MTSD ANNOUNCES THE WINNERS OF THE 2025-2026 TEACHERS AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICE PROFESSIONALS OF THE YEAR!
Manchester Township School District’s Teachers and Educational Service Professionals were celebrated today when Superintendent Diane Pedroza and Director of Student Personnel Services Alex George visited each school building to surprise and honor the 2025–26 Teacher of the Year and Educational Service Professional of the Year winners.
As part of the New Jersey Teacher of the Year & Educational Service Professional Recognition Program, each school forms a committee that collects votes from colleagues to select two outstanding individuals per building. These winners are then submitted to the New Jersey Department of Education’s Governor’s Educator of the Year program, which recognizes educators and service professionals for their exceptional dedication to students and their profession.
"Today is a truly special day for our district," shares Superintendent of Schools Diane Pedroza. "I had the privilege of congratulating our 2025–26 Teacher of the Year and Educational Service Professional of the Year recipients, individuals whose passion, creativity, and commitment continue to inspire both students and colleagues alike. Their work embodies our district’s guiding principle: Excellence by Example."
Alex George, Director of Student Personnel Services, adds, "These educators remind us every day of the impact that dedication and care can have in the classroom and beyond. They are role models for our students, colleagues, and entire community, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements."
Please join us in congratulating this year’s recipients for their well-deserved recognition.
Manchester Township High School
Teacher of the Year: Heather Staples
Educational Service Professional of the Year: Rachel Kelly
Manchester Township Middle School
Teacher of the Year: Elissa Wagner
Educational Service Professional of the Year: Jenn Hordych
Manchester Township Elementary School
Teacher of the Year: Brittany Varga
Educational Service Professional of the Year: Susannah Meiter
Ridgeway Elementary School
Teacher of the Year: Danielle Fredo
Educational Service Professional of the Year: Amanda Goodstein
Whiting Elementary School
Teacher of the Year: Natalie Baranyay
Educational Service Professional of the Year: April Bute
Regional Day School
Teacher of the Year: Maria Brucato-Wilson
Educational Service Professional of the Year: Alicia Scarano
