Congratulations to the Following Teachers!
Jillian Wasilewski
Eagleswood Township Elementary
Nominated by Principal Kerry Young
Jillian Wasilewsk is a Teacher Who Rocks from Eagleswood Township Elementary School in West Creek. As a STEAM educator, combines technology support, library initiatives, and classroom assistance for students from kindergarten through sixth grade.
Her eye-opening style integrates engineering and technology to build on kids’ math and science accomplishments. Her style fosters understanding of core subjects but gives kids the ability to see problems from multiple perspectives.
Jillian’s style creates critical thinkers, even in elementary school. What’s amazing is how she makes technology a personal tool for one-on-one education. Not just that, Mrs. Wasilewsk steps into a leadership role among her peers, helping with digital solutions when they need them as well.
Jillian is a leader and role model and that’s why we’re making a concerted effort to highlight her efforts. We look forward to honoring her and the rest of this year’s class at our awards dinner in the Spring.
Danielle Genovese
Ridgeway Elementary School
Nominated by Valerie Schaefer & Crystal Policastro
Shout out to Danielle Genovese of Ridgeway Elementary in Manchester. Mrs. Genovese knows that all kids will need a moment for a teacher to step in, to intervene. And boy does she have that timing down. What’s more; as a special education teacher, Danielle knows that all kids have rights the most important being the right to learn and feel accomplished.
Recently, Danielle has brought her knowledge to a new class in the middle of this school year with energy and grace. While it’s hard to go to a new class mid-year, her special training gives her the ability to intervene at the exact right moment to close the achievement gap.
Her peers know she’s smart and open so they often turn to Danielle for guidance for their own challenges.
Everyone at The Rat is proud to welcome Danielle Genovese of Ridgeway Elementary to the 2025 Class of Teachers Who Rock. We look forward to honoring you and the rest of this year’s class at our awards dinner in the Spring.
Gail Salmon
Bayville School
Nominated by Principal Steven Rieder
We’re proud to welcome Gail Salmon, a guidance counselor at Bayville School. Mrs. Simon has taken guidance out of the office into the halls. Gail finds ways to connect that create a nurturing environment for all the kids.
For example, her “Lunch Bunch” provides an informal and peer-driven way to offer kids the support they need, and she organizes the “Voices of Bayville” school announcement crew which gives students confidence and leadership roles in school.
Whenever possible, Mrs. Salmon empowers students to resolve conflicts constructively themselves – with her guidance – to develop essential life skills. And let’s not forget the support she gives parents as they navigate the task of raising kids.
Gail is a leader and role model and that’s why we’re making a concerted effort to highlight her efforts. Gail, we’re stoked that you’re part of the 2025 Class of Teachers Who Rock. We look forward to honoring you and the rest of this year’s class at our awards dinner in the Spring.
Brittany Varga
Manchester Township Elementary
Nominated by Kimberly Costagliola
Our next Teacher Who Rocks comes to us from Manchester Township Elementary School. It’s Brittany Varga; whose strength is helping struggling students. Mrs. Varga puts in the effort to find new ways to connect with kids, showing patience and dedication every day. Learning new tactics is a given for Brittany, and her students enjoy the benefits of success.
Beyond her classroom, Mrs. Varga has taken on the role of running the after-school Discovery Club. It’s a tutoring program specifically designed for Title 1 students. Her commitment to providing additional support and enrichment helps students rise above troublesome boundaries that keeps kids from growing.
Everyone at The Rat is proud to welcome Brittany Varga of Manchester Township Elementary School to the 2025 Class of Teachers Who Rock. We look forward to honoring you and the rest of this year’s class at our awards dinner in the Spring.
Gabrielle Coco
Red Bank Middle School
Nominated by Athletic Director Isaac Nathanson
We’re proud to welcome Gabrielle Coco, a Math Teacher at Red Bank Middle School. As an active member of the AVID team, she plays a key role in the Advancement Via Individual Determination program, which helps students develop the essential skills they need to succeed in college.
Gabrielle goes well beyond the classroom for her students as she takes it right to the gym as the Head Coach of the Girl’s Basketball Team at Red Bank Middle School. As such, she instills important life skills such as time management, leadership, and, of course, teamwork. As a teacher and coach, Gabby’s goal is to build confidence and lasting skills.
As a dedicated professional, Mrs. Coco continues her own education too. She’s getting her master’s which makes her a greater asset for students.
And that’s why we’re making a concerted effort to highlight this extraordinary teacher. Gabrielle, we’re stoked that you’re part of the 2025 Class of Teachers Who Rock. We look forward to honoring you and the rest of this year’s class at our awards dinner in the Spring.
