One Fair Lawn Teacher Will Be Honored As 'Outstanding' In Princeton University

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Princeton University has announced the names of the four outstanding New Jersey secondary school teachers chosen to be honored at its 2025 Commencement on May 27.

Two are from Bergen County, and one of those is from Fair Lawn

This year’s recipients of the Princeton Prize for Distinguished Secondary School Teaching are Davine Floy of the Newark School of Data Science and Information Technology, Laurianne Brunetti Kuipers of Memorial Middle School in Fair Lawn, An Nguyen of Camden Catholic High School in Cherry Hill, and Theodore Opderbeck of Waldwick High School.

They each will receive $5,000, as well as $3,000 for their school libraries, the school said.

They said, "For 23 years, Laurianne Brunetti Kuipers has helped her students develop a love for literature, a commitment to citizenship and community service, and empathy for one another. The English teacher, who teaches seventh grade Language Arts, Literature Connections and Developmental Reading at Memorial Middle School in Fair Lawn, was selected by her school in 2001 and 2018 to be recognized by the Governor’s Educator of the Year Program."

A former student said, “Her infectious and inspirational spirit, as well as her passion for literature shine through to all of us."

An administrator called Kuipers the “heartbeat of Memorial.”

Kuipers founded her school’s Character Education program, designing a nationally acclaimed curriculum that encourages students to be upstanding citizens.

Under her leadership, Memorial received a National Schools of Character Award and a State Schools of Character Award. She also created Celebrate America, a popular club for community service projects, and the Points of Light student recognition program.

“Her classroom is a place where character education isn’t just taught but lived and breathed,” said a colleague. “Kuipers is a rare gem whose dedication leaves a lasting legacy of compassion, excellence and humanity. She brings character education to life.”

Said an administrator: “Teaching is a science and an art. Ms. Kuipers is a master of both.”

Outside of her teaching responsibilities, Kuipers organizes events and fundraisers benefiting veterans, the local senior community and others.

“Kuipers is an extraordinary teacher, an inspiring leader and a quiet yet powerful force for compassion and humanity that resonates both in and outside of her classroom walls,” said a colleague. “She embodies excellence, not just as an educator, but as a role model for those around her.”

“The selection committee recognizes these four individuals as the kind of educator whose imprint on students lasts far beyond their time in the classroom. They are committed to their students, are dedicated to the craft of teaching, and contribute in countless ways to their communities,” said Michael Gordin, dean of the college and the Rosengarten Professor of Modern and Contemporary History.

“These four extraordinary teachers demonstrate the remarkable teaching taking place across the state of New Jersey,” said Todd Kent, director of Princeton’s Program in Teacher Preparation, when the recipients were announced.

Ten finalists were selected by the Program in Teacher Preparation staff and visited at their schools by Rosanne Zeppieri and Paul Chapin, members of the program staff.

The four winners were then selected by a committee chaired by Elizabeth Colagiuri, deputy dean of the college, that also includes Kent; Jennifer Jennings, professor of sociology and public affairs and a faculty associate of the Office of Population Research; Sabine Kastner, professor of psychology and neuroscience; and William Miron, principal of Millburn High School in New Jersey and a 1978 Princeton University graduate.

The selection committee also considers recommendations from colleagues and students as well as evidence of the teachers’ accomplishments in the school and the community.

Princeton has honored secondary school teachers since 1959 after receiving an anonymous gift from an alumnus to establish the program.

“As a proud product of New Jersey public schools myself, I have always particularly valued that the University applauds superlative teachers like the ones who shaped my path,” Gordin said.

The other Bergen County teacher to win was Theodore Opderbeck of Waldwich High School, who has taught social studies for 29 years.