2026 Winners: Teachers Who Make Magic

We are proud to welcome the following teachers to the Fox Sports Radio New Jersey Teachers Who Make Magic Class of 2026!

Sponsored by NJ School Jobs, NJEA, Magyar Bank, Empire Toyota and Empire Mazda

Stony Brook Elementary School Music Teacher
Nominated by Stony Brook Elementary School Kindergarten Teacher Lisa Biondi

Stony Brook Elementary School Kindergarten Teacher Lisa Biondi

Entered Natalie Tews as a nominee for Teachers Who Make Magic.

Natalie is Stony Brook’s music teacher in North Plainfield and has been teaching for 6 years. Ms. Tews makes music magical. Natalie tailors her lessons to make sure all of her students feel welcomed and excited about music.

Natalie created an original song in both English and Spanish for the students about following the school’s principles, CARD, caring, appreciation, respect, determination.

Natalie takes the time to get to know all of her students, not just in her music classes. Beyond the classroom, Natalie wears many hats. She is the newspaper advisor and works with fourth graders. She is the director of Stony Brook's chorus and is the band director.

As an added contribution, Natalie serves as the assistant director of the North Plainfield High School marching band. Every Halloween, she coordinates a performance by the North Plainfield High School marching band for Stony Brook's student costume parade.

Natalie also hosts the annual “Stony Brook's Got Talent” show, where she rehearses and coordinates with all the performers, including students and staff. Natalie Tews is the epitome of a team player.

She collaborates with the Hispanic Heritage Month Family Event, North Plainfield’s Fall Festival, and Stony Brook’s Santa and Friends Family Night event. She has also volunteered to help with Black History Month, Field Day, and Stony Brook’s culminating event: CARD-nival. For these reasons, Natalie Tews exemplifies what it means to be a Teacher Who Makes Magic.

High School Math Teachers at Hillsborough High School
Nominated by school interventionist Stephanie Moore

Hillsborough High School’s Mrs. Elizabeth Berliner has been teaching math for 30 years.

Mrs. Berliner first made a lasting impact in 1996, when she taught a senior who had always struggled with math. She immediately stood out for her ability to make math understandable, fun, and approachable. Under her guidance, this student gained confidence and achieved an A in math for the first time in her high school career. Mrs. Berliner’s patience, encouragement, and dedication go beyond the classroom, leaving a profound and lasting impression.

When that former student became an elementary school teacher, she had the opportunity to thank Mrs. Berliner for the inspiration she had provided.

Nearly 30 years later, her impact extended to the next generation when her former student’s daughter, Lauren, was assigned to her class. Lauren experienced the same guidance, fairness, and confidence-building that her mother had, demonstrating Mrs. Berliner’s remarkable ability to form lasting relationships with students.

For three decades, Mrs. Berliner has been making magic every day, positively shaping generations of students. She has touched the lives of thousands and truly deserves recognition for her extraordinary dedication and influence as an educator. Elizabeth Berliner.

8th-grade math teacher at Soehl Middle School in Linden, New Jersey
Nominated by social studies teacher Michael D’Amato

June has been an educator for 16 years and teaches 8th-grade math at Soehl Middle School in Linden, New Jersey.

June is a constant ray of sunshine, and she is adored by all for her compassion and leadership. She’s an 8th-grade math teacher who recently received one of the highest honors. She was selected to be a “teacher of teachers” at her school when she became part of their Instructional Leadership Team. It’s a small, elite group of teachers who research the latest educational methodologies, then tailor them to their schoolwide data, and present these cutting-edge strategies to their colleagues.

June is also part of her district’s Graduation Appeals Committee, where she works tirelessly with students, which has led to a 30% increase in students passing the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment.

She is a key member of her school’s Attendance Review Team and helped implement the Back-to-School Night Family Engagement Initiative.

She played a central leadership role in earning Apple Distinguished School recognition by leading the preparation of instructional evidence, coordinating staff contributions, and working in partnership with school administration to present the school’s vision and outcomes.

At Soehl Middle School, June offers so many informative and meaningful presentations throughout each school year that her peers often joke that, rather than Ted Talks, they are inspired by their June Talks. June McIntyre, a teacher who makes magic.

6th-grade English Arts teacher at Franklin Middle School at the Hamilton Street campus in Somerset
Nominated by Instructional Coach Deb Cook

Teaching for 20-plus years and is a 6th-grade English Arts teacher at Franklin Middle School at the Hamilton Street campus in Somerset.

Linda is the kind of educator whose impact is felt far beyond her classroom. She holds high expectations for her students while creating a space where they feel supported, valued, and capable of success.

Linda is also a trusted colleague and leader. She generously mentors new teachers and supports the 6th-grade ELA team by sharing what she learns and providing new ideas.

Linda’s dedication extends well beyond academics. She single-handedly launched and maintains the Warrior Garden, writing grants, caring for the space, and using it as a meaningful teaching tool for students. The garden is a source of pride for the school and a powerful way for students to connect to science, responsibility, and the natural world, often through work she completes on her own time.

Linda also brings calm and care to the school community through mindfulness and yoga. She offers this to students and staff, and helps create a more balanced, supportive environment. Known as a steady, calming presence, Her encouragement, compassion, dedication, and quiet leadership make her deeply deserving of recognition as a Teacher Who Makes Magic, Linda Taliercio

Pre-School to 3rd-grade Literacy Coach at Whiton Elementary School
Nominated by Dee Shober, Principal of Whiton Elementary School

Kelly Boyle is a Pre-School to 3rd-grade literacy coach and has been teaching for 20 years.

