2026-2027 NEW JERSEY GOVERNOR'S EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR NOMINATION PROCESS
The New Jersey Department of Education wants to recognize educators who have gone above and beyond in their service to New Jersey’s students.
Please consider nominating a teacher or educational services professional who is dedicated, inspiring, and making a difference. Administrators, staff members, students, parents and community members are encouraged to participate by completing a nomination form below.
Each candidate will be scored based on the criteria below:
• Serves as an exceptionally skilled and dedicated educator in a public or charter school;
• Inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn;
• Demonstrates leadership and innovation in and outside the classroom;
• Has the respect and admiration of students, parents, administrators and colleagues; and
• Plays an active role in the community as well as the school.
Who Qualifies As An Educational Services Professional?
In order to compete for Educational Services Professional of the Year nominees must be classified as one of the following:
- Anti-Bullying Specialist
- Athletic Trainer
- Behavior Specialist
- Child Study Team
- Cooperative Education Coordinator/Hazardous Occupations
- Educational Interpreter (Cued Speech, Transliteration, Oral Interpreting, Sign Language Interpreting)
- Guidance / School Counselor
- Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant
- Library Media Specialist
- Mathematics Specialist / Mathematics Coach
- Nurse (Instructional & Non-instructional)
- Occupational Therapist
- Paraprofessional (Instructional only)
- Physical Therapist
- Psychologist
- Reading Specialist / Reading Coach
- Social Worker
- Speech Language Specialist
- Student Assistant Coordinator
- Technology Coach
Nomination Forms for Each School Are Linked Below