MAHWAH, N.J. – Three May 2022 graduates of the Ramapo College Teacher Education program were recognized for their outstanding academic work and clinical performance, distinguishing themselves as being among the finest New Jersey teacher candidates. Sona Borekjian, Rachel Olivo and Jamie Woods received the prestigious New Jersey Distinguished Clinical Intern Award (DCIA), which recognizes the top graduates and certification candidates of the state’s educator preparation programs.

“I am so very proud of our 2022 Distinguished Clinical Internship Awardees – Sona, Rachel and Jamie,” said Brian Chinni, Assistant Dean of Teacher Education at Ramapo College. “Each represents RCNJ Teacher Education’s finest, and embodies the exemplary education professional in every way. Their futures are extremely bright, and their influence on the children they serve will be profound.”

In addition, the credentials of each of the 2022 DCIA recipients from the pool of New Jersey educator preparation programs were evaluated by an external independent panel of educators. Jamie Woods was among the fifteen award recipients with distinction selected by the panel.

“Each of these exemplary clinical interns was provided invaluable mentorship and coaching from their respective Cooperating Teacher(s),” said Chinni. “On behalf of our DCIA recipients, faculty, administrative staff, and Teacher Education community, we would like to recognize and offer each our most heartfelt thanks and appreciation for all of their dedicated efforts and professional partnership.”

  • Sona Borekjian – Jennifer Winkler; 1st grade teacher at Alexander Hamilton School in the Glen Rock School District
  • Rachel Olivo – Christian Hildreth and Lauren Olson; both Social Studies teachers at West Morris Central High School in the West Morris Regional High School District
  • Jamie Woods – Lisa Kirch; 4th grade teacher at John Y. Dater School in the Ramsey School District.

“Congratulations to our distinguished recipients from Ramapo College, and to all of the 2022 recipients, and their dedicated faculty, cooperating teachers and clinical supervisors who have contributed to their success,” Chinni added.

Now in its nineteenth year, the DCIA is a collaborative effort between the New Jersey Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (NJACTE) and the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE). Selection is the result of a rigorous internal evaluative process that allows each program to nominate up to three (3) outstanding education students for the annual award.

Ramapo College’s Teacher Education and Certification Undergraduate Programs offer a wide range of state-of-the-art academic and professional certificate programs designed to meet a student’s unique learning, professional and personal needs. Each of our undergraduate degree and certification program offerings is grounded in the liberal arts, and built upon the four institutional pillars that promote experiential, interdisciplinary and culturally responsive teaching and learning.

Ramapo’s Teacher Education and Certification Graduate Programs offer a wide range of state-of-the-art academic and professional certificate programs designed to meet your unique learning, professional and personal needs. Each of our graduate degree and certification program offerings is grounded in the liberal arts, and built upon the four institutional pillars that promote experiential, interdisciplinary and culturally responsive teaching and learning.

Source: Ramapo College