Betty Maddalena from the West Orange Public School District
Is First to Receive Annual Award
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Montclair, NJ, March 27, 2006: Today, during the grand opening of University Hall at Montclair State University, University officials and members of the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) presented Betty Maddalena from the West Orange Public School District, with New Jersey's first-ever annual Educator Medal of Honor Award.
"Today is one of the most important days in the history of public education in the state of New Jersey as we honor an educator who has made significant progress in addressing the achievement gap in her school district. Betty Maddalena is an outstanding educator who cares deeply about educating all students to high standards. She is a leader among her colleagues and a caring and compassionate advocate for students with special needs. It is our privilege to honor her," said Dr. Ada Beth Cutler, dean, College of Education & Human Services, Montclair State University.
Ms. Maddalena is the Special Education Coordinator for Grades 9-12 in West Orange and has been with the town's school district since 1985. Ms. Maddalena, a resident of Livingston, New Jersey holds an M.A. in Counseling and Special Services and a B.S. in Elementary Education from Seton Hall University.
"Throughout my career, I have worked with numerous teachers who have provided extraordinary services for students and New Jersey education," said Joyce Powell, president, NJEA. "These services, which often require strong commitments, patience and creativity, deserve to be acknowledged. It is my honor to recognize Betty for her dedication to New Jersey schools."
The Educator Medal of Honor Award is an initiative co-sponsored by the College of Education & Human Services at Montclair State University and the NJEA. The award recognizes a New Jersey public school educator who has made significant progress and contributions toward closing the achievement gap in his or her school or district.
"I am honored to receive such a prestigious award. More importantly, it has been a privilege to work with students in West Orange and this award belongs to them just as much as it belongs to me," said Ms. Maddalena in accepting the award.
The New Jersey Education Association is the state's largest association of education professionals, representing 192,000 elementary and secondary teachers, administrators, higher education faculty, education support professionals, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.
Montclair State is New Jersey's second largest and fastest growing university. It offers the advantages of a large university - a comprehensive undergraduate curriculum with a global focus, a broad variety of superior graduate programs through the doctoral level, and a diverse faculty and student body - combined with a small college's attention to students. More information on the University is available on its website: www.montclair.edu .
(Media Note: If you are interested in scheduling a tour of University Hall or interviews with officials from Montclair State University, the NJEA, or Ms. Maddalena, please contact Andrew Cusumano or Eric Schauer at 908.276.4344 or at andrew@sternassociates.com or eric@sternassociates.com ).
March 27, 2006
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