Award-Winning New Jersey Teacher Gets Visit From TV Icon Bill Nye

NEWARK, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Newark Public School District. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

Sussex Avenue School in Newark echoed with excitement and curiosity as none other than Science Educator Bill Nye visited the school for a special assembly honoring second grade teacher Jonathan Koch, who was recently named America’s Favorite Teacher by professional fundraiser Colossal.

Mr. Koch was selected from thousands of educators across the United States and Canada in Colossal’s national competition that celebrates exceptional classroom leaders. His achievement earned him a $25,000 cash prize, a feature in Reader’s Digest, a trip to Hawaii, and an unforgettable science-themed assembly hosted by Bill Nye himself.

“We are extremely proud of Jonathan Koch for his achievement and bringing this wonderful opportunity to our students,” said Superintendent Roger León. “His dedication to fostering confidence and curiosity in his students is unmatched, and it was a joy to see his work celebrated today.”

The annual competition, organized by Colossal, is open to teachers from preschool through postsecondary education. Finalists are selected through public voting, with additional votes cast through charitable donations benefiting organizations such as The Planetary Society, where Nye serves as CEO. Eligible participants must be full-time educators with a strong record of service in the classroom.

“I’m over the moon to announce that we raised over $3 million for The Planetary Society through our 2025 America’s Favorite Teacher competition! This partnership works so well because both teachers and space science spark imagination and drive progress. When we support the educators who light that spark, we fuel futures where anything feels possible—on this planet or beyond,” said Colossal CEO Mary Hagen.

Mr. Koch is in his second year of teaching after graduating from William Paterson University. He previously taught at the Elliott Street School, and grew up watching Bill Nye the Science Guy as a boy growing up in Cedar Grove, N.J.

“I have a lot of vivid memories of watching him in sixth grade,” he said.

Mr. Koch’s students and colleagues attended the assembly in which Bill Nye gave an inspiring presentation on space exploration and the search for life somewhere else in the universe. He also spoke about the importance of science education and the impact of great teachers.

“This was a proud day not only for Mr. Koch and Sussex Avenue School, but for the entire City of Newark,” said Hasani K. Council, President of the Newark Board of Education. “When one of our own teachers is recognized in such a high-profile way, it elevates our whole community.”

For more information about the America’s Favorite Teacher competition, visit americasfavteacher.org.

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