Home » NJDOE’s Pick for Mercer County’s Teacher of the Year from HVRSD

NJDOE’s Pick for Mercer County’s Teacher of the Year from HVRSD

by MercerMe Staff

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) recognized 21 teachers — one per county — as the 2018-19 County Teachers of the Year in an awards ceremony this summer. The Teacher of the Year for Mercer County is Nicholas Johnson, a science teacher at Hopewell Valley Central High School.

“I am honored to recognize the 2018-2019 County Teachers of the Year,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “These 21 educators exemplify the outstanding level of talent and commitment that exists in New Jersey’s public schools. Their hard work and dedication is a critical part of making our state’s public education system one of the best in the country and creating a life-long love of learning for New Jersey’s students.”

Individual schools are encouraged to identify educators for the Governor’s Educator of the Year Program to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of their outstanding teachers.  Teachers recognized as part of this program become eligible to compete for County Teachers of the Year.  Panels representing a cross-section of administrators, teachers, parents and members of county education associations select each County Teacher of the Year.

Teachers are chosen, in part, for their exceptional skill and dedication in the classroom; be an expert in the field who inspires 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 at the school, district, and/or state and national level that take place both within or outside the school setting. Additional qualifications can be found here.

“Mr. Johnson is the teacher you want your child to have in high school,” said Hopewell Valley Regional School District Superintendent Dr. Tom Smith. “He is a caring and compassionate educator who is knowledgable in his content area and strives to engage his students. He is also actively involved in our school community, supervising clubs and activities in addition to his work as a Chemistry Teacher. As a school district, we are incredibly proud of Mr. Johnson’s well deserved recognition as Mercer County Teacher of the Year.”

The County Teachers of the Year will network with educators throughout the state and serve as ambassadors for New Jersey’s public schools. Additional information can be found on the Governor’s Educator of the Year webpage.

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 County Teachers of the Year. The State Teacher of the Year is expected to be 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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