Elizabeth Educator Named Union County Teacher of the Year

Alice Debowski, a special education teacher at J. Christian Bollwage Finance Academy in Elizabeth, has been named Union County Teacher of the Year for the 2026-27 school year. The honor recognizes her contributions to students and the Elizabeth Public Schools community, highlighting the vital work of educators supporting students with diverse learning needs.

Union County Life covers Elizabeth education, teacher achievement, and student success across all 21 Union County municipalities.

Recognition and Honor

Debowski was among 21 educators from across New Jersey recognized as County Teachers of the Year by the New Jersey Department of Education. The educators were honored during an awards ceremony at The College of New Jersey in Ewing, where state education officials celebrated teachers representing every county in New Jersey.

The recognition emphasizes Debowski's commitment to students and her role as an educator in the Elizabeth Public Schools community.

Special Education Focus

As a special education teacher, Debowski works with students with diverse learning needs, providing specialized instruction, support, and advocacy. Her selection for this statewide recognition reflects the importance of special education educators in serving students who require individualized support and accommodations.

Special education teachers like Debowski play critical roles in ensuring that all students have access to quality education tailored to their unique needs and abilities.

Selection Process

The County Teachers of the Year are selected through the Governor's Educator of the Year Program. Individual schools first select Teachers of the Year from their faculty, who can then apply for consideration at the county level. This two-stage selection process recognizes both school-level achievement and county-wide excellence.

Debowski's advancement through this selection process reflects recognition of her work at multiple levels: by J. Christian Bollwage Finance Academy colleagues and administration, and by evaluators at the county level.

State and National Opportunity

As Union County's honoree, Debowski will have opportunities to network with educators from throughout New Jersey and serve as an ambassador for the state's public schools during the 2026-2027 school year.

The 21 County Teachers of the Year will also compete for the title of New Jersey State Teacher of the Year. A panel of educators will evaluate written applications, video submissions, and interviews with finalists before selecting the state honoree.

The announcement of the New Jersey State Teacher of the Year is expected this fall. The state winner will subsequently represent New Jersey in the competition for National Teacher of the Year.

State Leadership Recognition

Governor Mikie Sherrill emphasized the importance of educators like Debowski. "New Jersey's success depends on the strength of our public schools and the tireless commitment of the educators who show up every day for our kids," Sherrill said. "The 21 County Teachers of the Year who are being recognized today represent the very best of this profession."

New Jersey Education Commissioner Dr. Lily Laux also praised the educators, saying the honorees demonstrate the "excellence, creativity, and dedication" that characterize teaching across the state.

Elizabeth Public Schools

Debowski's selection highlights the work of educators supporting students throughout Elizabeth Public Schools. Her recognition brings attention to the special education program in the district and the educators who serve students with diverse learning needs.

The award reflects both Debowski's individual excellence and the broader commitment of Elizabeth educators to student success and community service.

Looking Forward

During the 2026-27 school year, Debowski will represent Union County among the state's top educators, serving as an ambassador for public education in New Jersey. Whether or not she advances to the state Teacher of the Year competition, her recognition as Union County's honoree reflects the high regard in which she is held by colleagues, administrators, and evaluators across the region.

Find more Elizabeth education news, teacher achievement, and student success stories on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: Who is the Union County Teacher of the Year for 2026-27?
A: Alice Debowski, a special education teacher at J. Christian Bollwage Finance Academy in Elizabeth.

Q: What does Alice Debowski teach?
A: Special education. She works with students with diverse learning needs at J. Christian Bollwage Finance Academy.

Q: Where is Alice Debowski's school?
A: J. Christian Bollwage Finance Academy in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

Q: How many teachers were recognized as County Teachers of the Year?
A: 21 educators from across New Jersey were recognized as County Teachers of the Year, one from each county.

Q: Where was the awards ceremony held?
A: The College of New Jersey in Ewing.

Q: Will Alice Debowski compete for State Teacher of the Year?
A: Yes. As Union County Teacher of the Year, she will compete with the other 20 county honorees for the title of New Jersey State Teacher of the Year.

Q: When will the State Teacher of the Year be announced?
A: The announcement is expected in fall 2026.

Q: What happens if Alice Debowski wins State Teacher of the Year?
A: The state winner will represent New Jersey in the competition for National Teacher of the Year.

Q: What is the selection process for County Teacher of the Year?
A: Schools first select Teachers of the Year, who can then apply for county-level consideration through the Governor's Educator of the Year Program.