13 Warren School Staff Members Receive High Honors

WARREN, NJ — Five teachers and five Educational Services Professionals from Warren Township Schools have been named recipients of the Governor’s Educator of the Year awards. Three additional Warren teachers have achieved the coveted Exemplary Educator Recognition Award.

Teacher Recipients

• Angelo L. Tomaso School - Elena Marinello, Grade 1 Teacher
• Central School - Sara Kolesar, Grade 3 Teacher
• Mt. Horeb School - Deborah Yankowicz, Preschool Teacher
• Woodland School - John Tsihlas, Health and Physical Education Teacher
• Warren Middle School - Kristen Boni, French Teacher

Educational Services Professional Recipients

• Angelo L. Tomaso School - Alison Hales, Occupational Therapist
• Central School - Emily Niclas, Speech Language Pathologist
• Mt. Horeb School - Helen Moore, Paraprofessional
• Woodland School - Jacqueline Fattell - Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant
• Warren Middle School - Sarah Claxton - Paraprofessional

Exemplary Educator Recipients

• Angelo L. Tomaso School - Sanjita Livingston, Special Education Teacher
• Mt. Horeb School - Rebecca Maag, Grade 1 Teacher
• Woodland School - Adam Yenish, Grade 5 Teacher

All 13 educators were met with a big surprise on the morning of Dec. 6, when Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew Mingle, Board of Education President David Brezee, their respective principals, members of the Board Office, and other visitors made unscheduled pop-ins to each of the district’s five schools. The group briefly interrupted each staff member’s class for the principal to deliver the exciting news and a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

In each case, the award recipient received rounds of applause, as well as high fives and hugs from their students.

The Governor’s Educator of the Year recipients were selected based on their exceptional skill
and dedication to the students of Warren Township.

All 10 educators are known for their strong leadership skills, effective communication with their colleagues and families, and their ability to inspire all of their students to reach their fullest potential.

The Exemplary Educators program invites public schools to identify outstanding educators for
special recognition. Each district is permitted to nominate three individuals.

Warren Township Schools announces that all three teachers that were nominated (Livingston, Maag, and Yenish) were, in fact, selected and will join 178 of their colleagues from around the state of NJ in this honor.

The district’s exemplary educators exhibit strong knowledge and skill, have an inspiring presence, and always have a positive impact on their students, colleagues, and the entire school community.

The district is grateful for the participation of the Warren community, students, and the many
wonderful Warren staff who nominated their peers.

"Warren Township Schools benefit from the dedication of talented educators day in and day out. It is wonderful to take a moment to celebrate some of our shining stars!" said Superintendent Matthew Mingle.

Mingle will publicly announce the recipients at the Dec. 19 Board of Education meeting, and the group will be celebrated later in the spring.

— Submitted by Warren Township