New Jersey ESP of the Year in 2015, Ms. Boyle brings literacy to life through engaging strategies, thoughtful coaching, and an infectious belief that every student can succeed.

She has served as the lead staff member for the before-and-after school tutoring program for many years, and her commitment extends into the summer, when she develops curriculum for the next year. She regularly attends professional development sessions and trainings and shares new strategies and instructional tools with fellow staff.

Ms. Boyle also serves as an instructor on the Teacher Academy courses and leads the school’s Read Across America Week.

She writes grants to support various programs and initiatives, ensuring that students and families have the necessary resources.

As a coach, Ms. Boyle empowers teachers with practical tools, encouragement, and modeling that elevate instruction and create a ripple effect.

Most importantly, Ms. Boyle leads with her heart. Students feel seen and celebrated, teachers feel valued, and literacy feels joyful rather than intimidating.

This rare combination of skill, passion, and compassion makes Ms. Boyle an extraordinary literacy coach and a true gift to the school community. The magic she creates every day leaves a lasting impact on both students and educators alike.

Physics Teacher at North Brunswick Township High School
Nominated by Bob Goldman, Fellow Teacher

Jim Biolsi is a physics teacher at North Brunswick Township High School, and was nominated by fellow teacher Bob Goldman.

Mr. Biolsi has been teaching physics at North Brunswick since February 1999, and inspiring generations of students with his passion, high expectations, and unwavering dedication to their success.

His impact is extraordinary, most recently demonstrated by the fact that 96% of his AP Physics 1 students earned a score of 3 or higher on the 2025 exam.

Beyond the classroom, Mr. Biolsi has made a lasting mark on the athletic program. He founded both the boys and girls volleyball teams and has been coaching volleyball for over 20 years. He was the GMC Volleyball Coach of the Year in 2010, won the GMC Volleyball Championship in 2017, a Six-time White Division Volleyball Coach of the Year, and the All-time wins leader for both the boys and girls volleyball programs. He is also tied for fifth all-time in wins for the boys varsity soccer program.

Perhaps most impressively, Mr. Biolsi has helped develop student-athletes who succeed at the highest levels. One of his former players, (Toby Ezeonu) became a 1st Team NCAA Division I All-American and is now a professional volleyball player in Europe, and is a member of the USA Men’s National Team.

Jim Biolsi exemplifies what it means to be a teacher who makes magic, an educator, mentor, and coach who changes lives through commitment, leadership, and excellence. His influence will be felt for decades by the students and athletes he has inspired.

8th Grade Special Education Principal at Branchburg Central Middle
Nominated by Beth Stanton, Principal at Branchburg Central Middle School

Nominated by Beth Stanton, Principal at Branchburg Central Middle School, Brian Bodnar is the 8th Grade Special Education Principal at Branchburg Central Middle, where he’s taught for 4 years.

As an 8th-grade special education teacher, Mr. Bodnar brings kindness, compassion, and patience to every interaction. He understands that success looks different for each learner and intentionally meets students where they are, academically, socially, and emotionally, while guiding them with high expectations and genuine care to help them reach their potential.

Mr. Bodnar’s impact extends far beyond instruction in math and language arts. He is deeply committed to developing the whole child, intentionally teaching interpersonal skills, self-regulation, and executive functioning so students can grow into confident, capable, and well-rounded individuals.

In his classroom, students feel valued, understood, and empowered to take ownership of their learning and personal growth. Mr. Bodnar is also a highly respected colleague, consistently supporting all teachers by sharing strategies, problem-solving, and advocacy for students.

Mr. Bodnar’s influence also extends beyond the classroom through his role as a soccer coach. One of his players shared, “Mr. Bodnar has had a huge impact on who I am today. He made me realize that winning isn’t the only thing in life; it’s making family and gathering memories throughout that journey… He made me a better person today than I was before.” Through his compassion, mentorship, and unwavering belief in his students, Mr. Bodnar truly makes magic every day.

Kindergarten teacher at Connerly Road School
Nominated by Math Coach Alexandra Thomas

Congratulations to Khristelle Mae Manuyag, Kindergarten teacher at Connerly Road School in Somerset. Khristelle was nominated by Math Coach Alexandra Thomas.

For over 18 years, Kristelle’s dedication, expertise, and passion have made a profound impact. She provides every learner with the support, tools, and encouragement they need to become lifelong learners.

Khristelle designs highly engaging lessons and creative activities tailored to the diverse learning styles of her students.

Beyond academics, Khristelle excels at building personal connections, including sending home a classroom newsletter that keeps families informed and engaged.

Her involvement in the school community is equally strong; she is a regular contributor to school events, including the annual STEAM Night.

Khristelle is also a respected teacher leader. Her staff presentations deepen the collective understanding of kindergarten curriculum and developmental needs.

She is also a presenter for PD Pathways, supporting educators in designing and implementing a systematic approach to integrating Math Exemplars into the classroom.

Khristelle is a valued member of the Math Leadership Team, strengthening instruction across the school.

Unwavering dedication, exceptional instructional practice, leadership, and commitment, Khristelle Mae Manuyag, Teacher Who Makes Magic, Class of 2026.