2026 Winners: Teachers Who Rock

We are proud to welcome the following teachers to the 100.1 WJRZ Teachers Who Rock Class of 2026!

Sponsored by NJ School Jobs & NJEA

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

Daniel has been in education for 20 years. In addition to being a member of this year’s class of “Teachers Who Rock”, Daniel is a former Teacher of the Year for 2014-15. Throughout his career, he has consistently gone above and beyond for the students, staff, and greater Berkeley Township community. He has written and received grants, supported countless PTA events, assisted colleagues whenever possible, and served as one of the teacher leaders who organized and ran the annual STOKES sixth-grade overnight camping trip. What stands out most is his unwavering commitment to collaboration and mentorship. His colleagues regularly look to him for guidance and leadership, and he continually rises to the occasion. Mr. Cooney is always willing to support staff members with academic guidance and frequently takes the lead on challenging school initiatives. As the team leader for his learning community, he fully embraces his leadership role. He is a top-notch educator who comes to work each day energized, prepared, and ready to make a difference. Mr. Cooney’s talents are well known throughout the school community. Students are genuinely excited when they learn they will have Mr. Cooney as their teacher, and parents share that same enthusiasm when their child is placed in his homeroom. He holds his students to high expectations and works tirelessly to instill responsibility, accountability, and a strong work ethic in each of them. Mr. Cooney is not only an outstanding educator—he is also a genuinely good human being. Now he can add that he's a member of the 2026 Class of “Teachers Who Rock.”