Post-graduate student receives New Jersey state teacher award

Caldwell, N.J., April 4, 2016 – John Taylor, a Caldwell University post-master’s degree student, has been named the New Jersey Charter Schools Association 2016 Teacher of the Year. Taylor is studying in the Education Division at Caldwell in the principal certification program. He expects to complete his internship this spring.

A physical education teacher at Beloved Community Charter School in Jersey City, Taylor says the faculty at Caldwell “are irreplaceable resources for future administrators.” He is grateful to his professors for mentoring him and for sharing their professional experiences during the practicum process. “Caldwell University has prepared me for an administrative position, and due to the guidance I received from my internship supervisor, Mr. Frank DiSessa, I am more confident in my abilities as a future principal.”

Taylor is passionate about physical activity and encouraging young people to live healthy lifestyles. He is the Beloved Community Charter School coordinator for physical activity and self-confidence initiatives, including the Reebok BOKS Kids morning activity program. He says teaching is much more than just being in the classroom. “It’s about teaching students to be passionate about what they are interested in and guiding them through the process of how to act on those passions.” He enjoys educating students about the importance of physical activity and healthy living outside of the school walls. “In what other profession would I get 180 days each year to teach people about ways to lead happier, healthier lives?” He previously starred in the reality show “Too Fat for 15: Fighting Back.” Taylor will be honored at the New Jersey Charter Schools Association conference in Atlantic City on May 26.

Caldwell University’s principal certification program is designed to meet New Jersey’s certification requirements for principal certification for applicants who have a master’s degree in educational administration, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction or a master’s degree in another recognized field of leadership or management.