A U.S. Army veteran, educator, and veteran advocate is the New Jersey VFW Middle School Teacher of the Year 2024.
Stafford Township Intermediate School Basic Skills Reading Teacher Mary Ruiz was nominated for the honor by VFW Post 12173. The New Jersey VFW Teacher of the Year award contest recognizes three exceptional teachers for their outstanding commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students. Each year, a classroom elementary, junior high, and high school teacher whose curriculum focuses on citizenship education topics — for at least half of the school day in a classroom environment — is recognized for this award.
“I am truly humbled and grateful for this recognition,” said Ruiz, who is also director of training and events for H-Hour in Manahawkin, NJ.
Ruiz served for 10 years in the Army, including two combat tours and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant.
“It is gratifying to know that my dedication to connecting our youth with military members and veterans is seen as important and noteworthy,” she said. “More gratifying are the rewards I receive in witnessing connections and friendships being formed through these efforts.”
Classroom and school projects which helped Ruiz to earn the New Jersey VFW Teacher of the Year recognition include conducting a snack drive with the students to donate food to homeless veterans in the area and a Veterans Day Ceremony in which local veterans and student family members had breakfast together, followed by a ceremony recognizing the veterans’ service. The event included guest speakers, a question and answer session and veteran interaction with the 5th and 6th grade students.
In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Ruiz also assists veterans in their transition from military service to civilian life. She and her Army veteran husband are active members of VFW Post 6063 in Toms River, and have collaborated with various VFW Posts to conduct mental health wellness programs and weekend retreats on Long Beach Island for transitioning veterans.
Ruiz is also the founder of Inglorious Ruckers, an informal group of veterans and veteran family members who ruck march and organize events.
When she is not promoting patriotism and support of troops and veterans in her classroom through lessons and projects such as Patriot Day lessons about 9/11, Veterans Day lessons, Memorial Day Biography, along with a Flag Walk and Flag Day lessons, Ruiz is planning and executing H-hour professional developments, retreats, and events. Ruiz recently added another title to her resume, giving birth to her baby Vincent in March. While motherhood is presently her full-time job, she will soon be back with H-Hour and once again involved in assisting veterans make the transformation from military service to civilian life through social connection and physical activity in the pursuit of wellness.
In 2013, she testified before the New Jersey Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee on behalf of the VFW, highlighting important issues facing women veterans.
Ruiz earned her bachelor’s degree in liberal arts with a concentration in elementary education and her master’s degree in education from Stockton University. She also holds teaching certificates as a special education teacher and reading specialist. Ruiz was also the 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year in Stafford Township School District and is a graduate of the Travis Manion Foundation Spartan Leadership Program, Cohort II.
In her free time, Ruiz enjoys physical activities such as CrossFit, ultra-running, and coaching the Stafford Iguana and Fitness Club at a local school. She enjo
ys traveling to islands and deserts with her husband to reset and generate the next training or event plan.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com .
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