Montclair's Weston Teaching Awards Enter Final Year

Montclair, NJ – A longtime Montclair philanthropic tradition may be about to end.

Judy and Josh Weston, the founders of the eponymously named “Judy and Josh Weston Awards for Excellence in Teaching,” have announced that 2016 will be the final year the ceremony will be conducted, according to the Montclair Public School District website.

The awards ceremony – which is now in its 25th year – honors local educators for “creativity, high expectations, energy and concern for students.”

Nominated teachers each receive a $2,000 cash award; 16 Montclair educators took home prizes last year.

But after the 2016 awards, the Westons will be moving on to other philanthropic endeavors.

“We’re not getting younger, and I am involved in other things like with the American Museum of Natural History, and I serve on the board of National Dance Institute,” Judy Weston told The Montclair Times. “I just feel it is time to take a break.”

“Their generosity and commitment to these awards will be remembered always by all of us from the Montclair Public Schools,” said awards facilitator Beth Wilensky.

According to the district website, the administration of The Judy and Josh Weston Award for Excellence in Teaching is conducted exclusively by parents. A selection committee of parent representatives from each of Montclair’s public schools, and Judy Weston, select the award recipients.

Students, parents and guardians of children currently attending Montclair Public Schools can submit nominations for the Weston Award using this form.

The due date for nominations is Wednesday, March 2.

Contact Beth Wilensky at bwilensky2209@aol.com for more information.

• See related article: Montclair Educators Honored: 2015 Judy and Josh Weston Awards for Excellence in Teaching
• See related article: Weston Awards Honor Montclair’s Top Teachers

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