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West Orange School District Names 2021-22 Governor's Educator of the Year Recipients

 WEST ORANGE, NJ – Superintendent Dr. Scott Cascone announced the list of 20 West Orange School District Governor’s Educator of the Year recipients on Dec. 15. 

Each year, the New Jersey State Department of Education Governor's Educator of the Year Program “highlights educational innovation, student achievement, exemplary teaching, and important services outside the classroom environment that lead to student success.” This celebratory program recognizes the state’s best teachers and educational services professionals.

Based on community and district nominations, recipients are selected according to specific criteria. They must be educators in a PK to grade 12 public or charter school where teaching is the primary responsibility rather than administrative or supervisory responsibilities, or educational services professionals (ESP) who are listed as one of the eligible enrollment areas.

Honorees must be experts in their fields who inspire 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; and have the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues. 


Betty Maddalena Early Learning Center
 

Elizabeth Rubin 

Elizabeth Rubin, PreK Special Education 

Shari Whitman

Shari Whitman, Social Worker 

Gregory 

Lisa Asman

Lisa Picini-Asman, Physical Education & Health 

Hazel 

Karen Lott 

Karen Lott, BSI  

Kelly 

Cynthia Cooney 

Cynthia Cooney, BSI

 Flo Chirichiello

Florence Chirichiello, School Counselor 

Mt. Pleasant 

Ali Fazzio

Ali Fazzio, Kindergarten 

Brianna Grasso

Brianna Grasso, School Nurse 

Redwood 

Kristen Dunleavy 

 Kristen Dunleavy, POR Special Education 

Nancy Hopkins

Nancy Hopkins, Paraprofessional 

St. Cloud

Tara Capra

Tara Capra, Grade Four ELA 

Melissa Bensen, Paraprofessional (not pictured) 

Washington

 Luz Latimer 

Luz Latimer, ESL 

Edison 

Jessica Byrne

Jessica Byrne, Grade Six Math 

Carlene Hernandez

Carlene Hernandez, Social Worker 

Liberty 

Nancy Silva

Nancy Silva, 7th Grade ELA 

Todd Cohen

Todd Cohen, LDTC 

Roosevelt 

 Nicole Eoon

Nicole Eoon, Special Education Math 

West Orange High School  

Lee Cohen

Lee Cohen, School Psychologist

Anthony Perconti

Anthony Perconti, Special Education 

 

 

Cynthia Cumming
Dec. 18, 2021