EWING, NJ — A Toms River Regional Schools teacher has been named the Ocean County Teacher of the Year for the 2026-27 school year by the New Jersey Department of Education.
Angela Germano, who teaches English language arts at Toms River Intermediate East, was among the 21 county teachers of the year honored on Tuesday at an awards ceremony at The College of New Jersey.
Germano, who has been a teacher in the Toms River schools for 11 years, is "the personification of 'passion with a purpose,' " Toms River Regional Schools Superintendent Michael Citta said. "Her love for her students and for what she does is evident each and every day, and she has a special talent for converting her love for teaching into a genuine love for learning that leads to confidence and tangible student achievement."
Her path to education was shaped by personal challenges and the lasting impact of supportive educators, experiences that continue to inform her commitment to creating a classroom where all students feel seen, valued, and capable of achieving their goals, her biography said.
"Beyond the classroom, she leads a range of student-centered initiatives, including literacy drives, family book clubs, open mic events, and community partnerships that provide students with opportunities to publish their work, share their voices, and connect learning to real-world experiences," her biography said.
Germano holds a master's degree in public and corporate communication and a bachelor's degree in communication from Monmouth University and is a doctoral candidate in general psychology with a concentration in integrating teaching, learning, and technology at Grand Canyon University, her biography on the state Department of Education website said.
She served for two decades as an adjunct professor at Ocean County College, "consistently earning strong teaching evaluations, and contributed to literacy initiatives and dual-enrollment programming at Bucks County Community College," the biography said.
In the Toms River schools she has won more than 20 grants to support literacy, family engagement, student well-being, and community-connected learning, while maintaining strong student growth outcomes and high performance ratings.
Germano also is an author, speaker, and consultant and extends her impact through books, presentations, and community outreach. She is dedicated to building students' confidence, strengthening communication skills, and creating opportunities for authentic learning and connection, her biography said.
"We are honored and proud to call the 2026-2027 Ocean County Teacher of the Year one of our own, and we congratulate Ms. Germano on this well-deserved honor," Citta said.
"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," Gov. Mikie Sherrill said. "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."
"The County Teachers of the Year exemplify the excellence, creativity, and dedication that define the teaching profession in New Jersey," said Lily Laux, the NJ commissioner of education. "School can change the trajectory of a child's life – and great teachers are the heart of that change, providing students with meaningful learning opportunities that make them feel safe, supported, and successful. We are proud to celebrate these educators and the positive influence they have on countless students and families."
Teachers of the year are chosen by their schools and within their districts and then are eligible to apply for County Teacher of the Year through the Governor's Educator of the Year Program, an initiative that recognizes outstanding teachers and educational services professionals.
The New Jersey State Teacher of the Year will be chosen from among the 21 county Teachers of the Year based on written applications, video submissions, and interviews with the top finalists.
The State Teacher of the Year is scheduled to be announced in the fall, the NJDOE said.
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