Dance Teacher Named Morris Co. Educator Of The Year

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — A high school dance teacher has been named by the New Jersey Department of Education as the Morris County Educator of the Year.

Hannah Olmo, Dover High School's dance teacher, was one of 21 teachers from across the Garden State to earn the recognition.

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"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. 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."

Olmo was named Teacher of the Year at Dover High School in the spring, giving her the opportunity to be an applicant for the Educator of the Year Program.

Olmo has worked at Dover High School for seven years, since the school launched its first-ever dance program. In her time at Dover High School, she created the school's first National Honor Society for Dance Arts chapter and has led several award-winning dance clubs.

The teacher instructs aspiring dancers in a multitude of dance types, including jazz, contemporary, salsa, and hip-hop, to name a few. She instructs about 100 students in her four-year dance curriculum, and roughly 80 students in extracurricular dance programs.

Dover High School officials said that Olmo "creates a supportive, inspiring space where students grow as dancers and as people."

"When my kids come into the classroom, one of my biggest goals is to create self-confidence within them," Olmo said in a 2023 Teacher's Spotlight video. "I want them to exit my room feeling proud of who they are and proud of what they represent."

See Olmo's full Teacher's Spotlight video below:

Click here to see the full list of 2026 Educator of the Year winners.