It was a humbling surprise to say the least as Sandy Fitzpatrick, a kindergarten teacher at Birches Elementary in the township, reflected on being named the 2025-’26 Gloucester County Teacher of the Year.
“It’s absolutely amazing,” she said, to be recognized for a job she loves to do. “It’s not just recognizing me, but also my school.”
Fitzpatrick was named teacher of the year at an August awards ceremony for the state’s 21 county teachers of the year at The College of New Jersey in Ewing.
She recalled that growing up in Medford, she wanted to be a teacher as long as she could remember, and was always the first to babysit the younger kids. After high school, Fitzpatrick went on to Rowan University for a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and sociology, and she holds a Teacher of Reading certification.
Fitzpatrick started her career in a first-grade class in Medford, and when she married and had children of her own, she took a break to take care of them. All the while, she kept her foot in the classroom as a substitute teacher.
When she came back to teaching full-time, Fitzpatrick was fortunate to find a place in the town where she now lives, first at Grenloch Terrace Elementary, and now at Birches, where she found her niche as a kindergarten teacher.
“I teach because I believe that every child deserves to have their own biggest cheerleader, one that is always encouraging them and never stops believing in them,” Fitzpatrick explained in a New Jersey Department of Education post. “When students step into my classroom, they know that they are loved and always encouraged, and that makes them confident enough to take risks.
“That’s when we start to see those little moments (of them) understanding something that they never thought they could, and they even feel confident enough to teach others always because someone believed in them,” she added.
“… That is the kind of work that changes the world and that’s why I teach.”
“Sandy Fitzpatrick is the kind of teacher students remember for a lifetime,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Eric Hibbs noted. “Her innovation, love and unwavering support create a classroom where every child feels seen, valued and empowered .. Sandy exemplifies what it means to nurture not only young minds, but young hearts.
“She truly represents the very best of our profession.”
Fitzpatrick is the sixth Washington Township educator to earn the county distinction since the recognition was launched during the 1998-’99 school year, and the first since social studies teacher Brittany Mason was honored in 2019-’20.
Fitzpatrick joins a list of district honorees that also includes Birches Elementary fifth-grade teacher Mary Byatt (2003-’04), Washington Township High School library media specialist Ann Hill (2008-’09), Chestnut Ridge Middle School humanities teacher Lori Bathurst (2010-’11) and Wedgwood Elementary School basic skills math teacher Domenick Renzi (2017-’18).
“Sandy Fitzpatrick is a beloved teacher whose warmth, dedication and passion for teaching and learning touch every student she serves,” noted Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Gretchen Gerber.
“Her unwavering commitment to professional growth, her leadership throughout our district initiatives and her genuine care for children make her an extraordinary educator.”
“Mrs. Fitzpatrick is easy to celebrate,” added Birches principal Julie LaRubbio. “She will tell you that she was born to teach kindergarten, and it shows through her love, lessons and advocacy for her students. She is a mentor at Birches and doesn’t miss an opportunity to continue growing and learning and doing what’s best for kids.”
Individual schools select teachers of the year who are then eligible to apply for county teacher of the year through the Governor’s Educator of the Year Program, an initiative designed to recognize the commitment and expertise of outstanding teachers and educational services professionals. More information is available on the Governor’s Educator of the Year Program webpage.
The county winners will network with colleagues in the state and serve as ambassadors for New Jersey’s public schools during the school year. A panel of educators selects the state teacher of the year from among the 21 county winners based on written applications, video submissions and interviews with the top finalists.
The state winner will go on to represent New Jersey in competing for the title of national teacher of the year.
New Jersey Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer said the county teachers of the year serve as “an inspiration to a new generation of young minds who, one day, might explore a career in education themselves.”
As a Google-certified Educator and Seesaw Ambassador, Fitzpatrick integrates technology to foster connection and engagement. She has received grants to support cross-grade projects focused on self-regulation and collaborative writing. Her contributions to curriculum development in writing, English language arts, and health reflect her belief in joyful, developmentally appropriate learning.
Fitzpatrick’s teaching philosophy centers on the idea that every student deserves a personalized, relevant and supportive learning experience. Through engaging lessons that value every student’s voice and abilities, she works hard to create a classroom where students are empowered to be their very best.
