Cedar Creek Educator Named Atlantic Co. Teacher Of The Year

The social studies teacher has taught nearly every social studies course and level offered at the high school, officials said.

By Veronica Flesher, Patch Staff

Aug 11, 2026 3:47 PM EDT

Kimberley Briles received a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Delaware and completed graduate coursework in education and history at Ohio University. (New Jersey Department of Education)

EGG HARBOR CITY, NJ — A Cedar Creek High School social studies teacher was named Atlantic County Teacher of the Year for 2026-27, the New Jersey Department of Education announced Tuesday.

"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."

Kimberley Briles has been a teacher at Cedar Creek for 26 years, according to her biography from the Department of Education. She has spent those years "teaching nearly every social studies course and level offered," her bio said.

Briles' teaching style involves creating "civic learning experiences that connect classroom instruction to authentic participation."

"She recently led a schoolwide civic engagement initiative that partnered with voting advocates and election administrators to provide more than four hundred students with authentic voting experiences," the Department of Education said.

Briles also created a professional learning company, Novel Ideas, which pairs educational texts with experiential field trips to foster collaboration among educators.

"Beyond the classroom, she has advised numerous student organizations, coached field hockey, chaperoned five international travel experiences, and served seven years as president of the Greater Egg Harbor Regional Education Association, representing four hundred educators," her bio said.

A panel of educators will select the New Jersey State Teacher of the Year from among the 21 County Teachers of the Year based on written applications, video submissions, and interviews with the top finalists. The announcement of the New Jersey State Teacher of the Year is scheduled to take place this fall. The New Jersey State Teacher of the Year will go on to represent New Jersey in competing for the title of National Teacher of the Year.

"Kimberley is defined by her ability to foster inclusive learning environments where students think critically, engage respectfully, and discover the power of their voices as informed citizens," the Department of Education said.