Nicole Jagger
Clara B. Worth Elementary
Nominated by Principal Cara Burton
Our next Teacher Who Rocks comes to us from the Clara B. Worth Elementary School in Bayville. It’s Nicole Jagger, a Special Education teacher.
Many of Mrs. Jagger’s students are nonverbal or have limited language skills, and yet Mrs. Jagger holds them in the highest regard and challenges them academically every day. Additionally, she leads the team of adults in her room with confidence because she is a dynamic, committed educator. Nicole is a shining example of the hard work, dedication, and compassion needed to make an impact on some of the most special children in our community.
Everyone at The Rat is proud to welcome Nicole Jagger of the Clara B. Worth School to the 2025 Class of Teachers Who Rock. We look forward to honoring you and the rest of this year’s class at our awards dinner in the Spring.
Conchetta Moynihan
Lanes Mill Elementary School
Nominated by Dena Balo
We’re proud to welcome Conchetta Moynihan of Lanes Mill Elementary School to the cool teachers crew! Mrs. Moynihan is a Special Ed teacher. She’s a pioneer in the field, coming straight outta Brick.
Conchetta’s expertise spans various special education settings, including self-contained Learning Disabled classrooms, resource classrooms, and inclusive environments. Her students don’t just learn, they thrive.
Beyond her classroom work, Mrs. Moynihan serves as a leader and role model for her colleagues, fostering an atmosphere of collaboration and support. Her life’s work is a testament to her unwavering commitment to helping students achieve their fullest potential.
And that’s why we’re making a concerted effort to highlight this extraordinary teacher. Conchetta, we’re stoked that you’re part of the 2025 Class of Teachers Who Rock. We look forward to honoring you and the rest of this year’s class at our awards dinner in the Spring.
Olympia Gaglioti
Grunin Performing Arts Academy
Nominated by Kyle Sieverd
Our next Teacher Who Rocks comes to us from Grunin Performing Arts Academy, it’s Olympia Gaglioti; a Science teacher who happens to also be an adjunct professor at our local community college.
By integrating creative teaching methods, Mrs. Gaglioti inspires students’ deep curiosity for science. Her innovative approach seamlessly connects scientific principles with artistic disciplines, fostering a unique and engaging learning environment.
Olympia’s efforts to create an inclusive environment for students have led her to create fundraisers for LGBTQ+ students who were ignorantly kicked out of their homes because of their orientation.
Everyone at The Rat is proud to welcome Olympia Gaglioti of the Grunin Performing Arts Academy to the 2025 Class of Teachers Who Rock. We look forward to honoring you and the rest of this year’s class at our awards dinner in the Spring.
Eva Finamore
Berkley Township Elementary School
Nominated by Assistant Principal Michael Conforti
We’re proud to welcome Eva Finamore to the 2025 Class of Teachers Who Rock. Mrs. Finamore is an art teacher at Berkley Township Elementary School. For the past almost 5 decades, she’s been an institution at the school. Students feel supported, valued, and empowered by her teaching style.
Not just that, Eva’s students create artwork that brightens all parts of the school grounds. Her calm and inspiring instructions create a learning and creative environment that extends well beyond Eva’s classroom. The whole school is touched by her efforts while her students get the credit and praise for their creativity.
The school bell rarely marks the end of a day for Mrs. Finamore. She regularly volunteers her time for events like school plays, PTA events, Concerts, and more.
Eva Finamore, we are stoked that you’re part of the 2025 Class of Teachers Who Rock. We look forward to honoring you and the rest of this year’s class at our awards dinner in the Spring
Diana Bradley
Ridgeway Elementary School
Nominated by Ellen McCann
Our next Teacher Who Rocks comes to us from Ridgeway Elementary School in Manchester… None other than 3rd Grade Teacher, Diana Bradley. Mrs. Bradley makes such a connection with students that they often stop back to see her after they’ve moved on to other grades and other schools. That’s the kind of impact she has.
Many of her students come with language barriers, which some teachers might find hard to teach through. But, with patience, caring, and skill Diana makes her way and those kids find compassion and education as a result.
Beyond her classroom, Mrs. Bradley is also a facilitator of Ridgeway Elementary School’s after-school Title I Program “Power Hour,” and takes time to volunteer at her own daughter’s marching band at Toms River East.
Everyone at The Rat is proud to welcome Diana Bradley of Ridgeway Elementary to the 2025 Class of Teachers Who Rock. We look forward to honoring you and the rest of this year’s class at our awards dinner in the Spring.
Sponsored by:
NJSchoolJobs.com, New Jersey’s #1 education job site. Sign up for free alerts at NJSchoolJobs.com
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk. Explore The Boardwalk at Jenkinsons.com
And The New Jersey Education Association
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