Atlantic County's Teacher of the Year Is ...

There can be only one.

Each year, one of the thousands of teachers across the state is named as the best in the state, and it begins at the county level.

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) announced this week its top teachers in each of the state’s 21 counties, who will all vie for top teacher in the Garden State this fall.

Michael Martirone, a ninth-grade social studies teacher at Egg Harbor Township High School, earned the top spot in Atlantic County.

Earning the nod isn’t just about the title, but being asked to help shape education in the state.

“The Department of Education will engage this group of honored educators throughout the 2015-16 school year in a number of ways. In addition to fostering opportunities for the teachers to network with educators throughout the state and country, state officials will count on the group to bring valuable resources and materials directly from the Department to local districts. At the same time, the teachers will be invited to serve on state committees and task forces to share their own experiences and voices at the state level,” NJDOE said in a statement.

A panel of educators will select a Teacher of the Year based on a written application, video submission, and interviews with the top five finalists. The winner will be announced in October, and go on to represent New Jersey at the National Teacher of the Year competition.