Montclair Teachers, Staff Earn 'Educator Of Year' Honors

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Several Montclair Public Schools’ staff members were honored at the virtual May 18 Board of Education meeting for being named 2020-21 Governor's Educator of the Year recipients.

According to a district news release, the staff members were selected by their schools for their educational innovation, student achievement and important services outside the classroom environment that lead to student success.

District administrators stated:

“Each of these teachers and professionals are experts in their various teaching positions, meeting the needs of students from diverse backgrounds. In addition, these recipients demonstrate leadership in and outside the classroom; have the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues; and play an active role in the community as well as their schools.”

Interim Superintendent Nathan Parker offered congratulations to the hardworking staff members.

“We celebrate their ability to inspire our incredible young people,” Parker said. “I am so thankful that we have such an amazing group of dedicated professionals. We applaud their commitment to making a difference in the lives of our students and service to the district.”

The recipients included:

• Vanna Bautista, Bradford
• Patricia Dowling, Bradford
• Greg McGrath, Charles H. Bullock
• Ruby Campbell, Charles H. Bullock
• Traci Ciofi, Edgemont
• Kaitlin Corcoran, Edgemont
• Mi Soo Chung, Hillside
• Ellen Haggerty, Nishuane
• Marissa May, Nishuane
• Lorrie Hunter, Northeast
• Janet Villalobos, Northeast
• Debra Ann Polizzano, Watchung
• Kathleen Piller, Watchung
• Joseph Turner, Buzz Aldrin
• Syreeta Carrington, Glenfield
• Tameka Stafford, Renaissance
• Rodney Jackson, Renaissance
• Lauren Csuka, MHS
• Jaime Walker, MHS

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