A View of Our 2024-2025 GEOY Recipients
Through the Eyes of their Principals
Kelly Weiss
Countryside Elementary School
I am honored to nominate Kelly Weiss for the Governor’s Educator of the Year award at Countryside Elementary School in Mt. Laurel, NJ. As a dedicated alumni and educator at Countryside, she has consistently demonstrated a passion for teaching and an unwavering commitment to the success of her kindergarten and second grade students over the years.
Kelly Weiss has made significant contributions to our school community by modeling an exemplary second grade inclusive classroom. Along with her co-teacher, she designs instruction that accommodates the academic, social, and emotional needs of all students. She fosters a positive learning environment in which students of all backgrounds grow and learn. Mrs. Weiss sees the best in her students and draws on their strengths to promote confidence, respect, and trust. She invests herself in truly knowing each child and building relationships with them so that they can reach their full potential. She incorporates student choice into all subjects and her students feel like they have a say in how and what they are learning.
Kelly Weiss is not only committed to her own growth but also cultivates the development of fellow educators. Ms. Weiss recently led a district level Language Arts In-service. She regularly participates in professional development and shares valuable insights with colleagues, promoting a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Kelly has graciously mentored all of her grade level partners over the past several years, dedicating countless hours of her time to the success of new teachers. She maintains a high level of integrity and makes everyone feel respected and valued. Kelly’s door is always open to her peers across all grade levels. She models ethical teaching practices and offers sound advice to her peers. Within our building, Kelly has served on our Hospitality, Retirement and One School, One Book Committees.
Kelly Weiss actively engages with the community making solid connections with the families of the students that she serves. She served as the yoga club advisor, after school tutoring teacher, and this past year, taught the Extended School Year Program. Participating in these programs enriched the educational experience for students and strengthened the bond between the school and community.
Kelly Weiss exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding educator. Her dedication to fostering a positive learning environment, commitment to student success, and exceptional collaboration with colleagues make her an invaluable asset to Countryside School.
Maria Rahn
Fleetwood Elementary School
It is with immense pride that we announce our 2024-2025 Governor's Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Maria Rahn. Maria embodies a unique blend of attributes that distinctly set her apart as an exceptional educator. Her kindness and attentiveness shine through in her everyday interactions, ensuring that every child’s individual needs are met with care and respect—regardless of whether they are in her homeroom. Maria possesses a remarkable ability to recognize and nurture the social and emotional well-being of all her students, creating an environment where they can thrive.
Maria’s strength and resilience are particularly inspiring in light of her family's journey with Rett syndrome, a condition that has posed significant challenges. Yet, despite the difficulties she faces, Maria arrives at school each day radiating an eager and loving smile. This unwavering commitment not only exemplifies her dedication to teaching but also serves as a powerful example to her students of how to confront and overcome adversity.
As a mother of three beautiful children, Maria infuses her classroom with a warmth and familial atmosphere. She fosters an environment where her students feel safe, cherished, and supported throughout their learning journey, allowing them to express themselves freely and confidently.
In her classroom, serenity and engagement go hand in hand. Students frequently work together in collaborative teams, sometimes stretching out on the floor to brainstorm and solve problems. This innovative approach not only stimulates their creativity but also encourages teamwork and communication. Maria places a strong emphasis on building a sense of community, ensuring that each child feels valued and included, which is crucial for their academic and social development.
Maria Rahn's passion for teaching, coupled with her ability to navigate and rise above personal challenges, allows her to maintain a nurturing and inclusive environment that benefits all her students. This combination of qualities makes her a truly worthy candidate for this prestigious recognition, as she inspires those around her every day.
Dina Vannais
Hillside Elementary School
Dina Vannais has been an invaluable member of the Mount Laurel Schools community as a fourth-grade teacher at Hillside Elementary School. Known for her warm heart and incredible teaching skills,
Dina creates a welcoming and inclusive classroom where students of all backgrounds and abilities feel inspired to learn and grow. Her genuine commitment to supporting every student shines through as she ensures that each child feels valued, respected, and encouraged to do their very best.
Kelly Fitzgerald
Larchmont Elementary School
Kelly Fitzgerald has been named to be The Larchmont School’s Governor’s Educator of the Year for 2024. She was nominated for many reasons.
Kelly creates a positive and engaging classroom environment. She has contagious enthusiasm where a growth mindset is encouraged and students are challenged in an inclusive setting. Her students show respect for her authority and teaching style by putting effort into their work and performing to their best abilities.
She is a leader and mentor to newer or less experienced colleagues where she offers guidance, shares resources, and stays updated on current trends in education. In these ways she improves overall teaching practices and builds a sense of camaraderie within the school. She is also a vibrant member of the I&RS team where she offers sage insights and strategies to help students learn.
Kelly literally makes anyone with whom she works better for having known her. For this and many other reasons, Kelly Fitzgerald is Larchmont School’s 2024 recipient of the Governor’s Educator of the Year!
Esther Chen
Parkway Elementary School
Esther Chen has been teaching general music and vocal music at Parkway Elementary School since 2014. In addition to her teaching duties, she runs the Ukulele Club and the Chorus Club, has directed the 4th grade musical, and has also previously co-run the Battle of the Books Club.
