Somerset County's Teacher Of The Year Is...

By Jason Koestenblatt

There are dozens of school buildings in Somerset County and even more teachers.

But only one can stand above the rest each year and be named the top educator in the county.

The New Jersey Department of Education announced this week its top teachers in each of the state’s 21 counties, who will all vie for top teacher in the Garden State this fall.

In Somerset County, the honor was earned by Kristine Shurina, an eighth grade teacher at Bridgewater Raritan Middle School in Bridgewater Raritan School District.

Earning the nod isn’t just about the title, but being asked to help shape education in the state.

“The Department of Education will engage this group of honored educators throughout the 2015-16 school year in a number of ways. In addition to fostering opportunities for the teachers to network with educators throughout the state and country, state officials will count on the group to bring valuable resources and materials directly from the Department to local districts. At the same time, the teachers will be invited to serve on state committees and task forces to share their own experiences and voices at the state level,” said a statement by the Department of Education.

To become Teacher of the Year, a panel of educators will select the educator based on a written application, video submission, and interviews with the top five finalists. The winner will be announced in October, and go on to represent New Jersey at the National Teacher of the Year competition.