The New Jersey Department of Education has announced the winners in each of its 21 counties of the 2024-25 New Jersey County Teachers of the Year designation.
“It's no surprise that New Jersey ranks first in the nation, thanks to our outstanding educators, exemplified by our County Teachers of the Year," said New Jersey Education Association President Sean M. Spiller. "These individuals have committed themselves to the noble profession of teaching our students. Congratulations to this year's County Teachers of the Year on this well-deserved recognition.”
The winners in the northern New Jersey counties are:
Bergen County 2024 teacher of the year
Margarita Diakos, a special education teacher at Ramsey High School in the Ramsey School District, is Bergen County's teacher of the year.
After 11 years as a special education teacher, Diakos leads the Student Transition Education Program for neuro-diverse students ages 18 to 21 at the high school. This includes leading the Best Buddies program, organizing Special Olympics events and spearheading Unified Sports. As a result, Ramsey has been recognized as a Unified Champion School, receiving more than $10,000 in grants. Diakos has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in special and general education from The College of New Jersey. She also graduated from Montclair State University's educational leadership certification program, including the 2023 Promising Leader award.
Essex County 2024 teacher of the year
El Houcin Houssam, a mathematics teacher at West Side High School in the Newark School District, is the Essex County teacher of the year.
A math teacher for five years, Houssam has also guided young adults in their pursuit of careers, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. He serves as the adviser of the Debate Club, where he nurtures critical thinking and communication skills among students beyond the classroom. He demonstrates leadership and innovation in and outside of the classroom by contributing his ideas and expertise with his colleagues, students, and families, which fosters a culture of continuous improvement and responsiveness to the diverse needs of the school’s educational community. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics of finance and actuarial science from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and a master’s degree in teaching from Montclair State University.
Morris County 2024 teacher of the year
Alyssa Guagenti, a gifted and talented and special education teacher from Jefferson Township Middle School in the Jefferson Township School District, is Morris County's teacher of the year.
Guagenti teaches special education, gifted and talented and enrichment classes. She spearheaded "Jefferson Java," a school-run coffee business where general education students collaborate with students with disabilities. She also hosted a Family STEM Night of Coding and collaborated with the media center to create a “Learning Lab.” Alyssa has also organized pep rallies, faculty competitions, food drives, guest speakers, and is collaborating with the community to organize a 5K for mental health awareness. In the 2022-23 school year, Alyssa received the Chamber of Commerce District Educator of the Year award. She has a bachelor's degree in history and a certification in teacher of students with disabilities as well as a master's in special education from William Paterson University, and a second master's degree in higher education from Walden University.
Passaic County 2024 teacher of the year
Bernadette Orsita is a Spanish teacher at Manchester Regional High School in the Manchester Regional High School District and is Passaic County's teacher of the year.
Since 2008 Orsita has taught Spanish 1, 2, and 3, Native Spanish, and Heritage and Culture. She has spearheaded many programs at the high school such as the Make a Difference Club, Camp Manchester Regional High School, Camp Students Overcoming Substance Abuse, the high school fashion show, which promotes inclusivity of all people with all abilities, and the Hispanic Fair. Her annual Multicultural Fair features dance, music and culinary samples from dozens of nations around the globe with help from more than 30 staff members. Orsita has a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from William Paterson.
Sussex County 2024 teacher of the year
Mary Houghtaling, English teacher at Kittatinny Regional High School with the Kittatinny Regional School District, is Sussex County's teacher of the year.
Houghtaling has two decades of teaching experience at her school. Her awards include the 2013 Golden Apple Teacher Award, 2019 Renaissance Teacher of the Month, 2020 and 2023 Teacher of Excellence, 2023 New Jersey Exemplary Secondary Educator, and 2024 Teacher of the Year. Mary’s commitment to Holocaust education led to the Alfred Lerner Fellowship and the establishment of the Holocaust and Genocide Research Center at her school in 2023. Additionally, she received the 2019 Mark Schonwetter Grant for Holocaust Education, the 2023 Joan Lavine Keats Teacher's Grant, and the 2023 Human Rights Education Youth in Action Award. Houghtaling has a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Stockton University and a master’s degree in English literature from Montclair State University. She is enrolled in a master’s program in Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Stockton University.
To see the teachers of the year from New Jersey's other counties, visit the state Department of Education website at: www.nj.gov/education/recognition/educators/geoy/ctywin2025/index.shtml#essex
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Meet this year's NJ County Teachers of the Year
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