Mrs. Chen holds a Bachelor of Music from Westminster Choir College of Rider University and a Master of Music and Music Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She has also served as assistant director at ChildrenSong of New Jersey for two seasons and has lent her vocals and music arranging skills for a variety of projects. She continues her 16-year long career teaching private piano lessons to beginner and intermediate students and volunteers her time accompanying at her parents’ church.
Laurie Maccri
Springville Elementary School
It is with great admiration that Springville announces Laurie Maccri as Springville's Teacher of the Year. Laurie is an amazing educator who goes above and beyond in her role as a math specialist. Her dedication, expertise, and passion for teaching have made an impact not only on her students, but on our entire school community. She supports students and staff members alike to ensure the success of our math programs and students' progress in math. Laurie truly embodies an innovative educator who provides high-quality, differentiated support for students (which results in building meaningful relationships with her students and incredible academic growth) while also being a teacher-leader for our school and the district at-large. Whether she is working with small groups, guiding teachers, or providing individualized support for students, Mrs. Maccri approaches each with patience, creativity, and a commitment to student success, fostering a love for mathematics and empowering students to reach their fullest potential. Laurie truly believes in every student's ability to succeed. She celebrates the small victories, turning moments of struggle into opportunities for growth. Her students leave her lessons with a greater sense of confidence in their abilities and a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.
In addition to her work with students, Mrs. Maccri has been an invaluable resource for fellow educators. Her willingness to share her expertise or just offer a listening ear when a colleague needs support, has made her a cornerstone of our professional community. She is always there to lend a helping hand to her colleagues and has become Springville's Star Testing Coordinator. She is the chairperson of Springville's Sunshine Club, organizes a take home math night for families through a PRIDE Grant, participates in NJEA Leadership Conference, leads the building Trunk-or-Treat team, and sits on Springville's I&RS team. Laurie is a professional who embodies the qualities of a great teacher—knowledgeable, compassionate, and dedicated. She is an exceptional math specialist who goes above and beyond to make a lasting difference in the lives of her students and colleagues alike.
Julie Davis
Mount Laurel Hartford School
Julie Davis, Hartford School's Governor Educator of the Year, is a passionate advocate and educator with over 18 years of experience in special education. Her journey began as a one-on-one assistant, an experience that ignited her deep commitment to supporting students with diverse needs. This foundational role inspired Julie to pursue a career dedicated to helping students thrive both in and beyond the classroom.
For the past 14 years, Julie has served as a self-contained classroom teacher for students with autism, focusing on those who require high levels of support. Her work emphasizes the development of functional academic skills, life skills, and communication abilities, all aimed at fostering independence and enhancing her students' quality of life. Beyond the classroom, Julie is a steadfast advocate for autism awareness and support, working to build understanding and create opportunities for individuals with autism within the wider community.
Julie’s dedication extends beyond academic instruction, as she strives to empower her students and their families by promoting inclusion and celebrating each child’s unique abilities. Her unwavering belief in the potential of every child, combined with her efforts to raise awareness and drive change in the community, has left an indelible mark on countless lives.
Hartford School is proud to honor Julie Davis for her extraordinary contributions to her students, her advocacy for autism awareness, and her commitment to fostering a culture of acceptance and opportunity. She is an inspiration to all and a true champion for the students and families she serves.
Douglas Wagner
Thomas E. Harrington Middle School
This letter of commendation is for Mr. Doug Wagner, who is a Social Studies Teacher and our 2024-2025 Thomas E. Harrington Middle School New Jersey Governor’s Educator of the Year. I have had the opportunity to supervise Mr. Wagner as the Principal of Thomas E. Harrington Middle School the past three years, and I have observed him providing support for our students on a number of occasions. His professional approach with our students, his knowledge of civic matters in our society, and the relationships he builds with the staff, students, and the community make him an excellent candidate for the NJ Governor’s Teacher of the Year program.
Mr. Wagner understands that all students have different learning needs, and a variety of methodologies and approaches are needed to ensure the success of students in his classroom. His students are able to succeed due to the multiple approaches he takes with his lessons, and his colleagues benefit from his expertise in his field. Mr. Wagner understands what it means to work collaboratively, having had to work in a team during his time at Thomas E. Harrington Middle School. As a former Team Leader, he knows firsthand the importance of making sure that everyone is on the same page. Mr. Wagner is an asset to our building and has had to help navigate great challenges during the course of his career. His ability as a Social Studies educator, and his strong classroom management skills make him a model teacher at our institution. Additionally, he has been an excellent resource for many in the community, and has been a coach of our boys’ basketball and lacrosse teams respectively. Mr. Wagner understands that the playing field, or court are extensions of the classroom, and that many life lessons can be taught and learned through these experiences.
Mr. Wagner is an educator who is a strong leader for all of the students and staff at Harrington Middle School. He always demonstrates high character and a passion for teaching and learning, and Mr. Wagner will make a fine addition to the many great educators who represent school districts throughout the state of New Jersey. A person of his caliber and expertise would benefit any school, and we are proud to call him our 2024-2025 New Jersey Governor Educator of the Year for Thomas E. Harrington Middle School.