New Jersey has announced the 2025-26 County Teachers of the Year, recognizing educators from across the state for their work in public education. The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) joined students, school employees, parents, and communities in congratulating these teachers.
“Each year, the County Teachers of the Year remind us of the incredible talent, dedication, and heart that define New Jersey’s educators. The 2025-26 honorees represent the very best of our profession—innovators, mentors and leaders who not only inspire their students, but their colleagues as well. NJEA is honored to celebrate their achievements and the profound impact they have on public education,” said NJEA President Sean Spiller.
“To be named a County Teacher of the Year is not only recognition of excellence in the classroom, but also a celebration of the relationships these educators build—with students, families, and communities. They are role models in every sense of the word, demonstrating what is possible when passion meets purpose. This class of County Teachers of the Year is an amazing example of the diverse roles in teaching across the state and the extensive experience of our educators,” said NJEA Vice President Steve Beatty.
“Every year, we are excited to celebrate educators who embody the promise of public education. Through their vision, empathy, and unwavering dedication they not only nurture academic success, but also the confidence and personal growth of every student they teach. NJEA recognizes that their work strengthens our communities and ensures that New Jersey remains a national leader in education. The County Teachers of the Year are another example of why New Jersey has the No. 1 public schools in the nation,” said NJEA Secretary Treasurer Petal Robertson.
The selected teachers will serve as ambassadors for their profession throughout 2025-26 by sharing expertise with colleagues statewide.
The list includes:
Atlantic: Christa Delaney (Egg Harbor Township High School)
Bergen: Aarti Mallya (Pascack Hills High School)
Burlington: Dr. Sean Hoggs I (Northern Burlington County Regional High School)
Camden: Heide Kowalski (Ann A. Mullen Middle School)
Cape May: JoDee Sattazahn (Lower Cape May Regional High School)
Cumberland: Dr. Tiffanie ThrBak (Cherry Street School)
Essex: Andrew Vander Horn (Cedar Grove High School)
Gloucester: Sandy Fitzpatrick (Birches Elementary School)
Hudson: John Palsi (County Prep High School)
Hunterdon: Caroline Mann (Round Valley School)
Mercer: Shakida Faniel (Joyce Kilmer Intermediate School)
Middlesex: Pamela Eng (Lincoln Elementary School)
Monmouth: Gillian Ober (Freehold Intermediate School)
Morris: Natasha Tyjer-Mendez (Riverdale Public School)
Ocean: Jacqueline Castellano (Brick Township Memorial High School)
Passaic: Alyssa Bitar (Passaic County Manchester Regional High School)
Salem: Robert Fitzpatrick (Penns Grove Middle School)
Somerset: Kiran Masud (Hillside Intermediate School)
Sussex: Amy Stevens (Byram Intermediate School)
Union: Karen Carey-Lynch (Roselle Park Middle School)
Warren: Laura Wojick (Phillipsburg High School)
These teachers represent various disciplines such as environmental science, English language arts, Spanish language instruction, special education, culinary arts instruction, computer science and more at schools throughout New Jersey.
