Archdiocese of Newark announces 2024 Teacher of the Year
Dr. Marla James, a distinguished Union Catholic Regional High School educator, has been honored as Archdiocese of Newark Teacher of the Year. The Archdiocese of Newark has also nominated her for the 2024 NJCAPE Nonpublic School Teacher of the Year Award.
With two decades of experience in education, Dr. James stands out for her commitment to academic excellence, innovative teaching methods, and profound impact on her students and the broader school community. Dr. James has been a cornerstone at Union Catholic Regional High School since 2005, teaching English, social studies, and journalism. Her influence extends beyond the classroom as well. She played a key role in developing Advanced Placement courses for the Virtual High School Collaborative and also led efforts to expand dual credit opportunities at Union Catholic through partnerships with local colleges.
A faith-based educational philosophy
Dr. James’s educational philosophy centers on preparing students for the future. She emphasizes collaborative learning, project-based instruction, and responsible technology use. She also values the fostering of critical thinking, social-emotional development, and inclusivity.
“My faith is a central guiding force in my approach to teaching and interacting with students,” Dr. James explained. “I believe that each student is a unique individual, created in the image of God and deserving of love, respect, and the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
Her Catholic values also guide her in building relationships with compassion and understanding and creating a nurturing classroom environment.
Her greatest satisfaction is witnessing her students’ growth and positive contributions to society.
“Whether observing a once-struggling student finally grasp a challenging concept with a sense of triumph or seeing a shy learner blossom into a confident, compassionate leader, these moments of breakthrough and self-discovery fuel my unwavering passion for teaching,” she said.
Connecting faith and education
Dr. James’ teaching style is heavily influenced by Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a framework designed to enhance learning outcomes for all students and grounded in a scientific understanding of how people learn. She said UDL “embodies the Christian values of empathy, justice, and the recognition of each person’s inherent worth by providing multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression.
She added that she likes UDL because “it acknowledges that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to education and that authentic learning occurs when we honor our students’ diverse learning profiles and backgrounds.”
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A legacy of excellence
Recently, Dr. James was appointed to the Responsible Artificial Intelligence Learning (RAIL) cohort. Dr. James shared that RAIL is a framework for responsible AI implementation in education “emphasizing understanding AI, critically evaluating it, and ensuring its ethical use and safety,”
Sister Percylee Hart, RSM, principal at Union Catholic, praised Dr. James’s contributions to the school. “Dr. Marla James is an educational trailblazer, particularly in online curriculum design, Universal Design for Learning, Problem-Based Learning, and Social-Emotional Learning. Her dedication to professional development in AI for education further exemplifies her commitment to pioneering innovative teaching practices.”
Moreover, Sister Hart added that the community is “immensely proud” of James’ achievements and positive impact.
Backed by a supportive school community
Being at Union Catholic, Dr. James said she feels she is where God wants her to be. “Though my path has taken unexpected turns, I genuinely believe I am exactly where God wants me to be. His timing is not our own, and His plan is infinitely wiser.”
The supportive environment at Union Catholic has allowed her to flourish as an educator, she said. “Each day at Union Catholic presents new challenges, and the administration’s support has been unwavering and extraordinary.”
In her role as a teacher supervisor, Dr. James additionally collaborates with colleagues and administration to provide crucial support and evaluations.
Sister Hart wrote in her nomination, “Dr. James’s passion for continuous learning and educational innovation makes her an ideal candidate for the 2024 Nonpublic School Teacher of the Year. I recommend her without reservation.”
Featured Image: Dr. Marla James of Union Catholic High School was chosen as 2024 Archdiocese of Newark Teacher of the Year. (Union Catholic)
