Lacey Township Schools Honor 7 Teachers Of The Year Across District

LACEY, NJ — The Lacey Township school district recognized seven teachers of the year during a Board of Education meeting, including one districtwide honoree whose role spans three elementary schools.

Before announcing the honorees, Acting Superintendent William Zylinski said each school forms a panel of teachers, administrators, parents and other staff members to review eligible candidates. That group narrows the field to three names, which are then sent to a board-level committee that selects one winner for each building.

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The district honored Matthew Baratta of Lacey Township High School, Siobhan Barker of Lacey Township Middle School, Jennifer Ewert of Cedar Creek School, Katie King of Forked River School, Jodi Ritaccoof Lanoka Harbor School and Sarah Silva of Mill Pond School. Zylinski said there were seven honorees this year because Jessica Shaffer works in three buildings.

“So, the principals were fighting over her to be their their teacher of the year,” Zylinski said. “So, I said we're going to make a seventh this year and then I'll do the presentation.” He then named Shaffer the district’s teacher of the year.

School administrators highlighted each teacher’s work in the classroom and across the district.

Lacey Township Middle School Principal Vincent Brandis said Barker “individualizes instruction more than just about anybody in the building” and said she also serves as a data coach, instructional coach and class adviser.

Cedar Creek Principal Holly Niemiec said Ewert “has been an educator for 19 years” and said she volunteers her time for the drama club, scholarship committee and other school efforts.

At Forked River School, Principal Robert Fiedler said “to know Mrs. King is to witness endless passion,” and noted that she helps develop the whole child instead of just focusing on the curriculum.

Lanoka Harbor Principal Matthew Brewer said Ritacco has been in the district for 29 years and has taken part in school events ranging from literacy programs to drama club.

Mill Pond Principal Jody Donn said Silva joined the Lacey district in 2019 and helped build the school’s kindergarten team.

In announcing Shaffer as the district honoree, Zylinski said she teaches fifth grade accelerated math and works across all three elementary schools. He said her leadership also includes roles as a data coach, club adviser and professional development leader.

“It’s with great pride that we recognize her as this year's teacher of the year,” Zylinski said. “Congratulations.”