Josh and Judy Weston established the Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching in 1991 to celebrate Montclair Public School teachers who stand out as creative, talented, supportive, and inspiring! Today, the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence is proud to administer the awards, which honor Judy's memory. Judy was a long-time Montclair resident and public school education supporter who was passionate about the vital role that engaged and empathetic educators play in helping every student achieve their full potential. In additon to 15 Inspired Teaching Awards, there is one Peer Inspiration Award and an Inspired Counseling Award.
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In total 16 teachers and one counselor will be honored and celebrated at a public awards ceremony.
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How to nominate a teacher or counselor:
You can nominate as many current and recent teachers or counselors as you like (awards winners from the past three years are not eligible this year. See below for a list of recent winners.). Your nomination can be written, audio, or video, and parents can upload photos of students' nominations as well. Questions? Reach out to us at judywestonawards@mfee.org.
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The strongest nominations are specific and highlight personal experience — giving insight into why or how this person has inspired you or your student.
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This is not an essay contest. Don't worry about perfect grammar, spelling, or sentence structure. Share your thoughts and experiences in whatever way feels natural and communicates what makes this teacher or counselor deserving of this award.
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Each winner will receive an individual cash award of $2,000. The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 28.
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Inspired Counseling...
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…Helps students feel safe, seen, and supported.
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…Recognizes potential in students that they don’t see themselves.
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…Collaborates and advocates on behalf of students.
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…Supports academic success.
2024 Recipients of the Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching
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Susan Bleecker, Watchung Elementary School (Peer Inspiration Award)
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Alexander Araton, Charles H. Bullock Elementary School (Special Education Award)
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Jacquie Antinoro, Edgemont Montessori Elementary School
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Dr. Ellen Cahill, Bradford Elementary School
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Alison Campbell, Northeast Elementary School
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Jessica Dehn, Charles H. Bullock Elementary School
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Susan Eckert, Montclair High School
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Christopher Golinski, Hillside Elementary School
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Brienne Kvetkus, Montclair High School
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Nina Lorusso, Renaissance at Rand Middle School
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Taylor Mandel, Buzz Aldrin Middle School
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Troy Mullins, Nishuane Elementary School
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Anna Panchekha, Montclair High School
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Diane Tehranian, Renaissance at Rand Middle School
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Eric Weintraub, Watchung Elementary School
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Eleni Zapantis, Glenfield Middle School
2023 Recipients of the Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching
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Scott Berman, Glenfield Middle School
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Jessica Buel, Montclair High School
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Marcie Chanin, Bradford Elementary School
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Diana Chicaleski, Buzz Aldrin Middle School
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Kersy Corporan, Montclair High School
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Shawn David Dey, Northeast Elementary School
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Rachel Dunn, Renaissance at Rand Middle School
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Corrine Haggerty, Edgemont Montessori Elementary School
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Satin Jordan, Renaissance at Rand Middle School
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Peter Lentini, Buzz Aldrin Middle School
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Karja Longmore, Hillside Elementary School
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Maria Martire, Nishuane Elementary School
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Lora Orta, Teacher of the Deaf, Montclair Public Schools
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Katie Piller, Watchung Elementary School
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Drury Thorp, Watchung Elementary School
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Jennifer Woschinko, Charles H. Bullock Elementary School
Meet the 2024 Selection Committee for the Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching
The Selection Committee members represented community partners, education leaders, retired teachers, and two parent-led organizations.
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Marilyn Davis, Montclair State University Network for Educational Renewal
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Rev. Dr. A. Craig Dunn, Montclair Neighborhood Development Corporation
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Dr. Marcheta Evans, Bloomfield College of Montclair State University
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Cheryl Hopper, Montclair Public Schools principal (retired)
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Kathy A. Hurling, Montclair Public Schools teacher (retired)
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Shamea Kinch, Montclair PTA Council
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Dr. Tanya Maloney, Montclair State University
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Marcia Marley, Succeed2gether
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JoAnn McCullough, IMANI
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Dr. Bree Picower, Montclair State University
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Tanya Poteat, Montclair Child Development Center
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Jada Roman, Montclair SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council)
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Joy Scally, Montclair Public School teacher (retired)
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Janet Torsney, Montclair Public Library
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Dr. Doris Walker-Bennett, Sister to Sister
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Naomi Wallace, YMCA of Montclair