SCOTCH PLAINS/FANWOOD — The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public Schools district has recognized 16 exceptional teachers and educational services professionals nominated for the 2024-2025 Governor’s Educator of the Year Recognition Program.

Each year, New Jersey school districts nominate their educators for the prestigious Governor’s Educator of the Year Award through the New Jersey Department of Education. The program seeks to recognize educators “who have gone above and beyond in their service to New Jersey’s students” and to create a culture that recognizes excellence and brings public attention to the work of outstanding educators.

“On behalf of the district and board of education, I want to say ‘congratulations’ to the 16 teachers and educational services professionals who were recognized through the Governor’s Educator of the Year program,” said Superintendent Joan Mast, Ed.D. “Their hard work and dedication to student success is appreciated by all of us in Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public Schools.”

The Governor’s Educator of the Year recipients are as follows: Teachers: Alexandra Graham, Brunner Special Education Teacher; Jessica Mandy, Coles Second Grade Teacher; Paige Kovacs, Evergreen Special Education Teacher; Kristen Zmuda, McGinn Special Education Teacher; Marina Beirne, School One First Grade Teacher; Katelyn Washuta, Nettingham Special Education Teacher; Ellen Christiano, Terrill Mathematics Teacher; Lorissa Clark, Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School Spanish and ESL Teacher.

Service Professionals: Rosemarie Pearce, Brunner Classroom Aide; Deborah Mehl, Coles Support Specialist; Patricia Compierchio, Evergreen Classroom Aide; Katherine Dreyer, McGinn Classroom Aide; Jerri Tanella, McGinn Classroom Aide; Carol Ekstrand, School One Classroom Aide; Lori Sciachitano, Nettingham Classroom Aide; Denise Palozzola, Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School Guidance Counselor.