District News

Bedwell Elementary School ~ Educator of the Year 
Mrs. Holly Jablonski began her teaching career in the Somerset Hills School District in 2006 and has dedicated her 18-year career to the students of Bedwell. Through a deep commitment to her craft, Mrs. Jablonski has built a reputation as a leader in the field of education, guiding both her students and colleagues toward success. In the classroom, she balances the delivery of foundational reading instruction while promoting a love of reading. Her classroom is a place where students not only gain essential reading skills, but also develop a lifelong passion for learning. 

An avid learner herself, Mrs. Jablonski continues to develop her skills as an educator. In addition to being a Certified Level Orton-Gillingham practitioner, Mrs. Jablonski holds a Reading Specialist Certificate and Masters in Education. She also plays a pivotal role in teaching and supporting her colleagues, serving as a mentor in our Professional Development Institute. Her commitment to her personal development and the development of her colleagues is a tremendous asset to Somerset Hills.

Bedwell Elementary School ~ Educational Services Professional of the Year
Mrs. Michelle Dooley, a veteran teacher with 19 years of experience, joined the Somerset Hills School District in 2023 as Bedwell’s Math Specialist. Since her arrival, Mrs. Dooley has worked to not only improve the mathematical skills of the students she works with, but to also uplift the culture and climate of the building as a whole. 

As a Math Specialist, Mrs. Dooley recognizes the importance of crafting her math instruction to be both fun and effective. To this end, she brings great enthusiasm and creativity to her lessons so that students cannot help but engage and learn. Her role as a teacher and student advocate has given countless students the confidence to grow. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Dooley’s initiatives have made a direct impact on the culture and climate of Bedwell. These school-wide activities help deepen the sense of community that sets Bedwell apart. 

Bernardsville Middle School ~ Educator of the Year
Ms. Annie O’Halloran has been a teacher at Bernardsville Middle School since graduating from Fairfield University in 2013.  As a first year  teacher, Ms. O’Halloran wrote that if hired in the Somerset Hills School District, she would “take a personal interest in all of her students,” and “challenge students to reach their full potential.” Her attainment of this prestigious Governor’s Educator of the Year Award honor is proof that she has certainly achieved both of these goals.

A lifelong learner, Ms. O’Halloran has continued her education, earning her Masters at St. Elizabeth University. She is a trusted and valued mentor for new staff members at BMS. Outside of the classroom, Ms. O’Halloran serves in a leadership capacity as a team leader for grade seven.  She  has also been a longstanding member of the building’s intervention and referral committee, where she works with colleagues to develop plans that showcase her ability to think outside the box. 

Ms. O’Halloran is the cross country and spring track coach. She designs practices that help students learn strategies to improve their running abilities for both short and long distances and her positive leadership is contagious!

Bernards High School - Educator of the Year
Ms. Kelly Clark has been a Social Studies teacher at Bernards High School for 15 years, and  exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding teacher. She is someone who champions her students and challenges them on a regular basis, because she truly cares about them. 

In her classroom, Ms. Clark teaches her students valuable skills that do not just help them excel in the content area, but as individuals. They’re taught to form arguments backed by facts and evidence. They’re taught accountability and independence. They’re challenged at a high level, but also given words of encouragement and support.  This is all accomplished while also laughing along with Ms. Clark’s boisterous and infectious laugh. Ms. Clark’s care for her students extends beyond the school building as she often sends out postcards to students’ homes to congratulate them on recent successes they’ve had in the classroom or to simply share how much she enjoys having them in class. 

In addition to her outstanding dedication to the betterment of her students, Ms. Clark extends that same care to the community. Every year, she hosts the Giving Tree during the holiday season, where she collects gifts and then drops them off to be delivered to deserving families. Additionally, she organizes and holds the Jeans for Troops fundraiser every year; raising money for our armed forces around Veterans Day to remind our students and staff the importance of supporting our troops. Ms. Clark even went so far as to get flags purchased to hang from BHS lamp posts to honor our armed forces. Last but not least, she is a tremendous colleague who works tirelessly to make sure every member of our staff is supported and heard.