Ms. Vicki Jenkins, EHS dance teacher in Room 106, is Edison High’s 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year. She is beyond grateful for this recognition, as it has demonstrated that her work over the last nine years has made a meaningful impact on EHS.

“Being named Teacher of the Year is truly an honor and the cherry on top,” said Jenkins.

Coming into public education in 2013, Jenkins began working as a professional dance and teaching artist at the STEPS dance school on Broadway in New York City. Yet, despite having a job in another state, she decided to take on a challenge to help contribute to the new and upcoming dance program in Edison.

“Since dance was new to the district, I launched the program at both high schools, teaching two classes at Edison High School and three at J.P. Stevens my first year,” said Jenkins. “The following year, I chose to make EHS my full-time home and focus on growing the program here.”

Reflecting on the EHS community and its culture, Jenkins highlights the school’s diversity and the support she has received from her colleagues.

“I truly feel supported by the administration and my colleagues—teachers here are treated like real people,” said Jenkins. “Even on the hard days, EHS feels like home, and I’m grateful I was given the opportunity to teach here and grow the dance program.”

When asked why she chose to pursue teaching, Jenkins points to her roots and lifelong love for dance. Having been dancing since the age of fifteen in NYC and drawing inspiration to succeed from countless performances, she believes that her admiration for the art form is something unique.

“I loved choreographing, mentoring, and, if I’m being honest, leading,” said Jenkins.

To Jenkins, dance is more than a form of art and entertainment that redirects her from the outer world: It is the foundation of her career and personal growth.

“Teaching dance continues to be my passion, and doing it at EHS makes it even more meaningful,” she said.