Union Catholic High School educator named Non-Public School Teacher of the Year
The New Jersey Council for American Private Education (NJCAPE) has named Dr. Marla James, a dedicated educator at Union Catholic Regional High School in Scotch Plains, co-winner of the New Jersey Non-Public School Teacher of the Year Award for 2024. The organization will honor James and Ms. Linda Groh, a Catholic educator at St. Rose High School in Belmar, as co-winners this year. NJCAPE sponsors the award annually.
NJCAPE and the Advisory Committee for Nonpublic Schools of the NJ Department of Education will present this award on October 8, 2024, at the Trenton Pastoral Center.
“We are incredibly proud of Dr. Marla James for this recognition,” said Barbara Dolan, Superintendent of the Archdiocese of Newark’s Office of Schools. “Her dedication to excellence is a true reflection of the distinguished nature of Catholic education, where faith, academic rigor, and a commitment to nurturing the whole child are seamlessly integrated.”
Dr. James’ distinguished record
Dr. James’s remarkable teaching journey began as an adjunct faculty member at Brookdale Community College. She has since served at Union Catholic since 2005, where she has made a lasting impact through her innovative teaching methods and dedication to student success.
James is a highly qualified educator with her expertise in journalism, history, government and politics, and English. She holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, American Military University, as well as the National University in San Diego.
Read: Archdiocese of Newark announces 2024 Teacher of the Year
Her influence extends beyond traditional classroom settings. She has been instrumental in shaping online course design and implementing advanced educational frameworks such as Project-Based Learning (PBL) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Additionally, she is spearheading the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Union Catholic. The school recently appointed Dr. James to the Responsible Artificial Intelligence Learning cohort in conjunction with the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. In this role, she focuses on ethical and safe AI use in education.
Catholic faith and respect for students is her guiding force
Sister Percylee Hart, RSM, principal at Union Catholic, praised Dr. James. “Since joining our faculty in December 2005, she has distinguished herself as a dynamic educator and leader [who] has been instrumental in shaping our curriculum and fostering academic growth at Union Catholic.”
Dr. James also expressed how her faith serves as a central guiding force. She said, “I believe that God created each student as a unique individual, deserving of love, respect, and the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
Dr. James’s exceptional contributions to education as well as her unwavering commitment to her students continue to inspire those around her. Additionally, she demonstrates the profound impact that a resolute and faith-guided teacher can have on her students and community.
Importance of non-public schools
In a press release announcing the winners, Bonnie Milecki, President of NJCAPE, commended the decision to have two co-winners this year. “Having these two co-winners reiterates the strength of the Non-Public schools’ teaching community,” Milecki stated. “We are blessed to have dedicated and talented teachers who prioritize excellent academic instruction and the mental health needs of our students.”
Dr. George Corwell, Director of the Office of Education of the New Jersey Catholic Conference and Chairperson of the NJCAPE Selection Committee, also highlighted the significance of this award. “Our winners demonstrate each day what it means to be fully invested in your career, and they represent the best and brightest among the thousands of devoted Non-Public school teachers who do their jobs in a way that embodies the true spirit of education while enhancing the lives of Non-Public school children and the communities in which they live,” he said.
