Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public Schools recently recognized 15 exceptional teachers and educational services professionals nominated for the 2025-2026 Governor’s Educator of the Year Recognition Program. 

Each year, New Jersey school districts nominate their educators for the prestigious Governor’s Educator of the Year Award through the New Jersey Department of Education. The program seeks to recognize educators “who have gone above and beyond in their service to New Jersey’s students” and to create a culture that recognizes excellence and brings public attention to the work of outstanding educators.    

“On behalf of the entire district, congratulations to the 15 teachers and educational services professionals who were recognized for this outstanding honor,” said Superintendent Dr. Joan Mast. “Their dedication to student success is noticed and appreciated by all of us in Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public Schools.” 

The recipients will be recognized and celebrated at the Board of Education meeting on Thursday, Jan. 22.  

The Governor’s Educator of the Year recipients are: 

• Anne Guard, Nettingham Spanish Teacher 

• Kathleen Daniele, Nettingham Classroom Aide 

• Kathy McArdle, Evergreen First Grade Teacher 

• Celina Merejo, Evergreen Classroom Aide 

• Andrea Karanik, SPFHS Social Studies Teacher 

• Richard Dorry, SPFHS Student Assistance Specialist 

• Katherine (Kate) Szczubelek, School One Kindergarten Teacher 

• Holly Hindin, School One Classroom Aide 

• Emily Bentivegna, Brunner Special Education Teacher 

• Marissa Kurtz, Brunner Speech/Language Specialist 

• Elizabeth Sinnott, McGinn Special Education Teacher 

• Kamini Sanghvi, McGinn Classroom Aide 

• Kari Weinglass, Coles Special Education Teacher 

• Dawn Haligowski, Coles Classroom Aide 

• Nora Shalan, Terrill English/LA Teacher