The May Board of Education meeting is a special one as the school district comes together with the community, family, and friends to celebrate the 2024-25 Teachers of the Year and Educational Service Professionals of the Year. The principal from each school presents their Teacher and Educational Service Professionals of the Year to an audience of many at Manchester Township High School. At this evening’s meeting, the following teachers and educational service professionals were celebrated by all for their Excellence by Example:
Brianna McKiernan
Teacher of the Year
Manchester Township High School
Brianna McKiernan is an exceptional educator who has dedicated 17 years of her 22-year career to Manchester Township High School, exemplifying the qualities of an outstanding Teacher of the Year candidate. Her creativity, intelligence, and passion for teaching have made a significant impact on both students and the school community.
One of Brianna's most notable achievements is the creation of the "Structured Learning Experience" internship program. This innovative initiative provides students with real-world experiences in their prospective career fields, demonstrating Brianna's commitment to preparing students for future success. Her ability to garner community support for this program showcases her exceptional leadership and collaboration skills.
Clarice Pulcine Capala
Educational Service Professional of the Year
Manchester Township High School
It is with great pleasure that we recognize Clarice Pulcine Capala as the Educational Service Professional of the year. She has a warm personality and uses her wealth of knowledge to connect with students. In all aspects as a counselor, she is solution focused and an excellent communicator to students and families. One of Ms. Capala’s most significant contributions to MTHS is the creation of the Zen Den, a space designed to provide emotional support to students. Ms. Capala goes above and beyond to provide a safe environment for all students while advocating for their needs. She has been an amazing addition to the Hawk family and a strong support for our students.
Robyn Strucki
Teacher of the Year
Manchester Township Middle School
It is with great pleasure that we congratulate Mrs. Robyn Strucki as the 2025 Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Strucki’s classroom environment embodies collaboration and a positive culture. This environment transcends her classroom and engulfs the entire school because of her efforts. She is the advisor to the Student Council and works tirelessly on events in the past and present. She volunteers and conducts fundraisers to support our eighth grade class and organized and planned our first eighth grade trip since the pandemic. Her efforts are well appreciated, and we are so proud to call her the MTMS Teacher of the Year.
Tina DiMatteo
Educational Service Professional of the Year
Manchester Township Middle School
It is with great pleasure that we congratulate Mrs. Tina DiMatteo who was selected as the 2025 ESPY of the year. Tina is assigned as an instruction paraprofessional in our Autism Program. She goes above and beyond helping students. She treats all students fairly and with respect while still recognizing their individual needs and supporting them socially, academically, and emotionally. During the past summer, Tina volunteered her time and assisted in remodeling the autism room, which created a positive, calming learning environment for students. Tina has a positive attitude and collaborative spirit, and we are honored that she has been selected as the MTMS ESPY.
Amy Vasquez
Teacher of the Year
Manchester Township Elementary School
It is with great pleasure that we congratulate Mrs. Amy Vasquez, as the 2025 MTES teacher of the year. Mrs. Vasquez began her career in Manchester at Ridgeway in 2003 as a student teacher. She spent several years at the Whiting School before moving to MTES in 2011.
Mrs. Vasquez serves as a mentor to new teachers, generously sharing her expertise and guidance. In addition to her work in the classroom, she also co-leads the Junior Impact program, providing students with valuable opportunities to develop leadership, character, and community service. Her commitment to excellence in education. extends far beyond the classroom, and we are so proud to have her as the MTES teacher of the year.
Monica Gonzalez
Educational Service Professional of the Year
Manchester Township Elementary School
Ms. Gonzalez is a valued paraprofessional in her second year at MTES. Ms. Gonzalez is known for her flexibility and positive attitude, always ready to step in and support wherever needed. She genuinely cares for each student and builds strong, nurturing relationships that foster growth and confidence. Whether in the classroom, hallways, or at school events, Ms. Gonzalez can always be found lending a helping hand with warmth and enthusiasm.
