2026 Winners: Teachers Who Rock

We are proud to welcome the following teachers to The Rat Teachers Who Rock Class of 2026!

Sponsored by NJ School Jobs & NJEA

Teacher in a Multiply Disabled classroom at Manchester Township High School
Nominated by Paraprofessional Christine Grille

Karl has been in education for 20 years. Christine says she is proud to nominate Karl because she believes that he deserves this honor. He began his teaching career immediately after graduation from Monmouth University and continued his education and earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Kean University. Karl spent time developing his teaching style and was very excited to go back to Manchester Township School District where he was a student athlete and graduate of the 2001 class. Since Karl has been working in Manchester, he has been teaching the MD class at the High School. It is in this capacity that Christine has worked with Karl as his Paraprofessional in the classroom. While some may say that teaching the same students for 4 years straight is challenging, Karl always finds a way to keep things new & exciting each year so that they look forward to class. His enthusiasm for teaching and dedication to his work is to be commended. Christine says there is nothing better than a first-hand account of impact Karl has had on a student. He is not only dedicated to teaching children content and material but also committed to helping develop a good character. Karl has also been past recipient of “Applebee’s Above & Beyond Educator” and “My Favorite Teacher” recognition from Barnes & Noble. Now, Karl Schaefer can add “Teacher Who Rocks” to his already impressive resume.

Basic Skills Teacher & Interventionalist at Manchester Township Elementary School
Nominated by Crystal Policastro

Toni has been in education for over 20 years. Crystal tells us that Toni is an exceptionally skilled and dedicated Basic Skills teacher whose commitment to student growth is evident in every aspect of her work. She approaches each child as an individual, tailoring instruction to meet their academic & emotional needs while fostering confidence and a genuine love for learning. Her ability to connect with students of all backgrounds and abilities ensures that every learner feels valued, supported, and capable of success. Most recently, she has stepped up and has had to pivot her work and take on the coordinator role for the school's Title I after-school program and help mentor new staff due to a colleague’s retirement and maternity leaves of her colleagues on her BSI team. She is well respected by her peers and continues to go above and beyond for her students daily. Toni’s passion for teaching extends far beyond the classroom. She is an active and enthusiastic member of multiple school initiatives, including the Sunshine Committee, Kevin’s Kids Holiday Drive, and the after-school Discovery Club, where she contributes her creativity and compassion to promote a positive and inclusive school culture. Each year, she leads the Alex’s Lemonade Stand fundraiser during Field Day, teaching students the importance of empathy, community service, and helping others in need. For her work both in and out of the classroom, we’re proud to announce Toni Basile as a member of the Teachers Who Rock Class of 2026.

Guidance Counselor & Community Parent Involvement Specialist at Mill Pond School in Lanoka Harbor
Nominated by District Supervisor Mallory Krakovsky

Nominated by District Supervisor Mallory Krakovsky, Jamie has been in education for 6 years. She seamlessly balances her dual role as a kindergarten guidance counselor and Preschool CPIS with professionalism and heart. She works with students in a consistently positive, kind, and patient manner by helping them navigate friendship challenges, family concerns, and academic struggles while building confidence and emotional resilience. In her CPIS role, Jamie partners closely with teachers and families, offering valuable resources that support basic needs such as mental health services, healthy eating habits, and smooth transitions to the next grade level. Her strong work ethic, collaborative nature, and willingness to step in wherever needed make her easy to work with and a trusted, dependable team player across the school community. Outside the classroom, Jamie consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting families in need, particularly through her annual efforts to assist families during the Christmas season. She works diligently to coordinate resources and ensure students and their families receive meaningful support during a time when needs are often greatest. Throughout the year, Jamie continues this work by collaborating with families, staff, and community partners to identify and secure necessary support that promotes student success and well-being. For her work in and out of school, Jamie Turbiak is truly a Teacher Who Rocks.

3rd grade teacher at Lanes Mills Elementary School in Brick
Nominated by fellow teacher Stephanie Rebecchi

Melissa has been in education for 24 years and she says that Melissa has been a fan favorite for tons of Brick students. She is the perfect balance of business and fun, making her classroom the perfect learning environment. She is always planning, ensuring that she meets the needs of all her learners. Melissa has worked with Multi-Language learners for many years with patience and compassion, which these children need to be successful, and they cherish their time in her classroom. Melissa is also an amazing colleague. She is a team player and helps her grade level team daily. It's the little things she does for others that make a big difference. Finding something fun for a holiday, printing out our lunch calendar, and even reminding colleagues of when we have detention duty. Stephanie says that Melissa is her “voice of reason” and that she would be lost without her. Not only is she a great colleague & friend, but now Melissa Hall is also a member of the 2026 Class of Teachers Who Rocks.

