can change the world.
Alyssa Guagenti
Gifted & Talented & Special Education Teacher at Jefferson Township Middle School in the Jefferson Township School District
Alyssa Guagenti graduated from William Paterson University with a bachelor's degree in history and a certification in teacher of students with disabilities. She earned a master's degree in special education from William Paterson University and a second master's degree in higher education from Walden University. Alyssa began her teaching career as a special education teacher in 2009 in Paterson before transitioning to Jefferson Township Middle School in 2012. In addition to teaching special education, she also teaches gifted and talented and enrichment classes. Alyssa has an unwavering commitment to understanding her students on a personal level, recognizing that every student is unique, and she takes the time to discover their interests, talents, challenges, and aspirations. Her role as a traditional educator extends beyond the classroom, as a mentor and a source of inspiration. Alyssa spearheaded Jefferson Java, a school-run coffee business where general education students collaborate with students with disabilities, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. She also hosted a Family STEM Night of Coding and collaborated with the media center to create a “Learning Lab.” Alyssa has also organized pep rallies, faculty competitions, food drives, guest speakers, and is currently collaborating with community stakeholders to organize a 5K for mental health awareness. In the 2022-23 school year, Alyssa received the Chamber of Commerce District Educator of the Year award. Her impact goes far beyond the classroom, shaping the future of each of her students.
Jill Falletta
First Grade Teacher at Beach Haven School in the Beach Haven School District
Jill Falletta earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and sociology from The College of New Jersey. She received her master’s degree in education and supervision from Georgian Court University. Over the past 16 years, Jill has taught in various Ocean County schools. Each experience has allowed her to refine her craft and enrich the lives of her students. Jill is a teacher leader, sitting on the School Climate Committee, the School Improvement Panel, the Threat Assessment Team, and the Early Elementary Team. She is passionate about the recruitment and retention of future educators and has served as a mentor teacher to numerous student and novice teachers. Jill teaches her students to be empathetic and be able to connect to the world around them by having her students work together on community outreach projects. She has established the Beach Haven School Little Free Library for Children, started the Butterfly Sanctuary and Green Thumb What I Need (WIN) club in partnership with the Long Beach Island Garden Club, organized the Phillies Phanatic About Reading program, implemented the Random Acts of Kindness seashell project, created a “friendship cards for nursing homes” school-wide initiative, and planned Read Across America week activities for the students. Jill serves as the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) liaison, where she recently was honored with the PTA Lifetime Membership Award. She wants her students to leave the world a better place because of how they treat and care for others.
Bernadette Orsita
Spanish Teacher at Manchester Regional High School in the Manchester Regional High School District
Bernadette Orsita graduated from William Paterson University summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish. Since 2008 she has taught Spanish 1, Spanish 2, Spanish 3, Native Spanish, and Heritage and Culture at Manchester Regional High School. Bernadette has a unique ability to involve the community in her lessons and bring that into the classroom to engage her students on a deeper level. She prides herself on creating, nurturing, and maintaining long-lasting relationships with her students. Bernadette’s students gain a profound sense of pride in themselves and their finished products. She truly believes that education is so much more than the content she teaches and so she has spearheaded many wonderful programs at the high school such as the Make a Difference Club, Camp Manchester Regional High School, Camp Students Overcoming Substance Abuse (SOSA), the high school fashion show which promotes inclusivity of all people with all abilities, the Hispanic Fair, and the Multicultural Fair. The Multicultural Fair is a unique event that leverages and reflects all cultures that encompass the student body and staff at the high school. Bernadette plans it every year to include dance and music performances, deep and meaningful educational dives into the cultures of dozens of nations around the globe, and an incredible smorgasbord of international culinary delights. Her strong relationships in her school have made it possible for Bernadette to recruit over thirty staff members to make this event the success it is. She is a life-long, autonomous learner who engages in consistent daily reflection and professional learning and requires the same of her students.
Deanna Miller
Agri-Science Teacher at Woodstown High School in the Woodstown Pilesgrove Regional School District
Deanna Miller earned her bachelor’s degree in agricultural extension education from Penn State University and her master’s degree in agricultural education & communications from the University of Florida. She has worked tirelessly to build a rigorous, experiential-driven Agricultural Sciences Program at her school, where she has been the Agri-Science Teacher and Future Farmers of America (FFA) Advisor for nearly a decade. Deanna’s most recent endeavors are the procurement and development of the school’s Agri-Education Center, a five-acre land lab that boosts the Agri-science Program’s experiential hands-on learning opportunities, including a broiler production project, a twenty-eight-bed community garden, and future site of the barn & processing center. On a regular basis, her students participate in hands-on activities both inside and outside of the classroom, whether it is completing a lab activity, designing and assembling floral displays, working in the on-campus greenhouse equipped with an aquaponic system, caring for the chickens housed in the on-campus chicken coop, managing the community gardens, or tending to the tower gardens located in the school’s cafeteria. Deanna’s students are always engaged and learning about the impact that agriculture has on their environment and their everyday lives. She is regarded as a passionate advocate for Career and Technical Education and seeks opportunities to serve the profession Deanna has earned multiple national-level recognitions for her efforts in Agricultural Education including most recently being named the 2023 National Association of Agricultural Educators Region 6 Outstanding Early Career Teacher.
