Teacher and Educational Support Professional of the Year

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR '25-'26

Nellybel Nuñez - Lindenwold School 4

Nellybel is an invaluable member of the School Four community, and her exceptional dedication makes her truly deserving of recognition as Educational Services Professional of the Year. She approaches every responsibility with professionalism, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to supporting both students and staff. No matter the challenges that arise, Nellybel manages her duties with remarkable grace and calm, often taking on the workload of multiple people while maintaining a positive attitude and a genuine smile.

Her impact on student learning and schoolwide success is evident in the daily support she provides to teachers and students alike. Nellybel consistently ensures that classrooms have what they need to run smoothly, allowing instruction to remain focused and effective. Her readiness to step in—whether assisting with instruction, providing behavioral support, or responding to immediate needs—helps create a stable, responsive environment where students can thrive.

What truly sets Nellybel apart is the spirit with which she approaches her work. She builds warm, trusting relationships with students, who know they can rely on her encouragement and care. Teachers and staff continually express their gratitude for her dependability, collaborative mindset, and willingness to go above and beyond. Her presence strengthens the entire school community, contributing to a positive, nurturing climate that benefits everyone.

Nellybel’s exceptional work ethic, compassion, and commitment make her an outstanding representative of Educational Services Professional of the Year. She is, in every way, a cherished and essential part of School Four.

TEACHER OF THE YEAR '25-'26

Kelsey Willchock – Lindenwold School 4

Kelsey embodies every quality one hopes to see in a Teacher of the Year. This year, she was entrusted with a specialized class serving students with multiple disabilities—a setting that was entirely new to her. Kelsey embraced this assignment with exceptional professionalism, compassion, and a deep commitment to student success. Her natural strengths as an educator have seamlessly supported her transition into this role, and the impact on students has been remarkable.

Kelsey demonstrates highly effective instructional practices by designing and delivering instruction that is carefully differentiated to meet each student’s individual needs. She ensures that every student has a clear path toward achieving their IEP goals, and she continually adapts her methods based on student progress and data. Her classroom is a model of purposeful structure and calm, allowing students to feel safe, supported, and ready to learn each day. Her outstanding classroom management fosters predictability and trust while maintaining high expectations for engagement and growth.

Beyond her instructional expertise, Kelsey builds strong, authentic relationships with students, colleagues, and families. She partners with families in a way that immediately establishes trust, enabling meaningful collaboration around student goals and needs. Her colleagues consistently look to her for guidance, and she willingly steps into leadership roles, including serving as the lead for the Special Education PLC. She shares her materials, resources, and expertise generously, always seeking to elevate the collective work of the team.

Kelsey’s dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to her students make her an extraordinary educator. Her influence extends well beyond her classroom, strengthening the entire school community. For these reasons and more, she is fully deserving of recognition as Teacher of the Year.