West Orange Educator Gets Archdiocese Nod As ‘Teacher Of Year’

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A history teacher at Seton Hall Preparatory School in West Orange recently earned a big thumbs up as the Archdiocese of Newark’s 2022 “Teacher of the Year.”

Juliette Wester, a teacher from Seton Hall Prep, has also been nominated for New Jersey Council for American Private Education (NJCAPE) “New Jersey Nonpublic School Teacher of the Year Award.”

According to the archdiocese:

“The NJCAPE is a diverse group of nonpublic schools throughout New Jersey, including private, independent, and religious schools. The New Jersey Nonpublic School Teacher of the Year Award is a prestigious title the organization awards annually to a teacher who exhibits outstanding dedication, knowledge and skill for his or her craft, while demonstrating respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues.”

Here's why Wester earned the nod this year, the archdiocese said:

“Wester was nominated for the award after her students this past school year scored high marks on their advanced placement exams. The administration at Seton Hall Prep described her as a diligent and caring teacher who is a ‘mainstay at sporting events’ and frequently goes above and beyond to ensure the success of SHP students.”

According to the archdiocese:

“Wester is a product of the Archdiocese of Newark’s Catholic schools, having attended Our Lady of Sorrows Grammar School in Maplewood and the Academy of Saint Elizabeth in Florham Park, NJ, before going on to earn her bachelor’s degree in political science and economics from Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia and her M.Ed. at Seton Hall University. She has only worked in Catholic schools, having taught at Marian Middle School in St. Louis, MO, and the Sisters Academy in Asbury Park before joining Seton Hall Prep in 2014.”

Wester is currently undergoing an interview process to determine her eligibility for the award. The NJCAPE is expected to announce the winner early in the school year.

“Being recognized for this award was so amazing and really such an honor, but it is because I have been surrounded by such wonderful educators my whole life as both a student and a teacher,” Wester said.

“I would not be getting this award if it were not for the privilege of being surrounded by so many wonderful teachers I have been taught by and have taught with,” Wester added.

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