Branchburg Educator Named Somerset County Teacher Of The Year

BRANCHBURG, NJ — A Branchburg educator has been recognized as one of the state's 2019-20 County Teachers of the Year.

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) named Suzanne Updegrove, a Gifted and Talented teacher for grades 6 through 8 at Branchburg Central Middle School, as the Somerset County Teacher of the Year.

Updegrove "firmly believes that every student deserves the opportunity to explore a variety of interests in order to drive their future learning," according to the NJDOE.

She built a school-wide enrichment program from the ground up that includes services for every student.

She also started the Somerset County Spelling Bee with the Somerset County Library, brought National History Day to her school with multiple students advancing to state and national Finals, and has coached 12 Odyssey of the Mind teams to regional, state and world finals competitions.

In 2016, Updegrove received the NJ 98.7 Teachers Who Make Magic Award and has written and received more than $20,000 in grants for her school.

"She willingly shares her broad experiences with others and values each student for their own individual strengths," according to the DOE.

Updegrove holds a bachelor's degree in history from the College of William and Mary and a master's degree in educational psychology from the University of Connecticut.

"It is with great pride that I recognize these highly skilled, compassionate and dedicated County Teachers of the Year," said Governor Phil Murphy. "These teachers reflect the exemplary quality of educational leadership that we see throughout our state."

The 21 county Teachers of the Year will network with New Jersey educators and serve as ambassadors for the state's schools, officials said.

A panel of educators will select the Teacher of the Year based on applications, video submissions, and interviews with the top six finalists. The winner will be announced at the State Board of Education's October meeting.

The State Teacher of the Year will then go on to represent New Jersey in competing for the title of National Teacher of the Year.

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