They were selected last fall as standouts among their peers—but on April 29, the spotlight shined brightly once again on Linden Public Schools’ 2024 Governor’s Educator of the Year and Educational Services Professional of the Year honorees.
During a joyful and electric recognition ceremony at the Board of Education meeting, the district celebrated the dedication, excellence, and compassion of teachers and support staff from every school. The room buzzed with excitement as many honorees were joined by their children, proud family members, principals, and peers—all standing in support as the Board formally recognized the incredible contributions of these educators. The evening served as the perfect lead-in to National Teacher Appreciation Week, observed May 5–9, with National Teacher Day falling on Tuesday, May 6.
Assistant Superintendent of Academics Dave Walker and Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins led the heartfelt tribute, honoring individuals who have made a lasting impact on students, colleagues, and entire school communities.
“These recognitions are a powerful reminder that our schools are filled with professionals who go above and beyond every single day,” said Dr. Perkins. “You are more than educators—you are the heartbeat of Linden. You lead with passion and purpose, and we are incredibly proud of you.”
Walker echoed those sentiments, emphasizing how deeply admired each honoree is by those who nominated them.
“Being named Educator of the Year or Educational Services Professional of the Year is more than a title,” he said. “It’s a reflection of the daily commitment these individuals show to their students and colleagues—honors made even more meaningful because they come from the respect and appreciation of their peers.”
As each name was called, applause rang out and smiles beamed—marking a moment of celebration not just for individual achievement, but for the spirit of education that powers Linden’s schools.
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2024 Governor’s Educator of the Year & Educational Services Professional of the Year Honorees
School No. 1
• Teacher of the Year: Nancy Koziol (Grade 1)
• ESP of the Year: Yoselin Luna (Paraprofessional)
School No. 2
• Teacher of the Year: Jamie Pierson (Autistic Grades 1–3)
• ESP of the Year: Lisa White (Social Worker, Grades 3–5)
School No. 4
• Teacher of the Year: Kristen Panzino (Pre-K)
• ESP of the Year: Liliana Lozada (ESP)
School No. 5
• Teacher of the Year: Kellianne Lepore (Kindergarten)
• ESP of the Year: Claudia Dolan (Instructional Math Coach – Schools 2, 4, 5)
School No. 6
• Teacher of the Year: Melissa Wengerter (Remedial Reading)
• ESP of the Year: Tania Pacheco (Gifted & Talented – Schools 1 & 6)
School No. 8
• Teacher of the Year: Lisa Rieckhoff (Grade 2)
• ESP of the Year: Cathleen Mimnaugh (ESP)
School No. 9
• Teacher of the Year: Kate Scherer (Grade 2)
• ESP of the Year: Tara Rushton Echeverria (1:1 Paraprofessional)
School No. 10
• Teacher of the Year: Kimberly Szczesny (Pre-K)
• ESP of the Year: Daisy Coelho (ESP for Autistic Classrooms)
Soehl Middle School
• Teacher of the Year: Radames Baldwin (Math)
• ESP of the Year: Kevin Finley (Social Worker)
McManus Middle School
• Teacher of the Year: Jennifer Colella (Language Arts)
• ESP of the Year: Donna Ricciardelli (ESP)
Linden High School
• Teacher of the Year: Gia-Nicole Mannuzza
• ESP of the Year: Cristina Couto