Debra Johnson
Teacher of the Year
Ridgeway Elementary School
We are honored to recognize Ridgeway's Teacher of the Year, Ms. Johnson, a truly distinguished educator. Her passion for teaching began early and has shaped her entire career. With a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, she has dedicated 20 years to the field, including 14 years at RES. She creates a supportive, joyful classroom where every child feels valued and inspired to grow, going above and beyond by looping with students, designing creative traditions, and collaborating with colleagues. A lifelong learner, she embraces new teaching strategies and supports students’ diverse needs, both in and out of the classroom. Ms. Johnson's leadership extends district-wide, from after-school programs to innovative partnerships like the STARS Program. She embodies dedication, creativity, and heart, making a lasting impact on students, families, and the school community, proving that teaching isn’t just her profession but her gift.
Candice Bouillon
Educational Service Professional of the Year
Ridgeway Elementary School
It is with immense joy that we honor Ms. Bouillon as our Paraprofessional of the Year. For 10 years at Ridgeway Elementary and 15 years in our school community, Ms. Bouillon has been a steadfast and invaluable presence. Starting as a volunteer and substitute teacher, she quickly became essential to our school family. With a Liberal Arts degree, her talents are both impressive and diverse. Inspired by her own learning journey, she is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive environment where every child feels valued. Her dedication and warmth have made a lasting impact on our students and staff. Please join me in celebrating Ms. Bouillon, a true example of kindness, commitment, and the difference one person can make.
Sarah Drew
Teacher of the Year
Whiting Elementary School
Ms. Drew earned her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education and Performance from Ithaca College. She has been teaching music for 16 years, 10 of them in the Manchester Township School District. Her philosophy surrounding music education is to help students understand that music can enrich their lives immeasurably when they participate actively in its creation or performance. Her goal each day is to help students see that their connection to music is universal and to know that music holds the power to make our lives better and to transform us into better versions of ourselves.
Virginia Guise
Educational Service Professional of the Year
Whiting Elementary School
Miss Guise graduated from Montclair State University in 2013 with a Bachelor's Degree in Family and Child Studies. She received a Master's of Education in School Counseling from Georgian Court University in 2018. She has been with the Manchester Twp. School District since May of 2020. She bases her school-based counseling on the Carl Rogers Person-centered therapy, a solution- focused approach that emphasizes empathy and acceptance. She encourages her students to focus on the strengths they can identify and build upon existing solutions to current problems.
Ellie Hyland
Teacher of the Year
Regional Day School
Miss Ellie Hyland earned her BA Degree from Rider University and a degree in American Sign Language Interpreting from OCC. In three short years of teaching, this educator has made a significant impact on the lives of many. Her classroom environment is an inviting and inspiring space for students to be themselves while learning life skills, and that there are limitless possibilities. She serves as our Affirmative Action Officer and Prom Coordinator. Miss Hyland volunteers her time to provide respite care for special needs adults, interpreting at local events, and assisting as a buddy at the annual Night to Shine sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. Most recently, she was selected as a Hometown Hero by the USAF Thunderbirds and showed us all during a VIP fly-along, the sky's the limit as she soared to 9Gs! Congratulations to Miss Ellie Hyland, a hero to our students.
Jessica Nolan
Educational Service Professional of the Year
Regional Day School
Mrs. Jessica Nolan has been a valuable part of the RDS family for five years as a personal paraprofessional in our Preschool Disabled Program. She always has a positive attitude and kind-hearted nature. This year one of our young learners fell ill and she volunteered her home as a host site for a town-wide garage sale fundraiser. The donations poured in and all proceeds were provided to the family to help offset growing medical costs. She is a Manchester resident and is a girl scout leader and volunteer at an animal shelter and alpaca farm. Congratulations Miss Jess!
Congratulations again to the 2024-25 Teachers of the Year and Educational Service Professionals of the Year.
These exceptional educators were chosen by their colleagues for their hard work and dedication to their profession and the students of Manchester. They live out our district motto of “Excellence by Example” every day through the way they teach and care for their students and school community.
It takes a village to educate our students, and we are so pleased that these professionals were selected by their peers to represent themselves and Manchester Township Public Schools as our 2024-25 Teachers of the Year and Educational Service Professionals of the Year.
Excellence does not fly under the radar here in Manchester!
