Weston Awards: Meet Hillside Science Teacher Susan Bartol

This is the latest in our series spotlighting the winners of the 2025 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.

When a Hillside elementary school student in Susan Bartol’s class had an idea to start a class focused on climate change, her response was simple: “Let’s make it happen.” 

And she did. Bartol created “Think Tank” – a science class for 4th and 5th graders at Hillside to look at a global issue, climate change, and study it, discuss it, and act locally to help fix it. Ms. Bartol wrote a curriculum and had it approved to begin that next school year. Of course, the very proud 4th grade student who dreamed it up, enrolled in the class. 

Ms. Bartol, who has been the recipient of several MFEE grants, has designed other unique classes, too. Most recently, an exploration of the intersection between art and science, where students were encouraged to create art, observe their natural surroundings and patterns in nature – igniting the interest of students who did not show an inclination toward science initially. She taught them a new way to engage with nature and connect with the subject matter. 

It’s no surprise students want to enroll in her classes. One nominator said: “My son insists on being in one of her electives every school cycle!” 

And last year, two Hillside alumni attended a Teacher Toast held in Bartol’s honor. They returned to tell her they were majoring in science now, and it was because of her. 

Those who nominated Bartol for the Weston Award praised her passion and creativity, and for treating students as smart and capable, talking to them with humor, transparency, and respect.

For her boundless curiosity that drives creative teaching, for sparking that same curiosity and passion in her students, for making them feel safe, supported and whole, and for helping them realize “how exciting it is to experiment – to try and fail and then try again” – Ms. Bartol is an inspired teacher. Congratulations.