New Jersey § 18a:29a-4

§ 18a:29a-4.

The teacher recognition selection panel may nominate to the local board of education

one nonadministrative teaching staff member from each school in the district having

10 or more teachers who, because of their knowledge, commitment, and creativity, have

made an extraordinary contribution during the previous school year to the quality

of education in that district. Schools having fewer than 10 teachers may consolidate with other schools for the

purpose of participating in this program, provided that the combined number of teachers

is 10 or more. In selecting teaching staff members for the Governor's Annual Award for Outstanding

Teaching, the panel may solicit nominations from teaching staff, administrative staff,

parents, students, and community members. Teaching staff members who are selected for the Governor's Annual Teacher Recognition

Award shall have distinguished themselves through exceptional contributions in the

following areas: a. use of effective instructional techniques and methods; b. establishment of productive classroom climate and rapport with pupils; and c. development of feelings of self-worth and the love of learning in pupils. The selection panel shall consider evidence of these contributions in making its decisions. Teachers selected for this award shall have received exemplary local district evaluation

reports. School districts may also consider other evidence of outstanding teaching performance. Teachers selected for the Governor's Award shall also have other acceptable personnel

records which are devoid of recent sanctions or deficiencies. The local board of education may certify to the commissioner the name of one teaching

staff member from each school or combination of schools in the district having 10

or more teachers as a recipient of the Governor's Award. The local board may not certify the names of any teaching staff members who were

not nominated by the teacher recognition selection panel. The State shall provide funds in an amount equal to $1,000.00 for each teacher selected

pursuant to this act. These funds shall be forwarded in the teacher's name to the district for an educational

purpose designated by the teacher. Districts that do not comply with all the provisions of this act shall not be included

in the Governor's Award program. Award recipients shall not be eligible for renomination for two years following their

selection.