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 embodies the spirit of innovation that we are seeing in our schools and throughout New Jersey. Her hard work and dedication to her students will help prepare our next generation of leaders.
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) October 13, 2022
Congratulations, Christine! #NJStateTeacheroftheYear https://t.co/OTMg7BeD9Y
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 20 Best Public School Districts In New Jersey For 2022
