• TEACHER OF THE YEAR

    &

    EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

  • TEACHER OF THE YEAR

    Claire Vakalis – School 4

    Claire Vakalis gained her BA in Elementary Education from Rowan University in 2014. She was a founding first grade teacher at Uncommon Schools: Camden Prep the following year. In 2016, she started her journey in Lindenwold as an instructional assistant while finishing up her ESL certification. She knew her passion of serving ELL’s would be her lifelong mission. Claire has taught ESL Kindergarten, supported teachers as an ESL Coach, and now instructs ELL’s in grades K-4 as an ESL push-in teacher. In 2019, Claire completed her Master’s Degree in Teacher Leadership and in the summer of 2023 earned her Supervisor certification, both from Rowan University. Claire is urgent and steady in her work to enhance the educational experiences of her ELL students.
     
    Claire is married to her husband Sean, has one beloved cat named Arturo, and an amazing village of family and friends! She is an avid traveler as her parents were both born and raised in Europe and most of her family still reside there!

     

  • EDUCATIONAL PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

    Marisa Robinson – School 4

    Marisa Robinson has been an instructional aide here at Lindenwold School #4 for 15 years.  She is wonderful with all of the students that she interacts with.  Marisa is currently pursuing a degree in elementary education from Rowan College.  When Marisa is not educating her students she enjoys playing the guitar and being with her family.  Marisa is extremely active in her church, where she works with other youths here in Lindenwold.