Do you know a teacher or educational services professional on staff here at HMS who is dedicated, inspiring, and making a difference? If so, consider nominating that person for recognition as the 2027 HMS Teacher of the Year or HMS Ed. Services Professional of the Year as part of the NJ Governor’s Educator of the Year program by submitting a nomination form by Friday, November 16th at 4:00 p.m. All members of the HMS community are encouraged to participate.
--> Click HERE to submit your nomination today!
Each candidate will be scored based on the criteria below:
Serves as an exceptionally skilled and dedicated educator in a public or charter school;
Inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn;
Demonstrates leadership and innovation in and outside the classroom;
Has the respect and admiration of students, parents, administrators and colleagues;
Plays an active role in the community as well as the school; and
Has not been named Teacher of the Year or Educational Services Professional of the year within the last five years (see below)
NOTE: if you wish to submit a nomination for both a teacher of the year and an educational services professional of the year, please submit a separate form for each.
HMS Recipients of this Recognition within the last five years:
2026 - Lucinda Ferreri (Literacy Teacher) and Lisa Grylls-White (Counselor/Anti-Bullying Spec.)
2025 - Susan Nami (Literacy Teacher) and Katie Esposito (CST-Social Worker)
2024 - Jennifer Puritz (PE Teacher) and Taysha Gateau-Barrera (Librarian)
2023 - Patrick Heck (Literacy Teacher) and Linda Schley (Speech Therapist)
2022 - Ian Evans (Literacy Teacher) and Tristen Garretson (CST-Social Worker)
Teacher nominees can be any teacher at HMS, but Educational Services Professionals must be draw from one of the following areas:
Anti-Bullying Specialist
Athletic Trainer
Behavior Specialist
Guidance / School Counselor
Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant / CST
Library Media Specialist
Nurse
Occupational Therapist
Paraprofessional (Instructional Assistant)
Physical Therapist
School Psychologist
Social Worker
Speech Language Specialist
Student Assistant Counselor
Technology Coach
Nominations using this form are due to the building principal by November 16, 2026.