The New Jersey State Special Education Advisory Council convened on June 12 in Trenton for its 3rd Annual Special Education Celebration, a significant event recognizing a range of student achievements and innovative programs. Among the highlights was the presentation of the 2025 Innovations in Special Education Award winners, a collaborative  program for members of NJSBA and ASAH. 

Barry Walker, NJSBA’s vice president for county activities, was present for this special presentation, expressing gratitude on behalf of NJSBA leadership for the Council’s recognition of the awardees. He emphasized the broader significance of Special Education Week in celebrating not only the efforts of teachers, administrators, board members, and parents, but particularly the remarkable achievements of students who have worked so hard and accomplished so much. Also speaking at the event and recognizing the winners was John J. Mulholland Jr., Executive Director of ASAH, who said his organization and their members appreciate the extra recognition given to the Innovations in Special Education Award winners. 

Irene LeFebvre, co-chairperson of the NJSBA Special Education Committee, conveyed her appreciation and insights she gathered from judging the awards, noting the abundance of innovative programs and the critical support from families. Attendees then viewed a special video produced by NJSBA, showcasing the following award-winning initiatives: 

  • The Center for Education’s Agriculture Program: Recognized for its exemplary non-traditional, hands-on learning environment, fostering growth and skill-building for adolescents with special needs through farm-based education. 
  • Lebanon Township School District’s Caught Being Kind Program: An initiative promoting kindness, inclusion, and positive reinforcement by acknowledging students for acts of compassion. 
  • South Bergen Jointure Commission’s Yoga and Mindfulness Program: Designed to equip neurodivergent students with practical tools for enhanced mind and body awareness, improving balance, stability, and emotional well-being through self-regulation skills. 

The celebration underscored the profound impact these programs have on New Jersey’s special education community.