Weston Awards: Michele Campbell Kinnas

This is the latest 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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In the halls of Buzz Aldrin Middle School, Michele Campbell Kinnas is affectionately known as “Ms. Kindness.” 

It’s a well-earned nickname. Parents, students, and colleagues alike praised her compassionate approach and positive attitude. She was recognized for her focus on gratitude, collaborative spirit, and role in cultivating a positive school culture. Even students who had her for English Language Arts years ago remember kindness as the overriding theme of their time in her class. 

Those who nominated her for a Weston award described her like this:  

“She is considerate to all her students. She stays calm and doesn't raise her voice.” 

“She has helped me so much in class and truly cares about her students. She always takes the time to explain things when I don’t understand and never makes anyone feel bad for asking questions.”

“During class, she plays relaxing music in the background so we can focus, and she makes us feel like we are personal writers.”

“Her classroom environment is very calm, a good mood for students.” 

“She always asks if we are okay if we have our head down, or if we’re not feeling good.”

Plus, she even wears a kindness t-shirt on Fridays.

Ms. Kinnas also connects teaching to the real world. For example, after reading a text about a child’s experience in the foster care system, she organized a book drive, and with the help of students, staff, and Buzz families, collected almost 2,000 books for fostered or adopted children this year. 

For being a deeply caring teacher who creates a calm, supportive classroom, encourages student confidence and growth, and who positively impacts both students and colleagues through kindness, mentorship, and dedication, the Montclair community is proud to honor Ms. Kinnas as an inspired teacher. Congratulations.

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