Math Teacher Named 2026-27 Monmouth County Teacher Of The Year

MANALAPAN-ENGLISHTOWN, NJ — The NJ Department of Education (NJ DOE) has announced the 21 educators who have been named New Jersey’s County Teachers of the Year for the 2026-2027 school year.

Each year, individual schools select 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.

This initiative recognizes outstanding teachers and educational services professionals, officials said.

In Monmouth County, Megan Watts, a math teacher at Manalapan-Englishtown Middle School, has been named the county's 2026-27 Teacher of the Year.

According to her bio on the NJ DOE website, Watts has spent nine years teaching students in grades six through eight in both special education and mathematics settings.

Currently, she works as an eighth-grade math teacher at Manalapan-Englishtown Middle School, where she creates “a learning environment that encourages critical thinking, collaboration, perseverance, and confidence in mathematics.”

“The County Teachers of the Year exemplify the excellence, creativity, and dedication that define the teaching profession in New Jersey,” said Dr. Lily Laux, Commissioner of Education.

“School can change the trajectory of a child’s life – and great teachers are the heart of that change, providing students with meaningful learning opportunities that make them feel safe, supported, and successful,” Laux continued. “We are proud to celebrate these educators and the positive influence they have on countless students and families.”

A graduate of Rutgers University, Watts has helped lead the school’s mathematics team to success (including a second-place finish in the Christian Brothers Academy Mathematics Competition) and also supports colleagues and school-wide initiatives through her involvement with Faculty Council and the Sunshine Committee.

Beyond the classroom, Watts advises Student Council and Future Teachers of America, co-founded the school's Dance Team, and contributes choreography to school productions, according to NJ DOE.

“These roles allow Megan to connect with students through leadership, creativity, service, and the performing arts while helping them develop a strong sense of belonging,” NJ DOE officials said. “She brings energy and enthusiasm to both academic and extracurricular experiences, working to ensure that students’ talents are recognized in many different settings.”

“Defined by her creativity, dedication to student growth, and commitment to meaningful relationships, Megan strives to ensure that every student feels valued, appropriately challenged, and supported, making her an extraordinary educator and a positive role model throughout her school community.”

Watts, along with the other educators named as County Teachers of the Year for 2026-27, was recognized at an awards ceremony Tuesday at The College of New Jersey in Ewing.

These educators will network with colleagues throughout the state and serve as ambassadors for New Jersey’s public schools during the 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 announcement of the New Jersey State Teacher of the Year is scheduled to take place this fall.

For the 2025-26 school year, an ESL teacher in the Freehold Borough School District was named the NJ State Teacher of the Year.

• Read More: Monmouth County Educator Named 2025-26 NJ Teacher Of The Year

Once named, 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.

“New Jersey’s success depends on the strength of our public schools and the tireless commitment of the educators who show up every day for our kids,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill.

“The 21 County Teachers of the Year who are being recognized today represent the very best of this profession,” Sherrill continued. “Their commitment to helping students learn, grow, and achieve their goals strengthens communities across our state and helps ensure a brighter future for New Jersey.”

To see a full list of the 2026-27 County Teachers of the Year, you can visit the NJ DOE website.