Nominate a Teacher for the 2026 Judy Weston Awards!
- Erin Madigan White
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
Sixteen Montclair Public School teachers and one counselor will each be awarded $2,000
The Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence is calling for nominations for the 2026 Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching!
Now administered by MFEE, the awards were established by Josh and Judy Weston in 1991 to acknowledge and celebrate Montclair Public Schools teachers. Last year, MFEE received more than 300 nominations, and 17 honorees won $2,000 each.
The awards honor the memory of the late Judy Weston, a longtime Montclair resident and champion of public education.
“Judy was deeply committed to honoring the professionalism and creativity of teachers. These awards carry forward her spirit by recognizing educators working to uplift and challenge Montclair students,” said her husband Josh Weston.
All parents/guardians of current Montclair Public Schools students, current MPS students, and recent alumni, are encouraged to nominate teachers or a counselor. Nominations can be written or submitted as an audio or video recording.
Montclair Public Schools Superintendent Ruth B. Turner said: “Each year, the Judy Weston Awards remind us that the heart of Montclair Public Schools is found in our classrooms. Our educators do far more than deliver instruction, they spark curiosity, nurture confidence, and inspire students to see possibilities for their future. I encourage families, students, and colleagues to nominate a teacher who has made a lasting impact. Taking a few moments to recognize an educator is a powerful way to honor the dedication and care that define our school community.”
What is “Inspired Teaching?”
The awards honor both master teachers and those on their way to achieving that status. Inspired teaching combines a range of skills across several core areas. Ultimately, it excites students to learn, helps them feel valued, and responds to their individual needs and strengths.
“At the heart of MFEE’s mission is a commitment to nurturing and uplifting our teachers,” said Masiel Rodriquez-Vars, executive director of MFEE. “These awards celebrate the outsize influence that inspired educators have on students’ lives. We’re proud to honor Judy’s legacy through this program.”
Winners are selected based on nomination letters, which can provide insight through personal stories and specific examples. Each winner will receive individual cash awards of $2,000. The deadline for nominations is Sunday, April 12.
All winners are recognized at a public celebration, and MFEE will share nomination letters with those who are nominated. Here are just a few examples of the accolades shared about winning educators during last year’s ceremony:
A nomination for Northeast Elementary School teacher Kristine Greenhalgh-Checchetto said: “She got my son to see writing in a whole new light.”
A nomination for Nishuane Elementary School teacher Regina Polzella said: “I love how excited she gets when her students succeed. Her attitude is always positive.”
A parent shared this about Montclair High School teacher Gary Rudoren: “Mr. Rudoren fosters a strong connection with his students, creating an environment where they feel encouraged to participate and grow.”
A selection committee made up of local education professionals and community leaders reads all nominations (with names redacted) and chooses 17 finalists:
One teacher from each elementary school
One teacher from each middle school
Two teachers from the high school
One special education teacher from across the district
Two “at-large” awards for teachers from any school
One Peer Award, based on teacher nominations only
One counselor award, based on teacher and/or parent nominations
Winners will be notified at the end of April, and awards will be presented on the evening of June 11 at a public ceremony co-hosted by MFEE and the Montclair Public Schools.
Comments