NJ Teacher Of Year From Toms River Earns National Honor

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Christine Girtain, the 2022-23 New Jersey Teacher of the Year, has been honored with the NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence, one of 43 teachers in the country to receive the honor.

The award recognizes teachers "for their leadership, excellence in the classroom, family and community engagement, commitment to equity and diversity, and advocacy for the teaching profession," the NEA Foundation said in announcing the honorees, who were nominated by the NEA's state affiliates.

Girtain and the other 2024 educator awardees will be honored at the NEA Foundation Salute to Excellence in Education on May 3, 2024, at The Anthem in Washington, DC.

Five of the awardees will be chosen as finalists for the top national award and receive $10,000. The educator selected for the top honor will be revealed at the NEA Foundation Salute to Excellence in Education and receive $25,000.

"These extraordinary awardees remind us that educators are the backbone of our communities and our democracy," said Sara A. Sneed, president and CEO of The NEA Foundation. "At a time when educators and public education are under attack, these educators have been at the forefront of ensuring access to a high-quality education for all students. Building a bright future for America’s children requires that we all do our part to support educators and racial justice in public education."