December 12, 2025
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill
There is an overlooked truth about education that does not make headlines. The finest educators give more than they receive. They pour more knowledge, patience, and belief into children than anyone could account for. Their service becomes the foundation upon which futures are built. This is the real success story.
Today, we are proud to announce twenty educators who embody this service. The Governor’s Educator of the Year program provides an opportunity to highlight teachers and educational professionals who go above and beyond, those who collaborate, lead, innovate, and earn respect. We found twenty who do all of this, every day.
These are not people who work for recognition. Most would tell you they’re just doing their job. But watch what “just doing their job” actually looks like. Chelsea Scott’s third-grade classroom at Forrest has become a family. Toby Corbin arrives early at Radburn to sit with a struggling reader. Victoria Velasco tells her calculus students that mistakes are how you learn, and they leave her room believing it. Jackie Ladolcetta spends her evenings earning her Orton-Gillingham certification so she can better teach students to read. Christopher Cofrancesco runs traditions at Memorial, and students have a space where they belong. None of this is required. People do it because they want to. Your kids will remember.
To our honorees. Thank you for choosing this work. Thank you for showing up for 5,700 students with grace, humility, and purpose.
To our Fair Lawn families, these twenty educators represent hundreds more across our schools.
With gratitude and admiration,
Superintendent of Schools
Each of our ten schools has selected one Teacher of the Year and one Educational Services Professional of the Year. Together, these twenty individuals show what it means to serve. They believe in children before children believe in themselves. They deserve your thanks and ours.
