BRICK – The Brick Township School District recognized its teachers and educational services professionals who were selected to be the 2024-25 Governor’s Educator of the Year for each school.
The Governor’s Educator of the Year Program aims to recognize educators who have gone above and beyond in their service to New Jersey students. The program recognizes excellence, creates a sense of pride, and brings public attention to the work of outstanding educators. The nomination process commences in November when each school community is invited to nominate teachers and educational services professionals using a rubric. Each school committee evaluates the nominations and announces their school representatives in December.
At a recent Board of Education meeting, the following Governor’s Educator of the Year recipients were recognized:
Herbertsville ECDC
- Teacher: Katelyn James
- Services Professional: Donna Cargill
Warren H. Wolf ECDC
- Teacher: Caitlin Vergason
- Services Professional: Diane McGrath
Drum Point Elementary
- Teacher: Donald MacCarrick
- Services Professional: Joann Abello
Emma Havens Young Elementary
- Teacher: Shannon Golden
- Services Professional: Alix Coughlin
Lanes Mill Elementary
- Teacher: Stephanie Rebecchi
- Services Professional: Margaret Hershowitz
Midstreams Elementary
- Teacher: Katie Schmidt
- Services Professional: Jillian Walsh
Osbornville Elementary
- Teacher: Noel Whitall-Johnson
- Services Professional: Jill Nalewicki
Veterans Memorial Elementary
- Teacher: Sarah Giles
- Services Professional: Amanda Santoro
Lake Riviera Middle School
- Teacher: Jennifer D’Erasmo
- Services Professional: Dean-na DiCorcia
Veterans Memorial Middle School
- Teacher: Thomas Trembulak
- Services Professional: Laura McGuire
Brick Township High School
- Teacher: Christopher Capone
- Services Professional: Kaitlyn Donahue
Brick Memorial High School
- Teacher: Jacqueline Castellano
- Services Professional: Amanda Agiovlasitis
In addition, Jacqueline Castellano was named Brick Township District Teacher of the Year.
Castellano, a science teacher at Brick Memorial High School, is known for her innovative teaching methods, commitment to student success, and passion for science education. She helped design the lesson plan template and assessment plan. At the district level, she has served in the DAT Committee and Staff Wellness Initiative. Her connections with Ocean Medical Center and the New Jersey Sharing Network have strengthened her S.T.E.M. Academy course and AP Biology course. She also became the advisor of the pre-med club that was founded in 2022 from a student S.T.E.M. passion project.
“Mrs. Castellano is more than a biology teacher. She is a visionary educator and inspiring mentor and a true role model,” said Ed Sarluca, Principal of Brick Memorial High School.
In her speech, Castellano thanked her family, coworkers, and the administration who supported her and validated her efforts throughout the years.
“To be recognized for simply doing what I love is a wonderful feeling,” Castellano said. “To my coworkers, my friends, you make my days so much easier… All of you, especially my science department, who I know played a role in my initial nomination, have become my family, my safe place away from home, and I thank all of you for the support, guidance, collaboration, and friendship over the past 24 years.”
“I remind you that teaching is not just delivering content. It is being a multitasker, an authority figure, and a role model. We model compassion, empathy, structure and discipline, preparing children for the real world. However, this is not possible without your support. Support that provides funding, respect and policies that allow us to do our job. We did not become teachers to be the enemy. We became teachers to serve our community,” she said.
Castellano ended her speech by sharing letters that former students wrote her, reading their kinds words and gratitude of her inspiration and support.
“To my students, you are my greatest honor. You are the reason I do this. Your curiosity, courage and joy make every day worth it, and hearing from you years later, that’s everything,” Castellano said.
