At The School District of Philadelphia, excellence in teaching means creating spaces where students feel seen, supported, and prepared for success—and few embody that more fully than Thomas Edison High School’s Teacher of the Month, Mrs. Veronica Montijo-Nunez.
For more than 15 years, Mrs. Veronica Montijo-Nunez has worked as a stylist and educator within Philadelphia’s beauty industry, building a career rooted in both expertise and service. She treasures the skills, tools, and wisdom she has gained throughout the years and is deeply committed to passing that knowledge on to the next generation of beauty professionals. That passion is evident in every corner of Edison’s Cosmetology CTE Program.
A true professional and natural people person, Mrs. Montijo-Nunez brings both heart and high standards to her classroom every single day. Her commitment to students goes far beyond instruction—she has transformed the entire learning environment into a welcoming, industry-ready space where students can thrive. From redesigning her suite of classrooms to creating specialized areas for hands-on learning, she has built an atmosphere that reflects both professionalism and possibility. Many of the furnishings and resources were purchased out of her own pocket from Amazon, beauty supply stores, and Facebook Marketplace—an extraordinary reflection of her personal investment in her students’ success.
Mrs. Montijo-Nunez has worked tirelessly to ensure students are fully prepared for both the NOCTI exam and the State Board Licensing Exam for Cosmetology. She has been instrumental in securing the equipment and resources necessary to elevate the program and prepare the “shop” and classroom spaces for annual State Board inspections. Her efforts recently paid off when the State Board inspector visited Edison and was highly impressed by the remarkable transformation and quality of the program she has built in just a few short years.
Understanding that cosmetology is deeply rooted in science, Mrs. Montijo-Nunez has also championed academic integration by collaborating with Edison’s science teachers to align curriculum and strengthen student learning. Her persistence and advocacy helped secure funding for a dedicated science lab within her space—bringing her vision to life through creativity, resourcefulness, and strategic partnerships. By utilizing existing school resources and securing additional support through GEAR UP, she created a learning lab that strengthens both technical knowledge and industry readiness.
Her teaching style is equally innovative. Whether through activities like “Mannikin Bowling” or “Blindfold Skeleton,” Mrs. Montijo-Nunez develops creative, engaging strategies that make learning memorable and fun while helping students master critical concepts for their future careers. She understands that learning sticks best when students are both challenged and inspired.
She also leads a highly effective Occupational Advisory Committee (OAC), bringing together industry professionals, families, former students, and community partners at least twice a year to evaluate curriculum, strengthen industry relevance, and provide strategic support. These meetings—often held in the evenings to accommodate families and working professionals—serve as collaborative spaces for problem-solving, networking, and opportunity-building. Through this leadership, she has created a powerful support system that bridges the classroom and the beauty industry.
Her advocacy extends far beyond Edison’s walls. Through her partnership with Jay Cooke Elementary, Mrs. Montijo-Nunez developed a “Self-Care Day” service-learning project where her students provided hair and nail services to younger students while also introducing them to Edison’s 11 CTE programs through guided tours. She even invited one of her former students and OAC members back to participate—creating a full-circle moment of mentorship and leadership. And because that wasn’t enough, she personally prepared a large meal to feed not only her cosmetology students, but also the visiting students from Jay Cooke.
Mrs. Veronica Montijo-Nunez is more than an outstanding instructor—she is a builder, an advocate, a mentor, and a role model. She leads with excellence, serves with humility, and pours into her students with the kind of care that changes lives. Her impact is felt not only in her classroom, but throughout the entire Edison community.
Congratulations to Mrs. Veronica Montijo-Nunez, Thomas Edison High School’s Teacher of the Month—a remarkable educator whose passion, innovation, and unwavering dedication continue to inspire students, staff, and the future of the beauty industry.