“(The criteria) is a really high bar to meet,” Superintendent Dr. George Rafferty said of two state programs that recognize teachers and professionals. “But we had no trouble finding individuals to represent Mount Laurel from across the district.”
The Mount Laurel Board of Education recognized its 2025-’26 Governor’s Educators of the Year and the state’s Exemplary Educators at a meeting last month.
The Educator of the Year program recognizes the hard work of dedicated and outstanding teachers and school professionals as teachers of the year and educational services professionals of the year, respectively. It also celebrates educational innovation, student achievement, the rewards of teaching and services outside the classroom environment that lead to student success.
The state Department of Education annually invites administrators and supervisors from each district to recommend up to three educators as exemplary. Criteria for a governor’s nomination include active collaboration with colleagues, students and families to create a strong culture of respect and success, and the demonstration of leadership and innovation in educational activities at the school, district and/or state and national levels in and outside of the schools.
“(The criteria) is a really high bar to meet,” Superintendent Dr. George Rafferty said. “But we had no trouble finding individuals to represent Mount Laurel from across the district.”
Educators recognized at the board meeting were Matthew White, third-grade teacher at Countryside Elementary School; Amy Hubbs, an art teacher at Fleetwood Elementary School; Melissa Winkel, a third-grade teacher at Hillside Elementary School; Dawn Evans, a second-grade teacher at Larchmont Elementary; Jessica Burch, a special education teacher at Parkway Elementary; Jessica Mannino, a kindergarten teacher at Springville Elementary; Renee Billingsley, a math and science teacher at Mount Laurel Hartford School; and Kristy Curtis, a social studies teacher at Thomas E. Harrington Middle School.
Criteria for an Exemplary Educators nomination include exhibiting strong knowledge and skills; having an inspiring
presence; and making a positive impact on students, colleagues and the school community. This year’s nominees are Uriah Young, a social studies teacher at Hartford School; Kristy Curtis, a social studies teacher at Harrington Middle; and Jane Topolski, an algebra and geometry teacher also at Harrington.
“We’re very proud of (the educators),” Rafferty noted. “Not just because of what they represent in Mount Laurel, but they’ve also been very patient with one winter storm after the next. (This recognition) is usually something we do in January, but here we are in March.”
Doug Bozarth, a teacher and president of the Mount Laurel Education Association, commended the educators for working with students and representing the district well.
“On behalf of the Mount Laurel Education Association, I want to congratulate all of our recipients tonight,” he announced. “Your work for the students of Mount Laurel and your dedication to Mount Laurel has been noted, and you are valued in so many different ways.
“I’m proud to call you colleagues, members and a few of you my friends,” Bozarth added. “Congratulations on your wonderful accomplishment tonight, and enjoy all that comes with it.”
To learn more about this year’s Governor’s Educator of the Year program and the New Jersey Exemplary Educators program, visit www.mtlaurelschools.org.
