2022 New Jersey State Teacher of the Year Theresa Maughan

09/02/2026

08/26/2026

Five years ago I was honored to join this phenomenal group of teachers as the 2021-2022 NJ County Teachers of the Year! I’m extremely grateful for the friendships and opportunities this recognition has brought me. But the real gift was the platform it gave me, and I’ve tried to use it in service of something bigger than myself. Since then, I’ve chaired the Essex County Education Association’s Human and Civil Rights Committee, served on the NJ Education Commissioner’s Teacher Advisory Council and the NJ DOE State Professional Learning Committee, and facilitated NJ Amistad Commission summer institutes to help teachers bring untold histories into their classrooms. I’ve presented at NJEA and NNSTOY leadership conferences, joined the Civics Catalyst Fellowship and the Democratic Knowledge Project’s National Civic Forum Fellowship at Harvard, and this year was named a 2026 National Teachers Hall of Fame inductee.
None of this has been about the title. It’s about making sure the students in East Orange and beyond see themselves in the histories we teach, that fellow educators have real support and a seat at the policy table, and that our profession is treated with the respect it deserves.
So to my students, my colleagues, and all educators doing this work every day, thank you for giving me a reason to keep advocating. This recognition was never the finish line. It was the starting point

08/16/2026

NJ Tutoring Corps focuses on closing learning gaps, not simply counting how many scholars reach grade level

08/16/2026

Hey, teens! Don't forget to submit your reading time at https://tinyurl.com/EOPLteen2026 to be eligible for our end-of-summer Teen Summer Reading pizza 🍕 party and prize raffle!

Each time you finish a book or story, fill out the form to let our librarian know how much time you spent reading. You can read anything you want to: Novels, nonfiction books, magazines, graphic novels, manga, audiobooks, ebooks, and even fanfiction. As long as you're reading, it counts! The more time you spend reading, the more raffle tickets 🎟️ you earn, and the greater your chances of winning our fun prizes. 🪎

📚 Teen Summer Reading is open to teens who will be in grades 8-12 in September of 2026. The submission deadline is Monday, August 24th. Questions? Email [email protected] for more info.

08/16/2026

📣High school students! Are you looking for a fun way to explore American history? Check out History School Book Club!

Students watch a video featuring a renowned historian discussing their pivotal work and answer knowledge-check questions interspersed throughout. When they complete all the units in the topic, they will receive a certificate.

There are three Book Club topics to choose from, including The Founding Era! The founding era refers to the period in American history from approximately 1774 to 1797, encompassing the Revolutionary War, the establishment of the United States, and the creation of its foundational government. Scholarship on the founding era continues to evolve, with ongoing debates about the meaning and legacy of the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, and the US Constitution.

Books for this course include:
📓Mary Beth Norton: "1774: The Long Year of Revolution"
📓Ana Lucia Araujo: "Humans in Shackles: An Atlantic History of Slavery"
📓James Basker: "Black Writers of the Founding Era"
And more!

Learn more and register: gilderlehrman.org/history-school-book-club

08/16/2026

08/12/2026

Congratulations to the incredible 2026–2027 New Jersey County Teachers of the Year! New Jersey’s success depends on the strength of our public schools and the educators who tirelessly make a difference every day.

The 21 honorees recognized this year represent the very best of our profession — exemplifying the excellence, creativity, and dedication that define teaching in New Jersey. Their commitment to helping students learn, grow, and achieve their goals strengthens communities across our state and ensures a brighter future for all.

We are proud to celebrate these educators and the positive influence they have on countless students and families.
Find out more:https://www.nj.gov/education/news/2026/NJDOEAnnouncesCountyTeachersoftheYearfor2026-2027.pdf