New Jersey names 2015’s Teachers of the Year

Teachers from across New Jersey are being honored as their respective County Teacher of the Year.

“I’m pleased to congratulate all of our County Teachers of the Year for 2015-16,” said Education Commissioner David C. Hespe at a luncheon just before the start of the school year. “I consider this award a tribute to the talent, dedication, professionalism and success of these educators. They not only inspire the children they teach, they inspire us all."

The New Jersey Department of Education said in a statement the honorees are being recognized "for for their valuable contributions to their school communities at the local level, and are given the opportunity to serve as ambassadors of education to officials at the state level."

New Jersey's 2015-2016 County Teachers of the Year

Atlantic: Michael Martirone,Egg Harbor Township High School

Bergen: Gregory Mulford, Formerly from Roy W. Brown Middle School, Bergenfield

Burlington: Jennifer Braverman, Maple Shade High School

Camden: Elizabeth Light, Gloucester City Junior-Senior High School

Cape May: Erin Ridgeway, Glenwood Avenue Elementary School. Wildwood

Cumberland: Belinda Murphy, ExCEL School, Bridgeton

Essex: Jessica Picciuto, Oak View School, Bloomfield

Gloucester: Jennifer Clune, Jeffrey Clark School, East Greenwich

Hudson: Danielle Savino-Garzon, Dr. Michael School, Jersey City

Hunterdon: Samantha Billig, Hunterdon Central Regional High School

Mercer: Edward Holub, Point Road Middle School, Robbinsville

Middlesex: Janet El-Maraght, Dr. H.N. Richardson 21st Century School, Perth Amboy

Monmouth: Amanda Andrews, Keyport Central School

Morris: Cheryl Zanone, Robert R. Lazar Middle School, Montville

Ocean: Brittany Bucco, Lake Riviera Middle School, Brick

Passaic: Shawn Rhinesmith, Marshall Hill Elementary School, West Milford

Salem: Chelsea Collins, Woodstown Middle School

Somerset: Kristine Shurina - Bridgewater Raritan Middle School

Sussex: Lisa Hirkaler Murphy, Vernon Township High School

Union: Janice Marsili, David Brearley Middle/High School. Kenilworth

Warren: Darlene Noel, Green Street School, Phillipsburg

Dan Alexander is the Digital Operations Specialist for New Jersey 101.5 news. He can be reached via email at dan.alexander@townsquaremedia.com or @DanalexanderNJ on Twitter or at 609-359-5358.