Montclair’s Finest Teachers: Judy Weston Awards Return For 2024

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

The Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence is calling for nominations for the 2024 Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching.

The awards, established by Josh and Judy Weston in 1991 to acknowledge and celebrate Montclair Public Schools teachers, were given each year until 2016. After a brief hiatus, the awards returned in 2023 and are administered by MFEE. Last year, 16 teachers won $2,000 each from a pool of 110 nominated educators.

All parents/guardians of current Montclair Public Schools students and current MPS students are encouraged to nominate teachers. Nominations can be written or submitted as an audio or video recording. Students can also submit photos of their written nomination.

Judy Weston was a long-time Montclair resident and champion of public schools. The awards honor her memory. An engaged mother of four MHS alums, Judy believed that dedicated and empathetic educators are vital to helping students achieve their potential.

"Judy was passionate about wanting to recognize and celebrate the many talented teachers in our district who exercise their craft so well on behalf of Montclair students,” said Josh Weston.

“I am thrilled that Josh Weston is once again sponsoring the Judy Weston Inspired Teaching awards, along with MFEE. I never had the pleasure of meeting Judy, but from all accounts I hear she was an amazing woman, dedicated to education, and this award presented in her honor is a most coveted award among our teachers,” said Dr. Jonathan Ponds, superintendent of Montclair Public Schools. “Our Montclair teachers are part of a legacy of educators who are committed to supporting our students, understanding their diverse cultures, and creating a high-achieving environment. I am looking forward to the ceremony and congratulating this year’s recipients.”

“The awards recognize that teachers are essential to student success,” said Masiel Rodriquez-Vars, executive director of MFEE. “We’re so pleased to honor Judy’s spirit by spotlighting excellent educators in our community."

What is “Inspired Teaching?”

The awards honor both master teachers and those who are on their way to achieving that status. Inspired teaching combines a range of skills across several core areas. Ultimately, it excites students to learn, helps them feel valued, and responds to their individual needs and strengths.

By nominating a teacher, parents/caregivers and students give insight through personal stories and specific examples. Winners are selected based on what parents/caregivers and students share through their nominations.

Sixteen teachers across Montclair Public Schools will be selected to receive individual cash awards of $2,000. The deadline for nominations is April 5, 2024.

The awards are deeply meaningful to educators. All teachers who are nominated are recognized at a public celebration, and MFEE will share the nomination letters with them as well.

Jessica Buel, an MHS English teacher and recipient of a 2023 award said: “This recognition was truly unexpected and affirming. Teachers understand that the work they do every day is critical to a healthy community and can change the trajectory of a child's life. However, hearing how other people reflect on your work is something special.”

Troy Mullins, a 2023 nominee who teaches Kindergarten at Nishuane School told MFEE: “It is pretty awesome when someone recognizes the time, effort and care that this calling requires.”

A selection committee made up of local education professionals and community leaders reads all nominations (with names removed) and names 16 finalists:

• One teacher from each elementary school
• One teacher from each middle school
• Two teachers from the high school
• One special education teacher from across the district
• Two “at-large” awards for teachers from any school
• NEW: One “peer” award, based on teacher nominations and given to a teacher who has served as inspiration to their peers.

Winners will be notified at the end of April, and awards will be presented on June 12 at 6 p.m. at a public ceremony hosted by the Montclair Public Schools.

Visit mfee.org to learn more about the awards and to nominate a teacher.

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