Michael Dunlea, a fifth-grade teacher in Tabernacle and 2021 Burlington County Teacher of the Year, is one of only five teachers nationwide to be inducted into the 2025 class of the National Teachers Hall of Fame. This prestigious recognition was announced nationally on “CBS Mornings” on May 19.
Dunlea previously taught in Ocean County. While teaching at Ocean Acres Elementary School in Stafford Township, he was named the 2011-12 Ocean County Teacher of the Year.
“As a fifth-grade teacher at Kenneth R. Olson Middle School, I’ve dedicated my career to building inclusive classrooms where students feel valued, celebrated and empowered to thrive,” said Dunlea. “This honor reflects not just my work, but the efforts of students, colleagues, families and the community I’ve had the privilege to serve.”
Glenn Robbins, superintendent of Tabernacle Public Schools from 2016 to 2020, initially hired Dunlea to teach in Tabernacle.
“I have watched him reach students in ways no other educator has been able to,” Robbins wrote.
Robbins recalled a student entering Dunlea’s classroom who had severe physical limitations since birth. She struggled in classrooms, especially socially, until she entered Dunlea’s room.
“Michael’s student-centered classroom that focuses on the social and emotional as much as academic was a special place for her,” Robbins added. “Where she once struggled socially, she now thrived. Students took their cue from the teacher and learned to welcome this little girl in ways no one had seen up to that point.”
Susan Grosser, former principal of Kenneth R. Olson Middle School, agreed.
“He has a rare talent for drawing out the best in his students, inspiring them to believe in their capabilities and embrace their unique qualities,” Grosser wrote. “Michael’s dedication to fostering tolerance, acceptance, and respect for diversity is at the heart of his teaching philosophy.”
Dunlea began his teaching career with one year at Saint Francis Preschool followed by 13 years in the Stafford Township School District. He has taught in the Tabernacle Township School District since 2017. He is also actively involved in his communities. While teaching in Stafford Township, he founded START—Stafford Teachers and Residents Together—a grassroots organization created to respond to the devastation brought by Hurricane Sandy.
In addition to his other accolades, just at press time, Dunlea learned that he has been named a fellow in the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms program for 2025-26. In December he will find out which of these 10 countries he’ll be participating in a two- to three-week field experience: Brazil, Colombia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Morocco, Peru, Philippines, Senegal or Uruguay.
To learn more about the National Teacher Hall of Fame, or to nominate a teacher for the Class of 2026, visit nthf.org.