Esse Non Videri Gala

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EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

The Educator of the Year award recognizes the outstanding teacher/educator, who exemplifies the professional work of teachers, is a progressive teacher and an innovative educator striving to attain success for all of their students. This educator is a career learner and is eager to share their craft and knowledge, and is an advocate for the profession and marginalized students.

Nominations will not be accepted for the Educator of the Year category, the award recipient will be selected from the finalists of all other awards. Please note “Rising Stars” will not be considered for this category. Must be an SJC alumna/us. Must be currently employed as a teacher, educator or newly retired (one year out). Must have a minimum of three years of service. The recipient is expected to be present at the event to receive an award.

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RISING STAR AWARD

This award celebrates new educators who have been teaching or working in education for less than three complete academic years. They will be emerging leaders in education who are making a striking impact in the early stages of their career; through effective leadership, innovation in the classroom, collaborative efforts and a creative approach that makes learning exciting while creating a climate where all students can succeed. Please note, there will be three award winners for this category.

Criteria for nominations:
Must be an SJC alumna/us. Must be currently employed as a teacher, educator and have been teaching for less than three complete years. Recipients are expected to be present at the event to receive an award.

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EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING – SECONDARY EDUCATION

This award celebrates an extraordinary teacher at the middle school or high school level who exemplifies dedication, mission, skill, expertise and talent. This educator inspires and motivates all students through a creative approach, makes learning exciting while creating a climate where all can succeed. A leader in their profession, this educator pursues professional growth opportunities throughout his/her career, is a collaborative partner across disciplines and is an advocate for marginalized students.

Criteria for nominations:
Must be an SJC alumna/us. Must be currently employed as a middle school or high school teacher or newly retired (one year out). Should have more than three years of service at the middle school or high school level. Recipient is expected to be present at the event to receive an award.

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EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING – PRIMARY AND EARLY EDUCATION

This award celebrates extraordinary teachers at the elementary school or early childhood levels who exemplifies dedication, mission, skill, expertise and talent. This educator inspires and motivates all children through a creative approach, makes learning exciting while creating a climate where all students can succeed. A leader in their profession, this educator pursues professional growth opportunities throughout his/her career, is a collaborative partner across disciplines and is an advocate for marginalized students.

Criteria for nominations:
Must be an SJC alumna/us. Must be currently employed as an elementary school or early childhood teacher or newly retired (one year out). Should have more than three years of service at the elementary school or early childhood age. Recipient is expected to be present at the event to receive an award.

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DISTINGUISHED ADMINISTRATOR

This award celebrates the invaluable and innovative contributions of education leaders by honoring school administrators. This administrator will demonstrate exceptional leadership skills through creating an inclusive and welcoming environment, while also setting high expectations for all faculty and staff and is respected by students, colleagues and parents. In addition, they work to advocate for their profession and marginalized students.

Criteria for nominations:
Must be an SJC alumna/us. Must be currently employed as a teacher, administrator or education leader or newly retired one year out. Should have more than three years of service as an administrator. Recipient is expected to be present at the event to receive an award.

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COVID-19 PANDEMIC EDUCATOR AWARD

This award celebrates the resiliency and creativity of an educator during the COVID-19 pandemic. This educator has stayed positive while integrating new tools and emerging technologies, approaches and teaching strategies to facilitate vibrant, engaging and unique learning experiences.

Criteria for nominations:
Must be an SJC alumna/us. Must be currently employed as a teacher, educator and have been teaching for less than three complete years. Recipient is expected to be present at the event to receive an award.

Thank you to our generous event sponsors!

Underwriters

Sponsor list as of December 16, 2021.

Awards Committee

Sister Kathleen McKinney, CSJ, Ed.D. ’71
Chair

Dr. Esther Berkowitz
Krystal Chin Comerford ’13
Linda De Motta ’83
Dr. Keith Fasciana ’98
Daniel M. Mace ’03
Dr. Lisa Tafuro
Christina T. Traverson-Mace ’06

Event Committee

Dr. Mary Ellen Dubiel Freeley, Ed.D. ’67
Co-Chair
Dr. Paul P. Romanello ‘79
Co-Chair

Michael K. Banach
Flavio Bollag
Christian L. Branch ’11
Margaret Broda ’04
Sister Mary Ann Cashin, CSJ
Mary Jo Burke Chiara ’69
Jessica McAleer Decatur
Dr. Phillip Dehne
Lisa DiFiore-Ridolph ’85
Joan Reardon Dillon ’56
Stephanie Dumaine
Janelle Hill
Dr. Eileen Jahn
Dr. Gail Lamberta ’82
Virginia O. McLaughlin ’62
Paulina Melin
Jessica Meotti
Michael W. Meyers, Esq. ’08
Melissa Henn Michaud ’01
Michelle L. Papajohn ’08
John C. Roth
Rory Shaffer-Walsh
Linda Vignato ’01
Brian Wasson

All attendees will be required to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination upon entry. Masks will be required of all attendees unless they are seated when eating and drinking. Please note, safety protocols are subject to change. In the event that we are unable to gather in person, a virtual offering will take place.