The Hanover Park Regional High School District celebrates select teachers who have been awarded the NJ 2021 Governor Educator of the Year and the NJ 2021 Exemplary Secondary Educator through the New Jersey Department of Education. Congratulations to Melissa Yingling for being awarded the 2021 Governor Educator of the Year for Hanover Park High School and to Andrea Ritacco for being awarded the NJ 2021 Governor Educator of the Year for Whippany Park High School. The award honors the hardworking teachers for their dedication to students and the professional and recognizes the teachers to be an expert in the field who inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn. They actively collaborate with colleagues, students, and families to create a strong culture of respect and success. The two awardees are automatically eligible to apply for the County Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to the following teachers: Brad Callahan, John DeRosa, Erin Fulton, Joseph Lunetta, Lauren Pannucci, and Melissa Yingling, for being recognized as NJ 2021 Exemplary Secondary Educator through the New Jersey Department of Education. The Exemplary Secondary Educator Recognition Program honors educators who have a positive impact on their students, colleagues and the school community, and possess a clear vision for quality teaching and learning. Nominated educators for both the Governor Educator of the Year and Exemplary Secondary Educator award undergo a rigorous selection process which entails criteria such as number of years of teaching experience, final summative evaluation rating, demonstrated examples of exceptional teaching and leadership skills, endorsements from teachers and school administrators, and positive involvement in school activities and the community.
We would like to honor and thank these teachers for their continued care and commitment to the students and the school and for taking pride in the students, the school, and the teaching profession. They have given a great honor to the Hanover Park Regional High School District.