The East Windsor Regional School District is proud to announce that Jennifer Vogel, STEM teacher at Melvin H. Kreps Middle School, has been named Mercer County Teacher of the Year for the 2026–2027 school year by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE).
Vogel was formally recognized alongside 20 other outstanding educators at an awards ceremony hosted on August 11 at The College of New Jersey in Ewing.
Jennifer Vogel earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering with honors from Rowan University, completed graduate studies in instructional mastery, and earned a National Certificate for STEM Teaching from the National Institute for STEM Education. Combining engineering expertise with student-centered pedagogy, she transforms complex concepts into accessible, hands-on breakthroughs for middle school students. Grounded in her belief that design thinking and engineering are universal tools for empowerment, Vogel also shares her expertise across the state, presenting for the Association of Mathematics Teachers of New Jersey and the New Jersey Science Convention.
"Being named Mercer County Educator of the Year is an incredible honor, and one I’m truly grateful to receive," said Jennifer Vogel. "I’m proud to be part of East Windsor Regional School District, where I’ve had the opportunity to develop and grow a STEM program that encourages students to be curious, creative, and confident in solving real-world problems. My goal is to give students the skills they will need for a successful future. I’m grateful for the colleagues, students, administration, and community who have supported me along the way. I look forward to using this platform to advocate for educators and students and continue highlighting the importance of STEM and the opportunities it can create for every student."
The recognition has brought immense pride to Melvin H. Kreps Middle School and the entire East Windsor Regional community.
EWRSD Superintendent of Schools, Mark Daniels, commends Ms. Vogel’s recognition.
“Jennifer Vogel represents the very best of teaching and learning within our district’s schools. As a middle school STEM educator, Ms. Vogel inspires her students to be curious, creative problem-solvers, while making complex concepts engaging and appealing. Ms. Vogel also nurtures meaningful relationships with her students and inspires them to believe in their boundless potential. This well-deserved recognition as the 2026 Mercer County Teacher of the Year not only celebrates her exemplary instruction, but also the lasting impact she continues to have with students, colleagues, and the entire Melvin H. Kreps Middle School community. On behalf of the EWRSD, I congratulate Ms. Vogel on this tremendous achievement.”
As a County Teacher of the Year, Vogel will serve as an ambassador for New Jersey’s public schools during the 2026–2027 school year and network with leading educators across the state. She is now eligible for consideration as the New Jersey State Teacher of the Year, which will be chosen this fall by a state panel based on written applications, video submissions, and interviews with top finalists. The state winner will move on to compete for National Teacher of the Year.