2022-2023 New Jersey State Teacher of the Year Announced

The New Jersey Department of Education has named Christine Girtain, a Science Teacher and the Director of Authentic Science Research at Toms River High School North and South, the 2022-2023 New Jersey State Teacher of the Year

Girtain has been teaching science for 28 years, including Earth Science, Biology, and Authentic Science Research. She was twice recognized as her school’s Teacher of the Year, and is the New Jersey science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) Pathways 2019 STEM Teacher of the Year.

“One of the greatest celebrations that we have in education is naming the New Jersey State Teacher of the Year,” said Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, Acting Commissioner of Education in a press release. “The Teacher of the Year serves as an exemplar of the kinds of dynamic instruction that is occurring in classrooms throughout New Jersey, and Christine truly sets the standard for innovation. The way she ignites an interest in the sciences will benefit her students long after high school. Her students are fortunate to have her as a teacher.”

In her role as State Teacher of the Year, Christine will work with the New Jersey Department of Education and give presentations to colleagues and stakeholders around the State, speak with aspiring teachers, and visit classrooms to advance the teaching profession and inspire interest in the STEM fields. She will also take part in national conferences with other State Teachers of the Year.

Christine was one of four finalists for New Jersey State Teacher of the Year. The finalists received the highest scores on their applications and their interviews with a distinguished panel of representatives from the State’s education associations and other stakeholder groups.

The other three finalists are: Daryl Detrick, a computer science teacher at Warren Hills Regional High School in the Warren Hills Regional School District, Warren County; Ian Evans, an English teacher at Hillsborough Middle Schools, Hillsborough Township School District, Somerset County; and Leana Malinowsky, a second-grade teacher at Private Nicholas Minue School, Carteret School District, Middlesex County.

The reputation of any school district is a huge factor when it comes to deciding where to send your child to receive an education. Luckily, New Jersey has some of the best schools and educators in the country available for its residents.

According to Niche.com, these are the top 20 public school districts in New Jersey. This list includes their individual and overall ranking. The list was compiled in order from those total ranks.