High-Achieving West Orange Teachers, Educators Earn Honors

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange Board of Education recently recognized its 2022-2023 Governor's Educators of the Year honorees, paying tribute to several high-achieving teachers and professionals (see photos below).

During a board meeting last month, Joseph Vespignani, executive director of personnel and special projects, introduced each school’s principal, who then announced their nominated teacher and educational service professional (not all schools have ESPs).

The Library Media Center at West Orange High School was filled to capacity with family, friends, staff and fellow educators, who were there to celebrate their friends and co-workers.

According to district administrators:

“The Governor's Educator of the Year Program highlights educational innovation, student achievement, exemplary teaching, and important services outside the classroom environment that lead to student success. The program recognizes the state's best teachers and educational services professionals. Honorees are exceptionally skilled and dedicated licensed classroom teachers (PK to grade 12 in a public or charter school) where teaching is the primary responsibility, rather than administrative or supervisory responsibilities or educational services professionals (ESP) who are listed as one of the eligible enrollment areas. Among several eligibility criteria, they must also be experts in the field who inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn; actively collaborate with colleagues, students, and families to create a strong culture of respect and success; demonstrate leadership and innovation in educational activities; and have the respect and admiration of students, parents and colleagues.”

Betty Maddalena Early Learning Center: ESP Jacqueline Smeragliuolo, Principal Connie Salimbeno, Teacher Lauren Porter

Gregory Elementary School: Teacher Rose Marie Kelly and Principal Makeida Hewitt

Hazel Elementary School: Teacher Nicole Payne-Venezia and Principal Joel Castillo

Kelly Elementary School: ESP Stephanie Ross, Principal David Marion, Teacher Kelly Clancy

Mt. Pleasant Elementary School: Teacher Kim Tawil and Principal Julie Digiacomo

Redwood Elementary School: Teacher Lisa DeMichele and Principal Kimya Jackson

St. Cloud Elementary School: Teacher Gregory Marchesi, Principal Eric Price, ESP Laurie Stecklow

Washington Elementary School: Teacher Amy Jakimas, Principal Marie DeMaio, and ESP Rene Wells

Edison Middle School: Acting Assistant Principal Dr. Keri Orange-Jones, Teacher Chitra Ramchandani (posthumous), award received by her children, Akash and Anjali, and ESP Jeffrey Lafoon

Liberty Middle School: Acting Principal Xavier Fitzgerald, ESP Sara Cabral-Fogarty, Teacher Mary Ann Solimo, Assistant Principal Stephen Olshalsky

Roosevelt Middle School: ESP Michele Blum, Principal Lionel Hush, Teacher Janis Oliver

West Orange High School: Principal Oscar Guerrero and Teacher Dr. William Farley. (Not pictured: ESP Ferdinand Christian III).

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