Stefanie A. Lachenauer, a teacher at Montgomery Upper Middle School in Montgomery Township, has been named the 2024-2025 New Jersey State Teacher of the Year. Lachenauer teaches Skills for Success and Global Leadership and holds both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master's degree in Education from Rutgers University. Her teaching career in the Montgomery Township School District has been marked by her focus on mindfulness, trauma-informed practices, equity, social and emotional learning (SEL), and global leadership.
Lachenauer leads district initiatives in mindfulness, trauma-informed practices, wellness, and SEL. She has conducted workshops and professional development sessions for educators locally and internationally. She is also involved in certifying Mindfulness Teachers through Mindful Schools. Currently, she is completing her first book titled "Let the Glitter Settle: Mindfulness for Teens." In 2018, she became a certified yoga and mindfulness instructor to support stressed teenagers and led a grant-sponsored yoga and mindfulness club at the Upper Middle School until it became permanent in 2023. Additionally, she facilitates the Youth Action Board, a group of high school students focused on mental health awareness.
“Congratulations to Stefanie Lachenauer on this wonderful recognition,” said NJEA President Sean M. Spiller. “Stefanie is dedicated to creating a brighter future for students and public schools, grounded in her principles of equity, wellness, and leadership. Her compassion for students drives her commitment to nurturing them into global leaders. Through her thoughtful and authentic approach, she inspires both students and colleagues. Now, she can share that passion across the state. We take pride in having the best public education system in the nation thanks to educators like Stefanie Lachenauer.”
“As we face the uncertainty that challenges our basic human rights,” said Steve Beatty, NJEA vice president, “Stefanie Lachenauer is the teacher we need to guide vital conversations with our students and communities about fostering resilience and critical thinking. She has earned this recognition by viewing her students as whole individuals and meeting them where they are. We are incredibly proud to honor Stefanie with this esteemed award.”
“The educators in our schools lead with compassion and care for their students,” said NJEA Secretary-Treasurer Petal Robertson. “Stefanie is a shining example of this, particularly in her commitment to raising awareness about mental health and reducing stigma surrounding mental health challenges for both her students and colleagues. Her focus on student well-being creates a supportive environment where all learners can thrive. By prioritizing mental health, she empowers her students to develop resilience and a positive mindset. We are honored to work with Stefanie.”
As part of being named New Jersey Teacher of the Year, Lachenauer will receive an all-expense-paid six-month sabbatical from January through June 2025 courtesy of program sponsor ETS. This will allow her to attend national and state conferences, tour classrooms across New Jersey, and work on various initiatives at the New Jersey Department of Education. ETS will also provide $3,000 worth of technology equipment while NJEA will offer additional perks including a rental car equipped with EZ Pass for travel across the state.
