Mercer Educator Named County Teacher Of The Year By NJ

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — A special education teacher from Trenton has been named County Teacher of the Year.

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) made the announcement on Tuesday.

Shakida Faniel is among 21 educators to be recognized at an awards ceremony on Tuesday, held at The College of New Jersey in Ewing.

A teacher at Joyce Kilmer Intermediate School in the Trenton Public School District, Faniel earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in teaching from Georgian Court University.

She holds certifications in K–5 elementary education, K–8 special education, and supervisory and leadership credentials.

Faniel began her career at the Children’s Center of Monmouth County, working with students with autism. She then served as a long-term substitute teacher in the Neptune and Asbury Park School Districts, gaining valuable experience across multiple grade levels, according to the DOE.

For the past 14 years, she has taught at Joyce Kilmer Intermediate School, where she works with students from kindergarten through eighth grade. A key contributor to school life, Faniel serves as the Pep Squad advisor, advises other various school functions, and is part of the attendance team.

She is also a real estate agent and residential aide for Youth Consultation Services, where she supports teen girls facing trauma-related challenges.

“Great teachers make for great schools, and New Jersey is home to the best public school system in the nation,” Governor Phil Murphy said.

“I applaud this year’s 21 County Teachers of the Year for their hard work and dedication to uplift young learners across our state. These awardees exemplify the very best our schools have to offer, and I am immensely grateful for the contributions of these exceptional educators to our school communities.”

Individual schools select Teachers of the Year, who are eligible to apply for County Teacher of the Year through the Governor’s Educator of the Year Program, an initiative designed to recognize the commitment and expertise of outstanding teachers and educational services professionals.

“The County Teachers of the Year celebrate the kind of dynamic and innovative instruction that we see in classrooms in school districts across New Jersey,” said Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer. “By recognizing these outstanding 21 County Teachers of the Year, we not only show appreciation for their exemplary dedication and contributions, but we elevate the hard work and dedication of the entire teaching profession. These County Teachers of the Year serve as an inspiration to a new generation of young minds who, one day, might explore a career in education themselves.”

The County Teachers of the Year will network with colleagues throughout the state and serve as ambassadors for New Jersey’s public schools during the school year.

A panel of educators will select the New Jersey State Teacher of the Year from among the 21 County Teachers of the Year based on written applications, video submissions, and interviews with the top finalists.

The New Jersey State Teacher of the Year will go on to represent New Jersey in competing for the title of National Teacher of the Year.

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