Inspiring Montclair Teachers, Staff Earn Judy Weston Awards (See The List)

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A group of 16 high-achieving teachers and a school counselor in Montclair were recently named winners of the 2025 Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching.

According to the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence (MFEE), the awards were established by Josh and Judy Weston in 1991 to acknowledge and celebrate teachers in the Montclair Public School District.

This year, a new award made its debut: the Inspired Counseling Award. It is given to a counselor or school social worker who “helps students feel safe and seen, recognizes potential in students, collaborates and advocates on behalf of students, and supports academic success.”

Chanda Fields, a counselor at Montclair High School, earned the inaugural Inspired Counseling Award.

“[Ms. Fields] takes the time to encourage students to explore their strengths further, offer positive reinforcement, and connect them with opportunities that highlight their abilities,” one of her nominators wrote.

“By helping students see their own potential, she empowers them to pursue paths they may have otherwise not considered,” they added.

PEER INSPIRATION

This year’s Peer Inspiration Award, given to a teacher who has inspired their MPS colleagues, is Brittany Kramer, a special education teacher at Watchung Elementary School.

WESTON WINNERS

The 15 other Weston Award winners for 2025 include:

• Charles Anderson, Glenfield Middle School
• Anne Baney-Giampoala, Montclair High School
• Kevin Barry, Bradford Elementary School
• Susan Bartol, Hillside Elementary School
• Dr. Twana Davisson, Buzz Aldrin Middle School
• Kristine Greenhalgh-Checchetto, Northeast Elementary School
• Judith Grodner, Edgemont Montessori Elementary School
• Gladys Kiernan, Nishuane Elementary School
• Regina Polzella, Nishuane Elementary School
• Gary Rudoren, Montclair High School
• Gerald Silvera, Edgemont Montessori Elementary School
• Christina Sparacino, Watchung Elementary School
• Mark Stulbaum, Renaissance Middle School
• Kay Whang, Charles H. Bullock Elementary School
• Samantha Martinez, Bradford Elementary School (Special Ed Award)

‘TRANSFORMING LIVES’

“The Judy Weston Awards shine a light on the kind of teaching that transforms lives,” Interim Superintendent Damen Cooper said.

“Our educators don’t just teach content—they inspire curiosity, nurture resilience, and celebrate the unique potential of every student,” Cooper said. “These awardees represent the heart of Montclair’s commitment to equity, excellence and empathy in education.”

MFEE executive director Masiel Rodriquez-Vars said it was “truly inspiring” to see nominations from so many people across the community.

“Students, caregivers and educators shared personal stories, heartfelt words of appreciation and recognition for their teachers and colleagues,” Rodriquez-Vars said. “The MFEE is honored to help celebrate the excellence of these educators.”

The awards also honor the memory of Judy Weston, a long-time Montclair resident and champion of public education.

“Judy was passionate about wanting to recognize and celebrate the many talented teachers in our district who exercise their craft so well on behalf of Montclair students,” Josh Weston said.

• See Related: Montclair Mourns Beloved Philanthropist Judy Weston

The community is invited to attend a recognition ceremony on Wednesday, June 18 at the Montclair Public Library, which will be jointly hosted by MPS, MFEE and the Weston family. Many 2024 Weston Award recipients will play a role in this event. Guests can RSVP here.

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