DOVER, NJ — Hannah Olmo, a dance teacher at Dover High School in Morris County, has been named New Jersey’s 2026–2027 State Teacher of the Year, the New Jersey Department of Education announced on October 7.
Olmo has spent eight years at Dover High School, where she developed a comprehensive four-year dance education program built around creativity, inclusion, and community.
What began as a single dance course has grown into a program serving approximately 100 students through academic classes and more than 80 through extracurricular activities.
Making Arts Education Accessible
Olmo’s passion for teaching began during her teenage years, when she experienced the lack of accessible dance education at her own high school.
At age 16, she approached her local school board to request a dance program. Although her proposal was unsuccessful, the experience inspired her to pursue a career dedicated to expanding arts education opportunities.
She later earned a bachelor’s degree in dance and a master’s degree in dance education from Rutgers University.
Building Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
At Dover High School, Olmo founded the Dance Club, the Heritage Dance Ensemble, and the school’s first chapter of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts.
She also revitalized the Latin Mix Club, providing students with opportunities to celebrate cultural identity through artistic expression.
Her students have earned recognition at county and state arts festivals, while several graduates have continued their dance education at college.
Olmo also organizes the district’s annual Spring Dance Concert, featuring more than 100 student performers and attracting hundreds of audience members.
Recognition Across New Jersey
As State Teacher of the Year, Olmo will serve as an ambassador for the teaching profession, sharing her experience and advocating for educational opportunities throughout New Jersey.
Her recognition highlights the importance of arts education in developing students’ creativity, confidence, leadership, and sense of belonging.
The award also demonstrates how one educator’s dedication can transform an entire school program and create lasting opportunities for future generations.
Source: New Jersey Department of Education — Official Profile | Official Announcement, October 7, 2026
By NJ RADAR Team