Stefanie Lachenauer
Social Studies Teacher at Montgomery Upper Middle School in the Montgomery Township School District
Stefanie Lachenauer’s academic journey began at Rutgers University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology at Douglass College and later her master's degree in elementary education with a specialization in middle school social studies from Rutgers Graduate School of Education. For over eighteen years, she has been a guiding force within the Montgomery Township School District, pioneering innovative curricula and courses. From Global Leadership to Skills for Success and Active Citizenship, Stefanie’s courses transcend traditional boundaries, fostering a generation of socially conscious learners. She supports her students in learning about what it means to be a global citizen and how to think globally and act locally. Stefanie’s students connect to a variety of local community efforts, and she supports them in creating change after exploring the UN Global Goals for Sustainability. Her students make their voices heard through letter writing, donations, and connecting to nonprofits. Stefanie’s impact extends beyond the classroom, as she serves as co-chair of the Compassionate Care Team, District Wellness Champion, and Title 1 Family Engagement Coordinator. Her advocacy has resulted in district-wide initiatives like Self-Care Days and mindfulness integration into the Skills for Success curriculum. Stefanie's accolades, including the Montgomery Middle School Parent Teacher Association Staff Appreciation Award and the Somerset County Paul Krauss Award, are a testament to her profound influence. In every endeavor, Stefanie embodies the transformative power of education and the importance of student and staff mental health and wellness.
Mary Houghtaling
English Teacher at Kittatinny Regional High School in the Kittatinny Regional School District
As an educator, author, and community leader, Mary Houghtaling embodies dedication and excellence in her career. With a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Stockton University and a master’s degree in English literature from Montclair State University, her academic journey reflects a commitment to lifelong learning. Currently enrolled in a master’s program in Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Stockton University, she demonstrates a dedication to understanding critical issues. With two decades of teaching experience at her school, Mary has earned recognition from students and administration for her innovative projects and inclusive teaching methods. She works hard to positively influence her students, encouraging them to do things they never thought possible and share gifts they did not even know they had. Her exceptional work has been honored with numerous awards, including the 2013 Golden Apple Teacher Award, 2019 Renaissance Teacher of the Month, 2020 and 2023 Teacher of Excellence, 2023 New Jersey Exemplary Secondary Educator, and 2024 Teacher of the Year. Mary’s commitment to Holocaust education led to the Alfred Lerner Fellowship and the establishment of the Holocaust and Genocide Research Center at her school in 2023. Additionally, she received the 2019 Mark Schonwetter Grant for Holocaust Education, the 2023 Joan Lavine Keats Teacher's Grant, and the 2023 Human Rights Education Youth in Action Award. Mary’s story epitomizes continuous growth, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to her students, education, and community.
Alejandro Mejía
Spanish Teacher at David Brearley Middle-High School in the Kenilworth School District
Alejandro Mejía holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Kean University and a master’s degree in education from Rutgers Graduate School of Education. He is driven by a commitment to student success. Utilizing innovative pedagogy and unwavering dedication, Alejandro significantly improves student learning engagement and outcomes. His exceptional leadership extends to various roles such as freshman class advisor, Volleyball Club advisor, and co-advisor of the Care Closet, supporting students in need. He also spearheads the Hispanic Heritage Month Event and actively contributes to institutional growth through the Teacher Leader Academy and the School Climate and Culture Committee. In its third iteration, the Hispanic Heritage Night attracted over four hundred community members from Kenilworth and the surrounding area, where people experienced an explosion of Hispanic culture including food, music, dancing, and student presentations on Hispanic artist change-agents from around the world. Alejandro advocates for community and parental involvement, believing it is crucial for student success and a positive learning environment. He fosters inclusivity and personal growth, providing enriching opportunities for students. Furthermore, Alejandro’s compassion, rooted in his experience of being adopted by an educator during his teen years, underscores his understanding of the importance of mentorship in students’ lives. His personal journey fuels his commitment to nurturing future generations, ensuring every student has the support and guidance they need to thrive academically and personally.
Jennifer Mazziotta-Walter
Visual Arts & Gifted & Talented Teacher at Harmony Township School in the Harmony Township School District
Jennifer Mazziotta-Walter received her bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Arcadia University and earned he post-baccalaureate certification and master’s degree in art education from Kutztown University. Later, she earned a gifted and talented certification from Montclair University. Jennifer has been teaching for fourteen years where she models leadership as a teacher mentor, leads Teen Arts, and co-advises Student Council. She has secured multiple grants to bring a Marvel and DC Comics Artist and a metalsmith to her middle school art classes and organized a field trip to the Brooklyn Museum. Another grant Jennifer secured funds for was a sensory and community garden, designed by the gifted and talented students, to enhance the school and provide produce for the community and cafeteria. In 2013, she received the Minx M. Auerbach Award for Excellence in Education and in 2023, had students’ work published in Davis Publication’s middle school textbook Experience Art. Jennifer serves as the membership chair on the executive board of the Warren County Consortium for Student Enrichment. Through the consortium, she orchestrates the fifth and sixth-grade Battle of the Minds tournament for Warren County, co-organizes the Pringle Project, and helps facilitate a virtual parent seminar, supporting parents and teachers of gifted and talented students. Jennifer is always looking for opportunities to develop professionally to benefit her students. She is dedicated to creating exciting opportunities for all students and promoting a lifelong love for learning by embracing joy every day through their education.
