NJCSA annually recognizes and honors individuals and organizations involved with NJ charter schools that demonstrate innovation and commitment to the charter school community.
The 2012 Cultivating Quality Education Awards presentations will be held during the NJCSA Conference on March 26-27, 2012, at Bally’s Atlantic City.
Award winners will be notified by March 13, 2012, and will receive free admission to the 2012 Annual Conference.
2012 Categories of Recognition
New Jersey Charter School Teacher of the Year
$5,000 Prize
Nominees in this category have demonstrated success at creating an engaging, innovative learning environment for students; have taken leadership roles in educational activities; and have exemplary interpersonal skills with students, parents, administrators, colleagues and community members. Include data showing the nominee’s impact on student success. The winning nominee will receive a cash award.
New Jersey Charter School Administrator of the Year
Nominees in this category have demonstrated exceptional success in at least two of these areas: creating a school culture that engages students, staff, parents, and community partners; utilizing the school’s resources effectively and creatively; implementing programs that led to measurable student achievement; and fostering creative approaches to goals in the school’s charter. Include data showing the nominee’s impact on student success.
New Jersey Charter School Advocate of the Year
Nominees in this category can be a community partner, trustee, parent, legislator, or volunteer whose time, expertise and resources have significantly advanced the mission and quality of charter schools. Include examples of the impact.
Past Award Recipients
NJCSA continues to honor these past recipients:
New Jersey Charter School Teacher of the Year
Ms. Nikki Jones, North Star Academy Charter School (Newark, 2011)
Ms. Jodi Cenac, Pride Academy Charter School (East Orange, 2010)
Ms. Janiki Watley, Marion P. Thomas Charter School (Newark, 2009)
New Jersey Charter School Administrator of the Year
Ms. Rahshene Davis, University Heights Charter School (Newark, 2011)
Ms. Fiona Thomas, Pride Academy Charter School (East Orange, 2011)
Mr. Nihat Guvercin, Bergen Arts & Science Charter School (Garfield, 2010)
Mr. Charles Knopf, Ridge & Valley Charter School (Blairstown, 2009)
New Jersey Charter School Advocate of the Year
Mr. Daniel Weisz, Hoboken Charter School (2011)
Mr. Kirk Norris, Foundation Academy Charter School (Trenton, 2010)
Assemblywoman Mila Jasey (2009)
Senator M. Teresa Ruiz (2009)
New Jersey Charter School Innovator of the Year
Mr. Chris Kunkel, Hoboken Charter School (2010)
New Jersey Charter School Leader of the Year
Ms. Susan Grierson, Learning Community Charter School (Jersey City, 2009)
New Jersey Charter School Board Member of the Year
Mr. Bruce Whitaker, Red Bank Charter School (2009)
New Jersey Charter School of the Year
Greater Newark Charter School (2009)
New Jersey Charter School Parent of the Year
Ms. Marion Donohue, Red Bank Charter School (2009)
NJCSA Award for Outstanding Service
Ms. Mary Jo McKinley, Retired NJCSA Board President (2009)