Weston Awards: Ashley Dorian Storfer

This is the first in our series spotlighting the 2026 winners of the Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching. Follow along each week to learn more about the impact these educators are making in the Montclair Public Schools.

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Ashley Dorian Storfer, this year's winner of the Peer Inspiration Award, is a valued member of the teaching team at Montclair High School’s Civics & Government Institute (CGI). Ms. Dorian, an English teacher, is deeply respected by students and her colleagues for her kindness, creativity, and care for others.

A colleague who nominated her for this award wrote: “Oftentimes, teachers are clear-headed planners, or they are savvy and informed thinkers, or they are incredibly equipped with social skills that help nurture and follow students' curiosity in real-time. Ashley does all of these things simultaneously.” 

Ms. Dorian is recognized for getting to know students, and making time for them if they are struggling with academic challenges or personal hardship. She’s been instrumental in bringing to life “Mental Wellness Morning,” an even that features guest speakers, and mindful, therapeutic, and relaxing activities for students. She involves kids in the planning, giving them a sense of ownership. And she’s made it a building-wide event on standardized testing days. 

This is just one way Ms. Dorian seeks to support MHS students. 

A peer noted: “When one of my students was mourning over a loss in her family, Ashley personally bought this student a copy of a children's book whose lessons on grief helped her manage that process. The student tried to return the copy, and I personally watched this student's face light up with appreciation when Ashley said, ‘Oh! No, that's for you!’"

Ms. Dorian was also lauded for her creative lessons and going beyond what’s expected: 

• Mentoring a new teacher over the summer on her own time, 

• Sharing lesson plans and resources with colleagues,  

• Bringing in Korean food to help her students more fully immerse themselves in the book they were reading about Korean culture, 

• And even donning themed attire! (She co-teaches a class using the hit series “Avatar," and she and history teacher Mr. Gutch coordinate their outfits those days.) 

For being an exceptionally caring and innovative educator whose leadership, mentorship, creativity, and dedication foster both academic growth and personal well-being at MHS, the Montclair community is proud to recognize Ms. Dorian as winner of the 2026 Peer Inspiration Award. Congratulations.