Westfield Honors Longtime Science Teacher On Her Retirement

WESTFIELD, NJ — The Westfield Board of Education honored a science teacher with 30 years in the district ahead of her retirement.

Superintendent Dr. Raymond Gonzalez and other town leaders accepted the retirement of Kristi Houghtaling at the last Board meeting in November. She currently teaches at Edison Intermediate School.

Houghtaling was recognized by Gonzalez for "igniting a love of science and building a classroom rooted in curiosity, confidence, and connection" that endured over decades and left lasting impressions on countless students.

Some of her noteworthy accomplishments were bringing a real-world relevance to her teaching through a longstanding partnership with Princeton University and participation in a NASA-funded climate-science program.

Krisi "continually refined her lessons to help students see the beauty and the wonder in the world around them," Gonzalez added.

Houghtaling began with the district in September of 1995 and will start retirement on July 1, 2026.

MORE FROM PATCH: More Than $86K Raised To Support Art Projects In Westfield