A music teacher at a Bergen County high school has been named New Jersey's Teacher of the Year.
Argine Safari beat out three other finalists to earn the honor, which was announced at Wednesday's state Board of Education meeting. She will receive a six-month paid sabbatical and also gets to attend a ceremony at the White House and meet the president.
Safari has taught at Pascack Valley High School in Hillsdale since 2005.
The Fort Lee resident grew up in Armenia and attended one of the country's top music schools before coming to the United States during the first year of her doctoral program. She worked as a translator, insurance agent and financial adviser before earning her teaching certificate.
Safari said she was "deeply honored and humbled'' by the recognition.
