Somerset County Teacher Of The Year Awarded To Montgomery Educator

MONTGOMERY, NJ — A Montgomery educator has been recognized as one of the state's 2024-25 County Teachers of the Year.

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) named Stefanie Lachenauer, Montgomery Upper Middle School Social Studies Teacher, as the Somerset County Teacher of the Year.

Lachenauer and the other 20 educators were recognized at an awards ceremony on Tuesday at The College of New Jersey in Ewing.

"New Jersey’s public schools are considered the best in the nation because of our outstanding teachers, and this year’s 21 County Teachers of the Year exemplify that excellence," said Governor Phil Murphy. "Exceptional educators are the key to ensuring that students across New Jersey will have a bright future."

Each school selects Teachers of the Year, who are then eligible to apply for County Teacher of the Year through the Governor’s Educator of the Year Program.

The County Teachers of the Year will network with colleagues throughout the state and serve as representatives for New Jersey’s public schools during the upcoming school year.

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 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.

"The dynamic educators that we recognize today serve as ambassadors of the profession," said Acting Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer. "When we highlight the great efforts from our 21 County Teachers of the Year, we shine a spotlight not only on the accomplishments of these teachers, but also on all of the schools and districts that support these remarkable educators to show why New Jersey schools lead the nation."

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