Chester Teacher Named NJ's Middle Level Educator Of The Year

Black River Middle School math teacher Krista Maico was honored at the NJAMLE annual conference in Lincroft.

By Jack Slocum, Patch Staff

Apr 17, 2026 3:16 pm EDT

Pictured from left to right: Dr. William Kochis (Superintendent), Mr. Andrew White (BRMS Principal), Mrs. Krista Maico (BRMS Math Teacher), Mrs. Rebecca Tsihlas (BRMS Vice Principal), Mr. Brad Currie (Assistant Superintendent). ((Chester School District))

CHESTER, NJ — A Black River Middle School teacher has been recognized by the New Jersey Association for Middle Level Education as its 2026 Middle Level Educator of the Year.

Krista Maico, who teaches seventh- and eighth-grade mathematics at the school, was honored recently at NJAMLE's annual conference at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft.

Maico has taught at Black River Middle School since 2011. In addition to teaching math, she coaches cross country, serves as the eighth-grade team leader, oversees eighth-grade graduation, and leads summer math curriculum updates.

Mrs. Maico teaching mathematical concepts in her BRMS classroom. (Chester School District)

The district also noted that she was recognized as Black River Middle School's New Jersey Governor's Educator of the Year in December 2025.

"Mrs. Maico’s recognition as the NJAMLE Middle Level Educator of the Year is a testament to the high caliber of instruction we strive for in the Chester School District. Since joining the district, it has been clear to me that her dedication to student-centered learning and her multifaceted leadership roles make her an invaluable asset to our community," Superintendent Dr. William Kochis said. "This award highlights what we already know...Mrs. Maico is a champion for every student she teaches, and we are incredibly proud to have an educator of her stature guiding our schools.”

Others in the school community also praised Maico's classroom work and leadership. BRMS alum Anne McBreen, Class of 2025, said Maico connected math lessons to real-life examples that helped students understand difficult concepts. Retired BRMS math teacher Jim Yankowicz described her classroom practices as intentional, reflective, and responsive to student needs, while fellow eighth-grade team member Sean McQueeney said she also serves as treasurer of the Chester Education Association and is an active member of the Sunshine Committee.

“Mrs. Maico was the first teacher I ever observed in the Chester School District some 15 years ago, and I could see then what I see now, which is her ability to exhaust all options in order to promote the success of all students," said Assistant Superintendent Brad Currie.