North Dover Elementary's Michael DeRiggi Named Ocean County Teacher Of The Year

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Michael DeRiggi Jr., a fifth-grade teacher at North Dover Elementary School, has been named the Governor's Ocean County Teacher of the Year for the 2021-22 school year.

DeRiggi, who graduated from Stockton University, started his student teaching in a first-grade class at North Dover Elementary and has been there for 13 years.

The information submitted with the nomination said DeRiggi "constantly uses data from various sources to best meet the needs of all his students and learners."

"Using data, he can conduct lessons that are differentiated to help guide student achievement," the nomination said. "Michael tries diligently to make impacts both in and outside the class setting. He often watches his students perform in athletics and the arts, which helps create a strong teacher and student relationship."

DeRiggi also has conducted several professional development sessions to help his fellow teachers.

He received the Curriculum Associates Extraordinary Educator of the Year Award in December 2020. Curriculum Associates manages the iReady assessment, along with other services including distance learning, differentiated instruction, and equity in learning.

"I am beyond humbled and honored to be named Ocean County Teacher of the Year," DeRiggi said in the virtual awards presentation, where he thanked the staff and administration at North Dover, along with his family and his students.

"I feel like I'm a little piece of everybody, they taught me how to become a teacher," he said of the staff and administration at North Dover.

"I've had the greatest students and families over my 13 years," DeRiggi said. "They have truly made me who I have become today. I'm grateful for every student who has walked through my door."

"New Jersey public schools have been recognized as the best in the nation and the strength of our schools is driven by our dynamic educators," Gov. Phil Murphy said.

The county teachers of the year "are true exemplars of the innovative instruction and educational greatness that New Jersey offers to students."

"We celebrate the extraordinary service of these teachers for their ongoing efforts to ensure that our students succeed both inside and outside of the classroom," Acting Education Commissioner Angelica Allen-McMillian said.

The County Teachers of the Year will network with educators throughout the state and serve as ambassadors for New Jersey’s public schools throughout the upcoming school year. A panel of educators will select the New Jersey State Teacher of the Year from among the 21 County Teachers of the Year based on written applications, video submissions, and interviews with the top finalists. The New Jersey State Teacher of the Year is typically announced at the state Board of Education’s October meeting and will go on to represent New Jersey in competing for the title of National Teacher of the Year.

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