ASAH Presents ‘Educator of the Year’ Award to Compassionate Special Education Teacher

Hamilton Square, NJ – ASAH, a not-for-profit organization comprised of private schools and agencies that provide highly specialized services to children with disabilities in New Jersey, has awarded Jenna Uppal, a teacher at St. John of God - Archbishop Damiano School, the Educator of the Year Award for her outstanding service and dedication to special needs students.

With a big heart and a strong desire to serve the special needs community, Ms. Uppal, an eleven-year veteran at the Archbishop Damiano School in Westville Grove, began as a long-term substitute and was soon hired as a full-time teacher. When Jenna is not teaching in the classroom, she is helping to coordinate the many special events during the year including the prom, talent show and gala fundraiser. Further supporting the special needs community, Jenna supports outside organizations such as Relay for Life and Great Strides for Cystic Fibrosis.

Kate Flynn, principal of the school nominated Ms. Uppal identifying her as compassionate, creative and energetic. “Her enthusiasm is a gift to all who have the opportunity to work with her,” she stated. “It has been my pleasure to watch her energy light up her classroom and her students,” she added.

The ASAH Educator of the Year Award was presented at ASAH’s 39th Annual Conference in Atlantic City this past November.

ABOUT: ASAH was founded in 1974 and now serves more than 145 schools and agencies throughout New Jersey. ASAH hosts several workshops during the year for educators, professionals and parents helping communities and families navigate their way through matters associated with disabilities. ASAH provides a Private School Placement Toolkit for families and educators to aid in the process of advocating for special education services. For more information on ASAH visit http://www.asah.org or phone 609-890-1400.