Weston Awards: Meet Kay Whang, Charles H. Bullock Elementary School

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.

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Kay Whang, who teaches science and social studies at Charles H. Bullock Elementary School, also helps her students do hard things, grow, and feel valued. 

That’s what we heard from those who nominated her for this award. 

A parent wrote: “This teacher has found a way to strike a very important balance that helps [my child] step beyond her comfort zone but still feel secure and supported. Ms. Whang has spent many hours thinking deeply about [my child] and how best to meet her needs and help her shine. She emails me GOOD news and shares successes- even the smallest ones.”

Students appreciate Ms. Whang, too, praising her for the following:

– letting kids pick their own partners for projects (sometimes)  

– making lessons fun by letting kids help teach by helping with the slides 

– And always being there for them when they need help with classwork or tests 

(BUT FYI - a student wanted to clarify:  “Ms. Whang never gives the answers. She just helps.”) 

And that is what inspired teachers do – they help students grow and learn and become better versions of themselves.

As one nominator put it: “Teachers like Kay Whang don't come along every day, every year. She is unique in her ability to have her students feel loved and pushed in all the right ways.” 

A student put it simply: “I love fourth grade because of her.” 

Ms. Whang, for collaboration and open communication with parents, for modeling kindness in your classroom, and for recognizing students’ wins big and small, and making them feel worthy of praise, the Montclair community is proud to recognize you as an inspired teacher. Congratulations.