Saint Mary School Teacher Named New Jersey Educator
Melissa Brino, a long-term Catholic school teacher, earned the top nonpublic school honor for the state.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Secondary Education
Live Poll
Do you believe private schools offer a better educational experience than local public schools?
The New Jersey Council for American Private Education named Melissa Brino the 2026 New Jersey Nonpublic School Teacher of the Year. Brino is the vice principal and an eighth-grade teacher at Saint Mary School in Williamstown.
Why it matters
The award recognizes educators who show exceptional commitment to student success. It highlights the influence of experienced leadership in New Jersey's nonpublic classrooms, which serve more than 160,000 students across the state.
Brino is in her 10th year at Saint Mary School and her 25th year as a Catholic school teacher. The selection committee chose her from among the schools represented by the organization founded in 1993.
The players
Melissa Brino
The 2026 New Jersey Nonpublic School Teacher of the Year who serves as vice principal and teacher at Saint Mary School.
New Jersey Council for American Private Education
A statewide organization founded in 1993 that represents more than 900 nonpublic schools and 160,000 students.
The details
The selection committee chose Brino based on her commitment to students and excellence in the classroom. In addition to her teaching role, she assists the Office of Catholic Schools by overseeing the implementation of science, social studies, and ELA curriculums. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Rutgers University.
Timeline
October 6, 2026: Melissa Brino was named Teacher of the Year.
October 13, 2026: A reception will be held at the Diocese of Trenton Pastoral Center.
The Home Front
This award marks a milestone in the long-term history of the New Jersey Council for American Private Education, which has been tracking school quality since 1993. It underscores the vital role that nonpublic schools play in the state's broader education landscape.
Families with students at Saint Mary School should monitor school communications for upcoming details regarding the local award celebration. Parents can also reflect on the role of specialized curriculum oversight in their child's academic development.
The takeaway
Effective school leadership often spans decades of classroom experience and curriculum development. Consider tracking the school calendar for upcoming academic honors to stay connected with your local school community.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's educational landscape in the Secondary Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Catholic Star Herald.
Live Poll
Do you believe private schools offer a better educational experience than local public schools?
