Sixteen Montclair Public Schools teachers and one school counselor have been named winners of the 2025 Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching, selected from a record number of nominations submitted by MPS parents/caregivers and students.
The awards honor both master teachers and those who are on their way to achieving that status. Inspired teaching combines a range of skills across several core areas. Ultimately, it excites students to learn, helps them feel valued, and responds to their individual needs and strengths.
The awards, established by Josh and Judy Weston in 1991 to acknowledge and celebrate MPS teachers, were given each year until 2016. After a hiatus, the awards returned in 2023 and are administered by the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence (MFEE).
"The Judy Weston Awards shine a light on the kind of teaching that transforms lives,” said Interim Superintendent Damen G. Cooper. “Our educators don’t just teach content—they inspire curiosity, nurture resilience, and celebrate the unique potential of every student. These awardees represent the heart of Montclair’s commitment to equity, excellence, and empathy in education.”
The Weston Award winners include:
Chanda D. Fields, Montclair High School (Inspired Counseling Award)
Brittany Kramer, Watchung Elementary School (Peer Inspiration Award)
Charles Anderson, Glenfield Middle School
Anne Baney-Giampoala, Montclair High School
Kevin Barry, Bradford Elementary School
Susan Bartol, Hillside Elementary School
Dr. Twana Davisson, Buzz Aldrin Middle School
Kristine Greenhalgh-Checchetto, Northeast Elementary School
Judith Grodner, Edgemont Montessori Elementary School
Gladys Kiernan, Nishuane Elementary School
Regina Polzella, Nishuane Elementary School
Gary Rudoren, Montclair High School
Gerald Silvera, Edgemont Montessori Elementary School
Christina Sparacino, Watchung Elementary School
Mark Stulbaum, Renaissance Middle School
Kay Whang, Charles H. Bullock Elementary School
Samantha Martinez, Bradford Elementary School (Special Education Award)
The community is invited to attend the recognition ceremony on Wednesday, June 18, at the Montclair Public Library, which will be jointly hosted by MPS, MFEE and the Weston family. Please
RSVP.
Read the full announcement on MFEE's blog:
https://www.mfee.org/post/mfee-announces-winners-of-the-2025-judy-weston-awards