Two Kean Education Grads Vie for New Jersey Teacher of the Year

Two Kean University graduates were selected as 2022-2023 County Teachers of the Year and are now in the running to become the New Jersey State Teacher of the Year.

Middlesex County Teacher of the Year Leana Malinowsky, ’08, ’12 M.A., is a first-grade teacher at Private Nicholas Minue School in the Carteret School District. She earned Kean degrees in special education, English, and curriculum and instruction.

Ocean County Teacher of the Year Christine Girtain, ’05 M.A., is a science teacher and research director at Toms River High Schools North and South. She earned her master’s degree in earth science instruction and curriculum from Kean.

“Kean University is extremely proud to have graduated two of the state’s talented County Teachers of the Year,” said Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. “Kean’s College of Education has long been a leader in producing the best teachers in New Jersey’s classrooms, and this recognition is more evidence of our graduates’ strong contributions to the field of education.”

The New Jersey State Teacher of the Year is typically announced by the State Board of Education in October. The state honoree will represent New Jersey in competing for National Teacher of the Year.

Kean College of Education Dean Barbara R. Ridener, Ph.D., also congratulated both Kean alumnae on their accomplishments.

“They are exceptional representatives of the College and University, demonstrating creativity and excellence in teaching and dedication to the profession.This recognition is what we mean when we say, ‘Cougars climb higher,’” Ridener said. 

Malinowsky stresses the importance of literacy and the love of reading for her students and through the work she does in her district, where she serves on grade-level, building and district-level committees to develop curriculum, support students, and address school climate. She has taught in the Carteret School District since 2011.

Malinowksy said she chose to attend Kean because of the University’s “irreproachable reputation” for educating future teachers. She works with the College of Education to support pre-service teachers through the University’s chapter of Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in education. 

She also earned a post Master's certification as a Reading Specialist from Kean in 2015

“I knew if I wanted to be the best teacher I could be, I wanted to attend the best university that would guide me along my journey,” Malinowsky said. “I feel Kean has prepared me for a lifelong career in education.”

Girtain has taught in the Toms River School District for 28 years and is also the Director of Authentic Science Research at the two high schools, managing about 50 students conducting research projects in a three-year program. 

She has a wide range of experiences as a teacher, including as a teacher-leader coach and national presenter for Nourish the Future and other agriculture outreach programs, and receiving such accolades as NJ STEM Pathways STEM Teacher of the Year; state finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching; and twice, her school’s Teacher of the Year.

Girtain is passionate about involving students in research and STEM, especially in agriculture, an area she said needs talented future scientists and researchers.

“New Jersey has STEM students who do not think of agriculture when they think of science careers,” Girtain said. “I want to educate teachers about professional development available to incorporate more ag storylines into their curriculum. There is increasing pressure to develop new technologies to meet the needs of the growing human population.”

In addition to the two Kean graduates, Sussex County Teacher of the Year  Christine O'Brien-Mase, an art and photography teacher at Sparta High School, is pursuing a post-baccalaureate certificate in Teaching the Holocaust and Prejudice Reduction through the Holocaust Research Center at Kean.