NJEA has partnered with Beasley Media New Jersey Group for the Teachers Who Rock/Teachers Who Make Magic program. These programs recognize 72 outstanding teachers and three educational support professionals (ESP) in New Jersey who are making a difference in their students’ lives.
Each educator is someone who has gone above and beyond, either professionally or in service to their community. This program is part of The NJEA Community Service Spotlight, which is broadcast in several radio markets.
Each educator will be honored at an awards banquet, receive special gifts, banquet tickets, a Class of 2022-2023 Award, and their stories will be read on stage.
Beginning Dec. 20, 2022, winning educators and their stories will be announced on air each Friday on WMGQ 98.3 FM, WDHA 105.5 FM, WMTR 1250 AM, WRAT 95.9 FM, and WJRZ 100.1 FM.
Honorees from Middlesex, Somerset, Union, Hunterdon, and Mercer Counties will be announced on Magic 98.3.
Honored so far:
- Barbara Glinka, 1st grade teacher, Somerville
- Erica Viel-DeSimone, Kindergarten/Special Education teacher, Whiton Elementary School in Branchburg
- Larry Roibal, Art teacher, Dunellen High School and Lincoln Middle School
- Samantha Abood, 4th grade teacher, Triangle Elementary School in Hillsborough
Honorees from Morris, Union, Warren, Sussex, Passaic, and Essex Counties will be announced on WDHA 105.5 FM and WMTR 1250 AM.
Honored so far:
- Patrick Algieri, 7th grade Math teacher, East Hanover
- Sgt. Harvey Craig, JROTC, Irvington
- Susan Lipere, Art teacher, Boonton/Morris Plains
- Kerrie Viray, Science teacher, Teaneck High School
- Valerie Hemenway, Orton Gillingham Reading Specialist, North Dover Elementary School
- Nicole Malakuskie, Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant, Mount Arlington Public School
- Laura Malec, Science teacher, Morris Knolls High School
- Anemarie Hall, Reading Specialist Teacher, Sandshore Elementary School
- Jennifer Crane, 2nd grade teacher, Washington Elementary School
Honorees from Monmouth, Ocean, and Burlington Counties will be announced on WRAT 95.9 FM and WJRZ 100.1 FM.
Honored so far:
- Arlene Comstock, Special Education teacher, Bayville
- Maria Gkionis, Hon. Pre-Calculus/AP Calculus B/C teacher, Jackson
- Elizabeth Schappert, 8th grade Basic Skills, Lacey Twp.
- Marjorie Browning, Math teacher, Manahawkin
- Kaitlin Coghlan, Preschool teacher, Bayville
- Jessica Parsons, Kindergarten/1st Grade teacher, Ridgeway Elementary School, Manchester
- Candice Schultz, Spanish teacher, Toms River High School East
- Kathy Palagonia, Media Specialist, Berkeley Township Elementary School, Bayville
- Rachel DeBari, Art teacher, Red Bank Primary School, Red Bank