Montgomery’s Stephanie Lachenauer Honored at Somerset County School Board Association as Somerset and New Jersey Teacher of the Year
Nicholas Mistretta
An educator who leads with heart, purpose, and partnership
Montgomery Middle School teacher Stephanie Lachenauer was honored on May 8 at the Somerset County School Boards Association meeting, celebrated for her outstanding contributions to education and her recognition as both the Somerset County and New Jersey State Teacher of the Year. In a warm and heartfelt ceremony, Montgomery Superintendent Mary McLoughlin introduced Lachenauer, praising not only her teaching excellence but her powerful personal impact. “Not only is she a phenomenal educator, but a caring, kind person,” said McLoughlin. “Anyone who knows Stephanie—just being in the room with her—you want to be near her. She makes you feel wanted and loved and cared for. So thank you for that. And not only is she the Somerset County Teacher of the Year—she’s also the State Teacher of the Year.” Lachenauer, a beloved educator at Montgomery Upper Middle School, was joined in celebration by BOE members Ania Wolecka-Jernigan, Vanita Nargund, Ting Wang, and Joanna Filak, as well as UMS Principal Mark Accardi, who came to show their appreciation and support. In her acceptance remarks, Lachenauer emphasized the power of collaboration in education, reminding the audience that the success of any teacher is deeply rooted in community.
“The truth is, any of the work we do in education—we do not do alone,” Lachenauer said. “If we are great educators, if we are putting forth good education, it’s not done alone. It is done as a community—with administration, teachers, staff, students, the wider community, and Boards of Education. It’s not done in silos.” Reflecting on her early years in the classroom, Lachenauer shared a moment that shaped her career. She spoke of recognizing the emotional challenges faced by her fifth-grade students, many of whom were overwhelmed and often reduced to tears—a difficult vulnerability in middle school, where students fear being seen as weak. That insight sparked her commitment to building supportive, empathetic learning environments. “There was so much stress, and we needed to do something about it,” she explained. “There are so many innovative things we do in Montgomery—and throughout Somerset County—and the only way to continue to build that innovation is to partner, to look at our resources, and ask: who is the best person for this, and how can we make it work together?” Lachenauer closed by thanking the room for the chance to share the moment and speak “in community,” a value that defines both her educational philosophy and her impact on the lives of students and colleagues alike.
Board Member Wolecka-Jernigan Named to NJSBA Leadership Role
In other business during the evening, Montgomery Board of Education member Ania Wolecka-Jernigan was appointed to serve a two-year term as 1st Vice President of the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA)—a recognition of her leadership and ongoing dedication to educational governance at the county level.
Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com