Kean Holocaust Resource Center Educator Named NJ Teacher of the Year

New Jersey’s 2023-2024 State Teacher of the Year is a Monmouth County high school teacher who works closely with the Holocaust Resource Center (HRC) and Diversity Council at Kean University.

Joseph Nappi, a history and psychology teacher at Monmouth Regional High School and a human rights activist, teaches an elective class on the Holocaust, genocide and humanity that gives his students credit at Kean. He was also named the 2017 Dr. Hank Kaplowitz Outstanding Human Rights Educator by the Human Rights Institute at Kean. 

Through Nappi’s dual-enrollment class, students at Monmouth Regional earn three Kean college credits. The class includes a “be the change” project, in which students work to enact positive change. Students also visit the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C., with support from the HRC.

Adara Goldberg, Ph.D., director of the HRC, and Sarah Coykendall, HRC managing director, called Nappi “a treasured friend and partner whose contributions to Holocaust and genocide education cannot be overstated.

“He is a tireless advocate for equitable learning and a generous scholar who has contributed to numerous HRC conferences,” they wrote in an email. “It is an honor to be part of Joe’s journey.” 

Nappi, who was sponsored by the HRC to be a teaching fellow through the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, said he has met many Holocaust survivors, who drive his passion.

“We all share responsibility in speaking out against injustices,” he said.

A graduate of Rowan University, Nappi, of Jackson, said he is grateful for his connection to Kean.

“I would not be where I am today if it were not for my relationship with the Kean University Holocaust Resource Center and Diversity Council,” he said. “I have been inspired by my time with the Council.”