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Contact: Richard Vespucci
For Release: May 8, 2002

Reception Honors 2002 Distinguished Teacher Candidates

arrow Commissioner’S Distinguished Teacher Candidate Award Recipients 2002
arrow Commissioner’s Distinguished Teacher Awards Panel -2002
arrow 2002 Commissioner’s Distinguished Teacher Award Recipients Data: Place of Residence, Professional Teaching Experience
arrow Commissioner’s Distinguished Teacher Candidate Awards Recipients- 2002

Commissioner of Education William L. Librera today recognized 15 outstanding college graduates who participated in teacher education programs. The teachers, who were selected as recipients of the 2002 Commissioner’s Distinguished Teacher Candidate awards, were identified as outstanding candidates for the teaching profession by their college presidents.

"It is vitally important for us to do all we can to encourage bright and talented individuals to teach in our schools," said Commissioner Librera. "The Distinguished Teacher Candidate Awards is our opportunity to thank these outstanding young people for setting their sights on a career in education.

"I wish our candidates well as they begin to practice the art and science of teaching," Dr. Librera continued. "I hope they will have long and prosperous careers in the classroom."

Now in its 17th year, the Distinguished Teacher Candidate Awards identifies, honors and encourages the top graduates of approved college teacher education programs in New Jersey. Since 1985, the presidents of New Jersey colleges and universities have nominated their top teacher education students for the awards. Commissioner Librera recognized the work of a seven-member panel of educators that selected the award recipients (See attached list of panel members).

The 15 students honored today are recent graduates or will soon graduate from the following New Jersey colleges and universities: Caldwell College, College of Saint Elizabeth, Montclair State University, Princeton University, Rider University, Rowan University, Rutgers University, Seton Hall University and the College of New Jersey.

Attached is biographical information on the award recipients, who were recognized today at a special ceremony at the Department of Education. For more information about the Commissioner’s Distinguished Teacher Candidate program, contact Nancy Weiss, the program administrator in the Department of Education’s Office of Innovative Programs and Practices.