Discoveries in Education Spotlight: Stefani Villa

Teaching as Leadership

For Stefani Villa, moving education forward begins with a simple but powerful belief: leadership is not a title—it is a daily practice. As an English teacher at Manville High School, Stefani creates engaging, student-centered classrooms that balance academic rigor with personalized support. Her goal is not only to teach content, but to cultivate confidence, curiosity, and resilience in her students.

In 2024–2025, Stefani was named Governor’s Teacher of the Year for her high school. Yet she describes her impact not through a single defining moment, but through the accumulation of meaningful ones: the spark when a student grasps a challenging concept, a thoughtful comment that shifts a class discussion, or a quiet expression of gratitude from a student who feels seen and supported. For Stefani, those moments define the profession.

Innovation in Action

Stefani’s leadership extends beyond her English classroom. As advisor to the school newspaper, she led a full transition from print to a dynamic online platform. What began as a logistical challenge quickly became an opportunity for innovation. Students now publish content in real time, track engagement metrics, and connect their work to the broader school community. Features like a community-driven “Student Spotlight” submission form ensure the publication reflects authentic voices and school pride.

As head cheerleading coach, Stefani reinforces lessons of teamwork, accountability, and confidence—skills that complement and strengthen academic growth. Coaching, advising, and teaching intersect in meaningful ways, allowing her to support students holistically.

Leadership Through Growth

Currently pursuing her M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership at Rowan University, Stefani credits her graduate studies with deepening her reflective practice and reshaping how she defines leadership. Early in her career, she viewed leadership as taking charge; today, she sees it as collaborative, service-oriented, and rooted in influence rather than authority.

Her roles as teacher, advisor, coach, and graduate student inform one another. Coaching strengthens her relational skills. Teaching grounds her in pedagogy. Graduate study pushes her to think systemically and critically about school culture and change. Together, these experiences reinforce a growth mindset that she models daily for her students.

Her guiding phrase—“Be the best version of you.”—is more than a classroom motto. It is a philosophy she lives herself: preparing intentionally, embracing flexibility, reflecting on what works, and continuously evolving.

A Lasting Impact

Whether through innovative digital media, leadership in athletics, or high-impact classroom instruction, Stefani’s work centers on empowering students to discover their strengths and use their voices. Her legacy, she hopes, will be one of integrity, empathy, and inspiration—creating spaces where both students and educators can thrive.

Through reflection, collaboration, and purpose-driven leadership, Stefani Villa exemplifies what it means to move education forward.