Kindergarten teacher at Ridgeway Elementary School in Manchester
Nominated by Reading Specialist Kimberly Costagliola

Valerie has been in education for 27 years. Mrs. Schaefer is a previous winner of the Governor’s Educator of the Year, and she proves every day that longevity in the profession does not mean complacency. Valerie never stops honing her craft. She is constantly reflecting, learning, and seeking new ways to challenge her students and reach every learner in her classroom. She sets the bar high and creates an environment where students are motivated to rise to those expectations. Valerie is a fierce advocate for her students, always ensuring their needs are met academically, socially, and emotionally. She is a straight shooter; honest, clear, and solution focused. This makes her a trusted voice among colleagues and families alike. Her communication with parents is strong and genuine, and she builds meaningful partnerships by creating engaging experiences, such as her much-loved gingerbread decorating event that brings families into the school community. Outside the classroom, Valerie is a participant in Kevin’s Kids, the district’s holiday fundraiser that brings joy and support to families during the Christmas season. Highly respected by staff, Valerie is often sought out for advice because people know they will get thoughtful guidance and the honest truth. Her dedication, integrity, and unwavering commitment to students make her an exceptional educator and truly deserves recognition as a Teacher Who Rocks.

Intervention & Referral Services Coordinator and Special Education Teacher at Pinelands Regional Junior High in Egg Harbor Township
Nominated by fellow teacher Maggie Brady

Trish has been in education for 13 years. A previous winner of the “Wonderful Wildcat” award at the school, Trish is a teacher who truly rocks because she gives her all every single day. As the I & RS Coordinator, special education teacher and a dedicated member of the intervention team, she works tirelessly to support the students who need help the most, never giving up until real solutions are found. Our students know they always have someone in their corner, and that sense of trust and care makes a lasting difference. Trish goes above and beyond by hosting meaningful events like Bingo nights, Awards Night, and other family activities that strengthen home-to-school connections and foster a positive, welcoming school experience. She also leads the Safe Space Club, creating an environment where students feel seen, valued, and safe. Beyond her work with students, Trish is a constant source of support for her colleagues. She is always ready with advice, encouragement, or simply a shoulder to lean on. Her compassion, dedication, and leadership make her school a better place every day and that’s why she’s a Teacher Who Rocks!

Physical Education teacher at Red Bank Middle School
Nominated by Isaac Nathanson

Adam has been in education for 13 years. Over those years at Red Bank Middle School, Adam has coached multiple sports and has consistently gone above and beyond for student athletes. He is currently the Varsity Head Coach of the Red Bank Regional Girls Basketball team, continuing his impact at the high school level. Adam has made a tremendous difference in the school community through his work in girls' soccer, where many of his middle school athletes continued under his guidance at the high school level. His commitment to student growth doesn’t stop there. He also runs the Red Bank Softball Recreation Program, often coaching multiple teams at once to ensure students remain engaged, supported and excited about the sport. In addition to his leadership roles, Adam serves as an Assistant Varsity Soccer Coach and Assistant Varsity Softball Coach, demonstrating an unmatched dedication to students, teamwork and school pride. Simply put, this guy never stops. He is a tireless mentor, role model, and true leader in every sense of the word. His passion, work ethic and commitment to Red Bank students make him a clear choice for this year’s class of Teachers Who Rocks.

11th Grade Honors & College Prep English & Language Arts teacher at Toms River High School East
Nominated by Principal Erin Anders

Megan has been in education for 25 years. She brings her lessons to life and engages students at every step of the learning process. In addition to her classroom impact, Mrs. Rankin serves as the advisor for Student Council, where she mentors and collaborates with each class advisor to ensure all councils are well prepared and successful. She organizes numerous schoolwide events that greatly enhance the culture and climate of Toms River High School East, including the Homecoming Dance, the Dodgeball Tournament, and the Junior and Senior Proms, among many others. She is involved in so many areas of the school and never seeks recognition, but without her efforts many of the staples of Toms River High School East wouldn't occur. Well now WE will give her that recognition as a member of this year’s class of Teachers Who Rock.

6th Grade Teacher at Berkeley Township Elementary School
Nominated by Principal Daniel Prima

Mr. Cooney is a go to guy for other teachers and staff in the school.  He’s a great teacher, but a better and much loved colleague.

He’s a sounding board, a problem solver – like a guidance councilor for other teachers. 

Students at Berkeley Township elementary school who interact with Mr. Cooney are held to a high standard.  Work ethic, accountability and responsibility are Dan’s goals.

Beyond the classroom, Dan is the guy writing for grant money, he’s the teacher showing up at PTA meetings and, I don’t want to say that he’s brave, but he’s one of the organizers and chaperones for the Stokes 6th grade overnight camping trip.

Dan Cooney is a teacher who rocks over at Berkeley Township Elementary and we’ll be proud to honor him at our awards banquet in spring.