Kiran Masud would never receive support from her students if she ever decided to run for President of the United States.
A student in Ms. Masud’s 5th Grade English Language Arts class at the Hillside Intermediate School declared in front of his classmates that their beloved teacher should run for the Presidency once they were informed of the spectacular news about their educator during one morning in March of 2025.
Ms. Masud and her students were surprised during their regular lesson on that Monday, March 24, by the appearance of Roger Jinks, the Interim Executive Superintendent of Schools for Somerset County, two Somerset County Department of Education officials, Sandy Gogerty and Susan Bruder, Bob Beers, the Superintendent of Schools for the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District, Dr. Tali Axelrod, the Hillside Principal, Jacquelyn Ciurleo, the Assistant Principal at Hillside, and Bruce Moran, the Communications Specialist for the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District.
Mr. Jinks announced to a surprised and wide-eyed group that Kiran Masud was named the 2025-2026 Somerset County Teacher of the Year by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE).
Ms. Masud stood in amazement while her delighted students chanted her name,” Ms. Masud, Ms. Masud, Ms.Masud.”.
Then one excited youngster claimed, “Ms. Masud should run for President.”
However, another student quickly responded and corrected his classmate.
“If she were going to be President, then she would have to leave us.”
No, Ms. Masud is not going anywhere.
But she did go to The College of New Jersey on Tuesday, August 12, when Ms. Masud and the 20 other educators were honored as the County Teachers of the Year for 2025-2026 by the NJDOE during a ceremony held on the campus in Ewing.
While Ms. Masud, her students, and school officials were notified of her elite award on the morning of March 24 in that classroom, the news had to be kept top secret until the August 12 ceremony, by which the NJDOE officially announced the 21 County Teachers of the Year.
Ms. Masud was accompanied at the NJDOE ceremony by Superintendent Beers and Hillside’s Assistant Principal, Ms. Ciurleo.
She, as expected, shared the award with many colleagues—and of course, her students.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to be named County Teacher of the Year. As a result of the guidance of incredible mentors, supportive colleagues, and, most importantly, the students who have made me grow into the educator I am,” Ms. Masud said. “They continuously teach me more than they likely realize, and I am grateful for the purpose they bring to my work.
As she launches her 18th year at Hilliside, Ms. Masud has built quite a reputation as a passionate and energetic educator who goes beyond the norm.
She serves as the Co-Advisor with Sean Smith to Hillside's highly popular Roots & Shoots Club, a program dedicated to protecting animals and the environment.
The two advisors are the spearheads of Hillside's Forest Fest, an annual event held on the first Saturday of June each year. The well-attended festival that is sponsored by the Roots & Shoots is staged on the fields and gym at Hillside, which features various games, entertainment, and exhibits.
All of these activities produce funds that will be directed to maintain the Meadows and Trails area that is located behind the school. This scenic, wooded area is the home of Hillside's outdoor classrooms, including benches, a small amphitheater, a wildlife habitat, and a wetland and forest area.
The Forest Fest also secures funding for Hillside events in the upcoming school year.
Ms. Masud received the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program award in 2022, a prestigious honor that led to her trip to Uruguay in June of 2023. She and 17 other educators from all parts of the United States participated in this highly regarded educational experience.
Ms. Masud was also named the recipient of the school district’s Governor’s Educator of the Year Award when she was honored as the Teacher of the Year for Hillside for 2024-2025.
She also found the time to author a book, which is titled "Savaal: The 'i in Racism."
Here is a link to the paperback that was published in July of 2023.
The Hillside Intermediate School community was thrilled with their own receiving this prestigious Somerset County Teacher of the Year award.
“We are incredibly proud of our very own Ms. Kiran Masud, 5th Grade ELA teacher, for becoming this year's Somerset County Teacher of the Year,” Hillside Principal, Dr. Tali Axelrod, said. “Kiran is a wonderful teacher who promotes lively and rich conversations in her classroom. She cares about her students and has a passion for teaching.”
Dr. Axelrod continued with her heartfelt compliments.
“Ms. Masud is a highly respected teacher leader at Hillside Intermediate School, a co-advisor of our Roots & Shoots program, and someone who gives students a voice to make a profound and lasting impact on the world. We celebrate alongside her with this impressive achievement!”
The Somerset County Teacher of the Year—renowned for her loyalty and devotion to the New York Football Giants— touched on the support that she has received during this award-winning educational career.
“ Over the years, many administrators have been instrumental in helping build my confidence when incorporating topics that matter to me most,” Ms. Masud stated. “Specifically, creating space for diverse narratives, encouraging students to be comfortable enough to challenge perspectives, and nurturing critical and compassionate thinkers. This recognition reflects our Bridgewater community, which empowers me.”
Sorry, no chance for her to run for President.
Ms. Masud is too determined to continue her legacy in the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District.
“I look forward to continued collaboration and pursuing meaningful change together. “