A popular high school teacher in Monmouth County who was named the state’s Teacher of the Year in September is now a finalist for the National Teacher of Year recognition.
Joseph Nappi, 41, a social studies teacher at Monmouth Regional High School in Tinton Falls, is one of four finalists for the national competition.
Nappi, a Jackson resident, was recognized as New Jersey’s 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year this fall and was honored at an assembly at Monmouth Regional High School on September 19.
The father-of-two, who has worked at the school for 18 years, is known for taking 600 students to the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. His wife, Cristina, teaches English and Mindfulness at the same school.
“Educators like Joe are the heart and soul of our state’s education system, inspiring our youth and shaping the leaders of tomorrow,” Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement in September. “His dedication reflects the values that New Jersey holds dear – a commitment to excellence, empathy, and the pursuit of knowledge.”
Nappi serves as the school’s Key Club Advisor, a member of the Equity Council, and is the chair of the Monmouth Helping Its Own Charitable committee, which he co-founded. He also teaches a class at Kean University called “Holocaust, Genocide and Modern Humanity” and worked with PBS to develop lessons for Ken Burns’ documentary “The U.S. and the Holocaust” in the summer of 2022.
One finalist will be named the 2024 National Teacher of the Year this spring and will spend the following year traveling around the country to present to other educators and advocate on behalf of teachers and students.
Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.
Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com.
