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New Providence Board honors four Teachers of the Year, including high school ESL teacher Brenda Avila
Summary
The Board of Education recognized Brenda Avila (New Providence High School), Brandon Hilf (New Providence Middle School), Bonnie Cabezas (Allen W. Roberts), and Kristen Salisbury (Saltbrook) as the district's 2025 Teachers of the Year and highlighted programs and student achievements across the district.
The Board of Education of the Borough of New Providence recognized four district educators as its 2025 Teachers of the Year at its March 27 meeting.
Brenda Avila was named New Providence High School Teacher of the Year. Board and school leaders said Avila, an English as a Second Language teacher, led a student‑led tutoring program in collaboration with the bilingual honor society, coordinated WIDA testing, organized multilingual family nights and professional development for staff, and helped create a snack program and other supports for multilingual learners. When administrators surprised Avila with the award, Avila reportedly told her students, “I do this for you,” according to the high school presenter.
Brandon Hilf was named New Providence Middle School Teacher of the Year. Presenters praised Hilf’s work in special education, his leadership on the bell schedule committee, his roles coaching and advising extracurriculars (including leading the district’s new middle‑school esports program), and his service teaching and coaching across district schools.
Bonnie Cabezas was named Allen W. Roberts Teacher of the Year. Allen W. Roberts principal remarks described Cabezas’s 17 years in the school, her classroom practices such as a family‑focused newsletter and hands‑on learning projects, and parent testimonials that credited her with improving students’ engagement and long‑term study habits.
Kristen Salisbury was named Saltbrook School Teacher of the Year. Saltbrook’s principal presented a poem written by Salisbury’s third‑grade students and cited classroom activities and the teacher’s emphasis on kindness, creativity and community.
The recognition segment also included a student report with school events and athletics accomplishments: a culinary arts “cake wars” contest, spring musical performances, SAT School Day, All‑State orchestra acceptances for two students, and a girls’ basketball team that won the NJSIAA Group 1 sectional championship. Board members and administrators congratulated the award recipients and their families.
The ceremony concluded with group photos and a short recess before the board moved on to routine business.
