Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching

Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching

Overview: Awards established by Josh and Judy Weston in 1991 to acknowledge and celebrate Montclair Public Schools (MPS) teachers. The awards were given annually until 2016, resumed in 2023, and are now administered by the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence (MFEE).

Geographic Scope: Montclair Public Schools, New Jersey

Award Details:

Individual Award Amount: $2,000 per winner

Number of Awards: 17 total honorees annually:

- One teacher from each elementary school
- One teacher from each middle school
- Two teachers from the high school
- One special education teacher from across the district
- Two "at-large" awards for teachers from any school
- One Peer Award (based on teacher nominations only)
- One Inspired Counseling Award (new as of 2025, for counselor or school social worker)

What is Inspired Teaching:
Inspired teaching combines a range of skills across several core areas. Ultimately, it excites students to learn, helps them feel valued, and responds to their individual needs and strengths. The awards honor both master teachers and those on their way to achieving that status.

Eligibility:

Who Can Nominate: All parents/guardians of current MPS students, current MPS students, and recent alumni

Who Can Be Nominated: MPS teachers and counselors/school social workers (for Inspired Counseling Award)

Selection Process:

Nominations reviewed by independent committee of community leaders and education professionals

All nominations reviewed with nominator's name redacted

Winners notified at end of April

Awards presented at public ceremony (June)

Contact Information:

Phone: 877-442-6333

Email: info@mfee.org

Website: mfee.org

Recent History:

2025: 17 winners selected from record number of nominations

Ceremony held June 18, 2025 at Montclair Public Library