Lawrence Teachers Awarded STEM Master Teacher Fellowship Through TCNJ

Lawrence Township Public Schools is proud to announce that six of its exceptional educators have been selected to participate in The College of New Jersey’s inaugural cohort of Sustainable and Innovative STEM Master Teacher Fellows. Funded by a $2.9 million National Science Foundation grant, and led by Dr. Lauren Madden of TCNJ’s School of Education, in collaboration with colleagues from TCNJ’s Schools of Engineering and Science and Salve Regina University, this statewide initiative aims to strengthen K–5 STEM education and climate change literacy across New Jersey through teacher leadership and innovation. 

Representing the largest group of participants from any district in the state, the following LTPS educators were selected for Cohort 1: Lea Ryan – Lawrenceville Elementary School (LES), Hillary Hargraves-Dix – Ben Franklin Elementary School (BF), Taylor Hickey – Ben Franklin Elementary School (BF), Peter Braynor – Lawrence Intermediate School (LIS), Monica Pontari – Lawrence Intermediate School (LIS), and Amara Richardson – Lawrence Intermediate School (LIS). As a testament to the district’s continued commitment to STEM and sustainability education, three additional LTPS educators from Lawrence Intermediate School—Andrew Cenci, Amelia Irmer, and Yulieth Le—have already been accepted to join Cohort 2, which is set to launch in either January or May of 2026. In addition, Lawrenceville Elementary School’s Dr. Cari Gallagher serves on the grant’s advisory board.

The six LTPS teachers in Cohort 1 will begin graduate coursework later this month to earn a certificate in Environmental Sustainability Education from TCNJ.  After completing the academic component, they will engage in rigorous professional development designed to cultivate their skills as STEM leaders in their schools, communities, and beyond. 

“We are beyond proud of these outstanding educators,” said Dr. Robyn Klim, Superintendent of Schools. “Their passion, innovation, and leadership reflect everything that makes LTPS such a special place for learning and growth. This opportunity not only benefits them professionally but also enriches the educational experiences of all the students they serve.”  

Lawrence Township Public Schools celebrates this honor and applauds the dedication of its teacher-leaders who continue to model excellence, curiosity, and forward-thinking education for the next generation of learners.