Stefanie A. Lachenauer is a Skills for Success and Global Leadership teacher at Montgomery Upper Middle School in Montgomery Township. She earned both her Bachelor of Arts and her Masters degree in Education from Rutgers University. Since starting her teaching career in the Montgomery Township School District, she has embraced her passions as a certified trauma and resilience practitioner, focusing on mindfulness, trauma-informed practices, equity, social and emotional learning (SEL), and global leadership.
A veteran educator, Stefanie leads her district’s initiatives in mindfulness, trauma-informed practices, wellness, and SEL. She has conducted numerous workshops and professional development sessions for educators both locally and internationally, including certifying Mindfulness Teachers through Mindful Schools. Currently, she is completing her first book, Let the Glitter Settle: Mindfulness for Teens. In 2018, she became a certified yoga and mindfulness instructor to support stressed teenagers and successfully led a grant-sponsored yoga and mindfulness club at the Upper Middle School until it became a permanent school club in 2023. Additionally, she facilitates the Youth Action Board, a grant-funded group of high school students dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and reducing stigma surrounding mental health struggles.
“Congratulations to Stefanie Lachenauer, on this wonderful recognition,” said NJEA President Sean M. Spiller. “Stefanie is dedicated to creating a brighter future for students and public schools, grounded in her principles of equity, wellness, and leadership. Her compassion for students drives her commitment to nurturing them into global leaders. Through her thoughtful and authentic approach, she inspires both students and colleagues. Now, she can share that passion across the state. We take pride in having the best public education system in the nation, thanks to educators like Stefanie Lachenauer.”
“As we face the uncertainty that challenges our basic human rights,” said Steve Beatty, NJEA vice president, “Stefanie Lachenauer is the teacher we need to guide vital conversations with our students and communities about fostering resilience and critical thinking. She has earned this recognition by viewing her students as whole individuals and meeting them where they are. We are incredibly proud to honor Stefanie with this esteemed award.”
“The educators in our schools lead with compassion and care for their students,” said NJEA Secretary-Treasurer Petal Robertson. “Stefanie is a shining example of this, particularly in her commitment to raising awareness about mental health and reducing stigma surrounding mental health challenges for both her students and colleagues. Her focus on student well-being creates a supportive environment where all learners can thrive. By prioritizing mental health, she empowers her students to develop resilience and a positive mindset. We are honored to work with Stefanie.”
Some of the perks of being the New Jersey Teacher of the Year, are that Lachenauer is entitled to an all-expense paid, six-month sabbatical from January through June 2025 to attend national and state conferences, to tour the state visiting classrooms and to work on various initiatives at the New Jersey Department of Education, courtesy of program sponsor ETS. ETS also provides $3,000 worth of technology equipment. NJEA will provide a rental car, equipped with EZ Pass, to help her travel to speaking engagements and meetings across the state. NJEA will also provide complimentary access to all major NJEA workshops and training opportunities, a $500 clothing allowance, media training and communications support, and funding for a trip to Washington, D.C. to meet with the other state teachers of the year and the President of the United States.