Gloucester Township Educator Named County's Top Teacher By State

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — A teacher in the Gloucester Township K-8 Public School District has been named the Camden County Teacher of the Year, the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) announced on Wednesday.

Angel Santiago, a fifth grade teacher at Loring Flemming Elementary School, was honored along with the teachers of the year from the state’s other 20 counties during a virtual awards ceremony.

“Our County Teachers of the Year exemplify the dedication and commitment we see in educators throughout the state,” Gov. Phil Murphy said. “Now, more than ever, it’s important to celebrate and support our teachers in their efforts to ensure all students have opportunities to succeed.”

Individual schools are encouraged to nominate exceptional educators with diverse backgrounds to ensure that the honorees represent the ethnic/racial diversity of New Jersey. As an added incentive to participate, the New Jersey School Boards Association made it possible for over 2,400 educators who were named as their local school’s educator of the year to receive free virtual educational resources that will benefit their students.

As a teacher of the year, Santiago will network with educators throughout the state and serve as ambassadors for New Jersey’s public schools.

A panel of educators then will select the New Jersey State Teacher of the Year based on written applications, video submissions, and interviews with the top finalists. The winner will be announced in October.

Last year’s New Jersey Teacher of the Year came from Camden County, as Haddonfield’s Kimberly Dickstein Hughes took home the award.

“Teachers and schools have the power to change lives,” Interim Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer said. “The County Teachers of the Year who were announced today are being honored not only for their outstanding performance, but also for their high expectations for all students.”

“These amazing individuals have chosen to serve our communities in one of the most honorable professions. They are true representatives of the quality educators we have working in our great public schools,” NJEA Secretary-Treasurer Steve Beatty said.

This year’s announcement comes as schools across the country are preparing to open in various forms amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Gloucester Township K-8 Public School District has submitted its hybrid plan to the county, and was awaiting approval as of Monday night. Read more here: Gloucester Twp. K-8 Schools Still Plan For Hybrid Reopening

“Our schools rank number one in the nation because of the amazing caliber of educators that our county teachers of the year represent. This achievement recognizes their dedication and success working with our students, a title well-earned and well-deserved,” NJEA President Marie Blistan said.

“This honor recognizes the positive impact that each of these teachers has on our students and their communities. They are involved beyond their classrooms and are key to the changes we want to applaud,” NJEA Vice President Sean M. Spiller said.