Weston Awards: Meet Montclair High School Teacher Gary Rudoren

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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The field of architecture is an art and a science. To teach it, you must understand structural principles and building systems. You need to know a thing or two about materials and history, drafting and design. 

If you’re an inspired teacher, like Montclair High School teacher Gary Rudoren, you also understand your students as people -- how to engage them, challenge them, and spark critical thinking. 

A student who nominated him for this award put it like this: “Mr. Rudoren creates a classroom environment that entices your imagination, [where you] apply creativity to design rather than just considering the technical side of architecture. Every project we have done has to include a story, specifically a description of the ideas and goals your design plans reflect, and connect it to personal experiences in your interactions with architecture in the real world. His projects are always connected to the real world, and feel as if we are using design to create change and improve the urban environment, not just some arbitrary architectural exercise.”

Mr. Rudoren has given students opportunities to design everything from a Little Free Library to a proposal for a new bike shelter at MHS. When a student’s schedule could not accommodate Architecture class, Mr. Rudoren, without hesitation, agreed to be his advisor for an independent study project catered toward the student’s interest in Urban Planning. 

One parent marveled at the way in which their daughter became more engaged, open and confident in his class. “Mr. Rudoren fosters a strong connection with his students, creating an environment where they feel encouraged to participate and grow,” they wrote. 

Mr. Rudoren, for your genuine investment in your students’ success, your thoughtful feedback on their work, for going above and beyond to give them opportunities to express their creative visions, and making them feel valued, respected, and empowered, the Montclair Public Schools community recognizes you as an inspired teacher. Congratulations.