The New Jersey Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (NJACTE) was proud to host another successful Distinguished Clinical Intern & Cooperating Teacher Awards Ceremony on June 8, 2026, at Montclair State University.
This annual event recognizes the exceptional accomplishments of New Jersey’s future educators and the dedicated cooperating teachers who play a critical role in their development. Clinical interns representing educator preparation programs from across the state were honored for their commitment to excellence, professionalism, and impact in the classroom.
The ceremony brought together distinguished guests, educator preparation program representatives, faculty, family members, cooperating teachers, and clinical interns for an evening of celebration and recognition. Following a reception, honorees were recognized by institution and presented with awards acknowledging their achievements during their clinical experiences.
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of the Top Five Distinguished Clinical Interns, whose outstanding performance and dedication earned them additional distinction among an already exceptional group of candidates. Their accomplishments serve as a testament to the strength of educator preparation programs throughout New Jersey and the promising future of the teaching profession.
NJACTE extends its sincere appreciation to Montclair State University, The College of New Jersey, and Visions Federal Credit Union for their sponsorship and support of this year’s event. Their partnership helped make this meaningful celebration possible.
Congratulations to all of the 2026 Distinguished Clinical Intern nominees, award recipients, and cooperating teachers. NJACTE is honored to recognize the next generation of educators and those who mentor them, and we look forward to continuing this proud tradition of celebrating excellence in teacher preparation for years to come.