Alumna wins New Jersey Educator of the Year Award

Congratulations to Patricia (Tisdale) Clark, OTR/L, ’88.  Ms. Clark was recently named as a Governor’s Educator of the Year for the Somerville School District in New Jersey, where she provides occupational therapy services to children in K – 5^th grade at the Van Derveer Elementary School.

The award recognizes excellence in teaching and in professional support services such as occupational therapy.  Requirements for this award include:  inspiring children of all abilities to learn, excellence in educational practices, and leadership in educational activities.  Ms. Clark was nominated by her colleagues or children’s parents for her work with students in grades 3-5.  In addition to providing special education services in classrooms, Ms. Clark leads a social skills group after school and provides various district-wide in-services for teachers in order to support successful learning.

Ms. Clark commented that OT is highly respected in her local school district in New Jersey and that she felt honored to be nominated.  She also credited Etown’s OT program for giving her the passion to go above and beyond her job responsibilities and promote/advocate for occupational therapy.  Way to go, Patti!