Stacey Giordano, a Special Education Kindergarten Teacher at LaMonte Annex Elementary School, was chosen as a 2022 New Jersey Exemplary Educator. The program recognizes educators statewide who exhibit strong knowledge and skills, an inspiring presence, and a positive impact on students, colleagues and the school community.  

Hipolita Hernandez-Sicignano, Principal of LaMonte Annex Elementary School, nominated Giordano for the program. “Mrs. Giordano is truly an asset to the LaMonte team,” Sicignano said. “Her innate willingness to go above and beyond for her students and lend a helping hand is so appreciated by everyone in the school. This recognition is well deserved.” 

Giordano was overcome with emotions when she learned she received the award. She recalled “Being very overwhelmed by the recognition from my peers. It’s great to feel their support.” When asked what Giordano enjoys most about teaching in Bound Brook School District, she emphasized the teamwork amongst the faculty, as well as support from school administrators. 

Giordano is currently in her ninth year of teaching in the Bound Brook School District. She co-teaches a kindergarten inclusion class; a classroom instructed by both a general education and special education teacher, which allows for differentiated instruction for students based on their individual needs. 

Surprisingly, teaching is Giordano’s second career. After stepping away from a career in accounting to raise her children, she decided to return to school to pursue a career in Special Education at the suggestion of her professors. In 2019, she received a scholarship from Fairleigh Dickinson University, where she received a Graduate Certification in the Orton Gillingham Approach, a phonics and multi-sensory based method to learning. 

Giordano uses her experience and schooling to create a learning environment for her students to thrive.  

“Mrs. Giordano is one of only 181 educators statewide that earned this award,” said Dr. Alvin L. Freeman, the superintendent of Bound Brook School District. “We are blessed to have her wonderful energy and outstanding teaching capabilities in our school community.”  

“I love seeing each of my students flourish in their own unique ways,” Giordano explained. “Watching their eyes light up from recognizing their own progress is what makes all the hard work of teaching such a rewarding career.”