6 Lawrence Educators Selected for TCNJ’s STEM Fellowship

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ - Six educators from Lawrence Township Public Schools have been selected to participate in The College of New Jersey’s inaugural cohort of Sustainable and Innovative STEM Master Teacher Fellows.

The fellowship is a statewide initiative that aims to strengthen K–5 STEM education and climate change literacy across New Jersey through teacher leadership and innovation.

Funded by a $2.9 million National Science Foundation grant, the fellowship is led by Dr. Lauren Madden of TCNJ’s School of Education, in collaboration with colleagues from TCNJ’s Schools of Engineering and Science and Salve Regina University.

Here are the six teachers selected for the fellowship:

• Lea Ryan – Lawrenceville Elementary School (LES)
• Hillary Hargraves-Dix – Ben Franklin Elementary School (BF)
• Taylor Hickey – Ben Franklin Elementary School (BF)
• Peter Braynor – Lawrence Intermediate School (LIS)
• Monica Pontari – Lawrence Intermediate School (LIS)
• Amara Richardson – Lawrence Intermediate School (LIS)

Meanwhile, three additional LTPS educators from Lawrence Intermediate School—Andrew Cenci, Amelia Irmer, and Yulieth Le—have already been accepted to join Cohort 2, which is set to launch in either January or May of 2026.

The six LTPS teachers in Cohort 1 will begin graduate coursework later this month to earn a certificate in Environmental Sustainability Education from TCNJ.

After completing the academic component, they will engage in rigorous professional development designed to cultivate their skills as STEM leaders in their schools, communities, and beyond.

“We are beyond proud of these outstanding educators,” said Robyn Klim, Superintendent of Schools. “Their passion, innovation, and leadership reflect everything that makes LTPS such a special place for learning and growth. This opportunity not only benefits them professionally but also enriches the educational experiences of all the students they serve.”

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