John Baltz ’81 Named BEF Educator of the Year

The Bloomfield Educational Foundation 2026 Awards Gala proudly honors John Baltz ’81 as Educator of the Year.

John Baltz has devoted his professional life to education, leadership, and service to young people and their families. With more than three decades of experience in public education, he has built a career grounded in supporting students, strengthening school communities, and fostering environments where both staff and students can thrive.

Since July 2008, Mr. Baltz has served as Principal of Carteret Elementary School in the Bloomfield Public Schools. In this role, he oversees all aspects of school operations, including the supervision and evaluation of certified and non-certified staff, student discipline, staff development, and school-wide planning. He prepares annual budgets and schedules, conducts staff and parent meetings, and ensures accurate reporting on student discipline and transportation incidents. Known for his collaborative leadership style, Mr. Baltz works closely with teachers, parents, and district leaders to maintain a safe, supportive, and academically focused learning environment.

Prior to becoming principal, Mr. Baltz served as Assistant Principal at Bloomfield Middle School from 2003 to 2008. There he played a key role in student management and school programming, supervising staff, coordinating standardized testing, and administering the Academic Edge Program. He also implemented improvements to the In-School Suspension program, integrating academics, counseling, character education, and community service components. His responsibilities extended to supervising transportation procedures, security staff, cafeteria operations, and emergency drills, ensuring that the school operated efficiently and safely.

Mr. Baltz began his career in education as a Special Education Teacher with the Plainfield Board of Education, serving at Cedarbrook Elementary School from 1992 to 2003.  Here his leadership roles included School Testing Coordinator, Title I Math Teacher, Special Education Home Instructor, Teacher-in-Charge, and Summer School Lead Teacher.

Beyond the classroom and school administration, Mr. Baltz has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service. Since 1998, he has served as Director of Special Needs Programs for the Bloomfield Recreation Department. His dedication to youth development is also reflected in his extensive coaching experience, including varsity softball, girls’ varsity basketball, football, and elementary athletics.

Mr. Baltz holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from Bloomfield College and a Master of Arts in Education Administration from St. Peter’s College. He has also shared his expertise as an adjunct professor at William Paterson University and Bloomfield College. Through his leadership, teaching, and service, Mr. Baltz continues to make a lasting impact on Bloomfield students and the communities he serves.

Reservations for the 2026 BEF Awards Gala are available online here.