Lawrence Intermediate School music teacher Sharin Rello has been named the Mercer County Teacher of the Year by the New Jersey Department of Education.

Rello has taught in Lawrence Township Public Schools for 13 years. She is the tenth Lawrence educator to be named Mercer County Teacher of the Year within the past 24 years.

County winners are first selected at the school level through the Governor’s Educator of the Year program. They then compete for county recognition and are selected by panels representing a cross-section of administrators, teachers, parents, and county education association representatives.

“Sharin exemplifies not only the qualities of an extremely talented educator, but also the daily commitment, dedication and inspiration it takes to help a child achieve and exceed his or her potential,” Lawrence Superintendent of Schools Crystal Edwards said.

“She is a dedicated music teacher who instills a love and appreciation of music in all of her students,” Lawrence Intermediate School Principal Cindy Whitehead said. “Sharin continually finds ways of enhancing our music programs through her creative plans and dynamic ideas She finds ways of making sure to be all inclusive of our school community. We appreciate her enthusiasm and love of learning.”

The teacher of the year from each county will be invited to serve on state committees and task forces to share knowledge and improve public education in the state.

“New Jersey has many great teachers, and this award is a tribute to the talent, professionalism, and dedication of these 21 educators to inspire the children they teach,” said New Jersey Education Commissioner Kimberley Harrington. ” I look forward to learning more from them in the months to come.”