Red Bank Teacher Named Finalist For 2024-2025 NJ Teacher Of The Year

RED BANK, NJ — A Red Bank school teacher has been named as one of six finalists for the 2024-2025 NJ State Teacher of the Year award, the NJ Department of Education announced.

Dr. Sara Mazzone of Red Bank Regional High School was previously named Monmouth County’s 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year in August.

Mazzone has worked at Red Bank Regional since 2010, according to the NJ Department of Education, and currently teaches AP English Language and Composition as well as a college-level course she developed called “Graphic Novels and Visual Literacy.”

In her academic work, Mazzone has developed the curriculum, led initiatives to enhance academic achievement, promote equality, and increase participation in advanced coursework.

She believes strongly in teacher leadership, according to the NJ Department of Education, and has organized school-wide and department-wide professional development events.

Throughout the past four years, Mazzone’s efforts have contributed to a 22% increase in college-level English course enrollment amongst juniors and seniors, according to Red Bank Regional High School Superintendent Louis Moore.

“Dr. Mazzone is deeply respected by her students and colleagues for her unwavering commitment to student success,” Moore said. “Her dedication is evident in the countless hours she invests in providing extra help and encouragement, developing curriculum, and strengthening instruction.”

Alongside Mazzone, five other teachers were named as finalists for the 2024-2025 NJ State Teacher of the Year award.

The finalists include:

• Karolina Mills (Cumberland County)
• Vanessa Poggioli (Gloucester County)
• Mary Houghtaling (Sussex County)
• Alejandro Mejia (Union County)
• Stefanie Lachenauer (Somerset County)

In September, Stefanie Lachenaur was officially named as the 2024-2025 NJ State Teacher of the Year.

Lachenaur is a civics and mindfulness teacher at Montgomery Upper Middle School in the Montgomery Township School District, according to the NJ Department of Education.

Though Mazzone was not named at the 2024-2025 NJ State Teacher of the Year, Red Bank Regional High School still took to social media to express their pride in her work and achievements:

“We are thrilled to announce that RBR’s very own Dr. Sara Mazzone has been named one of six finalists for the New Jersey State Teacher of the Year recognition,” school officials said. “We are so proud to have her as part of our RBR family.”

"Congratulations, Dr. Mazzone," the post continued. "Keep inspiring and making a difference!"

To learn more about Dr. Sara Mazzone, you can see her profile on the NJ Department of Education website.

To learn more about the 2024-2025 NJ State Teacher of the Year, you can see Stefanie Lachenaur's profile here.

Related:

• See Who Was Named Monmouth County's Teacher Of The Year