Office of Public Relations

Pomona, NJ 08240

 

 

Two Stockton Graduates Receive Commissioners Distinguished Teacher Candidate Awards

 

Only 15 Given Yearly Throughout the State of New Jersey

 

For Immediate Release

Thursday, May 27, 2004

Contact: Tim Kelly

Dottie Munro

Stockton Public Relations

(609) 652-4950

 

POMONA, NJ The New Jersey Department of Education announced the winners of the Commissioners Distinguished Teacher Candidate Awards. Two Stockton graduates, April Bocchino and Teena Spinelli, were among the 15 honorees chosen for 2004.

 

Boccino, a Margate, New Jersey resident, received her first Bachelor of Arts degree in drama from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. In December, 2003 she took her second BA in Teacher Education, with elementary certification, at Stockton. Bocchino graduated with program distinction. She will bring her experience in childrens theatre and her years as a flight attendant, to the classroom.

 

Spinelli, who also graduated in December, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in both Visual Arts and Teacher Education. A native of Toms River, New Jersey, Spinelli will enjoy teaching the visual arts to others. She said she looks forward to a career in which she can create and inspire.

 

Now in its 19^th year, the Distinguished Teacher Candidate Awards program recognizes 15 outstanding teacher ed graduates from around the state. Presidents of New Jersey colleges and universities nominate their five most outstanding, prospective teachers. Selection is based on the academic excellence shown during the candidates undergraduate training. From there, nominees are evaluated by an impartial, eight member panel of New Jersey educators.

 

This annual recognition further demonstrates the state of New Jerseys continued support of education, and its commitment to excellence in teaching.