Jersey City Art Educator Named Hudson County ‘Teacher Of Year'

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — A Jersey City educator earned a nod as Hudson County’s “Teacher of the Year” from the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE).

The NJDOE announced the 21 county winners of the Governor’s Educator of the Year Program for the 2019-20 school year on Wednesday, giving Martha Noriette Garcia of the Jersey City Public School District the award in Hudson County.

According to the NJDOE, Garcia teaches at Academy 1 Middle School at the 6th to 8th grade level.

“It is with great pride that I recognize these highly skilled, compassionate and dedicated County Teachers of the Year,” Gov. Phil Murphy said of the 21 county awardees. “These teachers reflect the exemplary quality of educational leadership that we see throughout our state.”

NJDOE officials provided the following biography info for Garcia:

“Martha Noriette Garcia graduated magna cum laude from Montclair State University with a bachelor's degree in art education. She is currently enrolled in graduate classes at New Jersey City University. She is continuously finding ways to improve student achievement and has attended professional development; at places such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the National Art Educators conference. Martha has led her students to win multiple awards for their artwork. As an art advocate, she has initiated large-scale group installations and exhibitions within her school and community, extending art education and awareness outside the limits of her classroom. Through Martha's guidance, countless students have been able to attain their highest potential, winning awards and becoming creative thinkers and problem solvers."

The state winner of the Teacher of the Year award is expected to be announced at the New Jersey Board of Education's October meeting.

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