Trenton Public Schools is proud to celebrate Mrs. Shakida Faniel, Special Education Teacher at Joyce Kilmer Intermediate School, who has been named the 2025–2026 Mercer County Teacher of the Year by the New Jersey Department of Education.
A dedicated educator for over 14 years at Joyce Kilmer, Mrs. Faniel is known for her passion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to her students. Beyond the classroom, she enriches school life as Pep Squad advisor, supports attendance and climate initiatives, and lends her energy to community organizations like Asbury Park’s American Youth Football and Cheer, Everybody Eats, and Youth Consultation Services. As Mercer County Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Faniel will join 20 other County Teachers of the Year from across New Jersey to network with colleagues and serve as an ambassador for New Jersey’s public schools. Later this year, a panel will select the New Jersey State Teacher of the Year from among these 21 educators, who will then go on to represent the state in the National Teacher of the Year competition.
We are proud to have Mrs. Faniel represent Mercer County and the Trenton Public Schools community. Congratulations, Mrs. Faniel!
