Middlesex County names Kristin Johnson its Teacher of the Year

Middlesex County commissioners honored Kristin Johnson as the county’s Teacher of the Year during their public meeting, presenting the award and recognizing her classroom and extracurricular work.

Commissioner McCullough presented the award, saying he was “honored, this evening to present to you the Teacher of the Year for Middlesex County. Miss Kristin Johnson.” The resolution formally recognizing Johnson was adopted with no recorded opposition.

Johnson, identified in the presentation as a social studies teacher at Carteret Middle School, has taught ancient history for 12 years and holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in social studies from Rutgers University. The presenter highlighted Johnson’s leadership in school programs, including advising Positive Behavioral Support, coaching varsity track, and leading student clubs. The presentation also noted her athletic background and that she graduated Magna Cum Laude.

In remarks after receiving the award, Johnson thanked the commissioners and county for the recognition and described the motivation for her career: “I got into education because I experienced the effects of bullying in my K–12 educational experience… My job as an educator is to help my students practice empathy.” She said she seeks to prepare students to be “composed and compassionate leaders of the future.”

The recognition was presented as a ceremonial item early in the meeting; the county’s public materials and presenters framed the award as part of broader support for education and county–school collaboration.

The meeting proceeded to routine business after the presentation.