Gov. Phil Murphy on May 7 recognized the achievements of the state’s 261,000 children who receive special education instruction and services and the work of the teachers, parents, school administrators and others who support them by proclaiming “Special Education Week in New Jersey,” May 10-16, 2020.
“We thank Governor Murphy for spotlighting our special education students, their teachers and parents with this honor,” said Dr. Lawrence S. Feinsod, executive director of the New Jersey School Boards Association, a founding sponsor of Special Education Week.
“As an educator who began his career teaching children with special needs, I understand both the challenges and the immense satisfaction that comes from helping our special education students reach their full potential,” said Feinsod.
In the proclamation, Gov. Murphy praised the “public school districts and the private schools of New Jersey (that) make a major contribution to the public welfare by preparing thousands of exceptional persons to participate as citizens of this state and as members of society.”
More than 241,000 students receive special education instruction in the state’s public and private schools, while more than 20,000 children are served through preschool and early intervention programs.
NJSBA and ASAH, an organization representing private special education schools, have sponsored Special Education Week since 1985. The theme for Special Education Week 2020 is “Creating, Learning, Growing.”
Each year, the supporters of Special Education Week produce a poster to build community awareness of our children’s achievements. The poster is based on artwork submitted by a special education student. The 2020 poster was designed by Noah McAvoy from Hunterdon Prep School.
This year, NJSBA is making the 2020 Special Education Week poster available electronically, due to the school closures and social distancing recommendations. You can download the poster by clicking on the link here.