Union County Teacher Of The Year Awarded To Elizabeth Educator

ELIZABETH, NJ — Elizabeth special education teacher Alice Debowski has been named Union County Teacher of the Year for the 2026-2027 school year

Debowski was part of a statewide group of 21 educators recognized by the New Jersey Department of Education on Wednesday at an awards ceremony at The College of New Jersey in Ewing.

Debowski teaches at J. Christian Bollwage Finance Academy in the Elizabeth School District.

According to the New Jersey Department of Education, she is a special education in-class support teacher who works with eleventh-grade students in Algebra II, Biology, Physics, English III, and United States History II.

"New Jersey’s success depends on the strength of our public schools and the tireless commitment of the educators who show up every day for our kids," said Governor Mikie Sherrill. "The 21 County Teachers of the Year who are being recognized today represent the very best of this profession. Their commitment to helping students learn, grow, and achieve their goals strengthens communities across our state and helps ensure a brighter future for New Jersey."

The County Teachers of the Year are selected through the Governor’s Educator of the Year Program.

Individual schools first select Teachers of the Year, who are then eligible to apply for county recognition through the state initiative, according to the department.

Debowski received bachelor’s degrees in history and psychology, with a minor in Middle Eastern studies, from Rutgers University.

She later earned a master’s degree in social studies education with certification in special education and a doctoral degree from the Rutgers Graduate School of Education, concentrating in education, culture, and society.

According to the NJDOE, Debowski has served Elizabeth Public Schools for 11 years. She also has taught Economics, World History, Advanced Placement World History, Advanced Placement Government and Politics, and sixth-grade social studies.

"The County Teachers of the Year exemplify the excellence, creativity, and dedication that define the teaching profession in New Jersey," said Dr. Lily Laux, Commissioner of Education. "School can change the trajectory of a child’s life – and great teachers are the heart of that change, providing students with meaningful learning opportunities that make them feel safe, supported, and successful. We are proud to celebrate these educators and the positive influence they have on countless students and families."

From 2019 to 2021, Debowski participated in Stanford University’s Hollyhock Fellowship, a program for educators in under-resourced schools focused on inclusive, student-centered instruction, according to the department.

The department said the county honorees will network with colleagues across the state and serve as ambassadors for New Jersey’s public schools during the school year.

A panel of educators will later select the New Jersey State Teacher of the Year, with that announcement scheduled for this fall.

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