We are proud to celebrate member Christina Brightbill, who has been named Governor’s Educator of the Year at New Albany Elementary School in Cinnaminson Township, NJ.

This honor recognizes not only outstanding instructional practice but also a deep commitment to students, colleagues, and the broader school community. Ms. Brightbill embodies what it means to teach with purpose, care, and impact.

For Ms. Brightbill, teaching is more than a profession; it’s a calling.

Ms. Brightbill has always wanted to be a teacher, inspired by growing up with a mother who was a reading specialist and witnessing firsthand the meaningful impact she had on students’ lives. From the beginning of her career, Ms. Brightbill developed a passion for working with students who present with learning challenges. She began her career as a special education teacher, supporting learners with diverse needs. After 20 years of teaching, Ms. Brightbill received training in Reading Recovery, which has become the most powerful instructional program she has used. Through Reading Recovery, she has witnessed remarkable growth in her students’ reading abilities and confidence levels, reinforcing her belief in the transformative power of targeted, individualized, research-based instruction and the profound impact educators can have on students’ academic journeys.

Day after day, Ms. Brightbill creates a classroom where students feel seen, challenged, and supported.

Ms. Brightbill brings 25 years of teaching experience and a strong background in literacy instruction and student support, having served as a Special Education teacher, first-grade classroom teacher, Reading Recovery teacher, and reading specialist. She has also demonstrated leadership as a member of the data team, I&RS committee, and the School Safety and Climate Committee. In addition, Ms. Brightbill contributes to the school community as a co-coordinator of Literacy Night and Read Across America, helping to promote family engagement and a strong culture of literacy.

Ms. Brightbill’s impact is felt far beyond her classroom.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Christina Brightbill for many years, in her roles as both a classroom teacher and a reading specialist. She works with several of my students this year, and I have seen first-hand how dedicated and committed she is to her role as a reading specialist with some of my neediest readers. She is extremely professional, never misses a session, and is always willing to share her knowledge of early literacy with her students and colleagues. She goes the extra mile with identifying very specific issues with young readers that might be easy to overlook in the whole class setting and openly shares that information with classroom teachers so that we may utilize it in our Tier One and Tier Two instruction in the classroom. —Colleen Nelson, Classroom Teacher

Students know great teaching when they experience it.

I’m a good reader now! — Adrian, 1st grade

When asked about receiving this recognition, Ms. Brightbill shared:

I am truly honored to be recognized with the Governor’s Educator of the Year Award. I have been so fortunate to work alongside incredible colleagues and inspiring students who make coming to work each day a joy. Seeing the life-changing growth students achieve through Reading Recovery has been deeply meaningful, not only for them but for me as well.

Being named Teacher of the Year is a powerful reminder of the impact one educator can have. We are grateful for Ms. Brightbill’s dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to students.

Please join us in congratulating Christina Brightbill on this well-deserved honor!