Galloway, NJ-An Absegami High School teacher was selected to represent Atlantic County as part of the state's "County Teacher of the Year" program.
Brenna Baker, a biology teacher, was one of 21 educators selected for the 2022-23 school year.
"These 21 educators are exemplary models of the kinds of dynamic teaching that takes place in new Jersey's classrooms," said Gov. Phil Murphy in a release. "The quality of our schools is driven in no small part through the strength of our teaching workforce, represented by these County Teachers of the Year. It's no wonder New Jersey public schools are among the best in the nation".
According to the bio by the New Jersey Department of Education, Baker received her bachelor's degree in marine science and education from Stockton University, before going on to get her master's degree in educational leadership and supervisor certification from The College of New Jersey. Baker is also currently defending her doctoral thesis at the University of New England.
She has worked in the Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District for the past 19 years and has worked as an adjunct professor at Stockton for the past eight years.
"She has led professional learning communities on assessment and Next Generation Science Standards, wrote over $40,000 in grants and is a founding member of the school Green Team," the New Jersey Department of Education said. "she received the Clean Teen Glitter Award, the 2009 Recipient of the March Teacher of the Month Award WXPN and the 2019 Atlantic County Utilities Authority Clan Communities Litter Award".
She emphasizes the importance of a classroom culture, making her classroom a safe space for students to be free to learn, to fail, to have an opinion and to try. Baker will join the honorees in the next school year to network with educators throughout the state and serve as ambassadors for NJ's public schools.
A panel will choose the New Jersey State Teacher of the Year from the 21 county winners and will go on to compete for the title of National Teacher of the Year.
"Today we recognize the next cohort 21 County Teachers of the year for their dedication, effort and service. Educators have a profound and lifelong impact through their ability to ignite the minds of young people," said Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillian, acting education commissioner. "Their work contributes to the success of their students in the classroom and into adulthood. Congratulations to all of our 2022-2023 County Teachers of the Year!"