Arbadji Wins West Essex Teacher of the Year Award at Middle School

West Essex Middle School teacher Paula Arbadji received the Governor’s Teacher of the Year award on Monday. 

Teaching science at the middle school for the past seven years, Arbadji said the award is “a tremendous honor” and was quick to note she is surrounded by tremendously talented teachers on a daily basis. 

“I was so humbled because there are so many amazing teachers at this school,” said Arbadji. “Everyone works hard and puts the kids first and is creative.”  

West Essex Middle School Principal David Montgomery said Arbadji is a model teacher for both students and fellow staff. He joked that Arbadji can rarely be found in the lunchroom because she is more often than not offering extra help to students.  

In addition, Arbadji began and supervises a transition field trip for seventh-graders to visit the high school, and started a Middle School Students of the Month award. 

“Quite simply, I think Paula Arbadji was an outstanding choice and an outstanding recipient of the Governor’s Teacher of the Year award,” said Montgomery.

Arbadji said she is very casual with her students and her teaching secret is that she relates everything to food, which students find very easy to relate to.