The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) today announced 21 teachers as the 2020-2021 County Teachers of the Year during a virtual awards ceremony.
“Our County Teachers of the Year exemplify the dedication and commitment we see in educators throughout the state,” Governor Phil Murphy said. “Now, more than ever, it’s important to celebrate and support our teachers in their efforts to ensure all students have opportunities to succeed.”
The Governor’s Educator of the Year Program promotes a positive school culture by acknowledging the hard work and dedication of outstanding teachers.
“Teachers and schools have the power to change lives, Interim Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer said. “The County Teachers of the Year who were announced today are being honored not only for their outstanding performance but also for their high expectations for all students.”
Individual schools are encouraged to nominate exceptional educators with diverse backgrounds to ensure that the honorees represent the ethnic and racial diversity of New Jersey.
As an added incentive to participate, the New Jersey School Boards Association made it possible for over 2,400 educators who were named as their local school’s educator of the year to receive free virtual educational resources that will benefit their students.
The County Teachers of the Year will network with educators throughout the state and serve as ambassadors for New Jersey’s public schools. A panel of educators then will select the New Jersey State Teacher 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.
Additional information can be found on the [**Governor’s Educator of the Year webpage**](https://www.nj.gov/education/recognition/educators/geoy/index.shtml).