Six educators from Lawrence Township Public Schools have been selected to participate in the inaugural cohort of the Sustainable and Innovative STEM Master Teacher Fellows program at The College of New Jersey.
Funded by a $2.9 million National Science Foundation grant, the statewide initiative aims to strengthen K–5 STEM education and climate change literacy through teacher leadership and innovation.
The program is led by Dr. Lauren Madden of TCNJ’s School of Education in collaboration with the Schools of Engineering and Science and Salve Regina University.
The six Lawrence educators selected for Cohort 1 are:
Lea Ryan, Lawrenceville Elementary SchoolHillary Hargraves-Dix, Ben Franklin Elementary SchoolTaylor Hickey, Ben Franklin Elementary SchoolPeter Braynor, Lawrence Intermediate SchoolMonica Pontari, Lawrence Intermediate SchoolAmara Richardson, Lawrence Intermediate School
Lawrence Township represents the largest number of teachers from any district in the state participating in the first cohort.
In addition, three more Lawrence Intermediate School educators—Andrew Cenci, Amelia Irmer, and Yulieth Le—have been accepted into Cohort 2, which will begin in early or mid-2026.
Dr. Cari Gallagher of Lawrenceville Elementary School also serves on the grant’s advisory board.
The educators in Cohort 1 will begin graduate coursework later this month to earn a certificate in Environmental Sustainability Education from TCNJ. Following the academic phase, they will take part in extensive professional development to prepare them for roles as STEM leaders in their schools and communities.
“We are beyond proud of these outstanding educators,” said Superintendent Dr. Robyn Klim.
“Their passion, innovation, and leadership reflect everything that makes LTPS such a special place for learning and growth,” Klim said. “This opportunity not only benefits them professionally but also enriches the educational experiences of all the students they serve.”
District officials said the honor reinforces Lawrence’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and STEM education.
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