ECLC of NJ Special-Ed Teacher Named Statewide 'Educator of the Year'!

ECLC of New Jersey's school for children with special needs in Chatham is proud to announce that a veteran teacher, Judy McGrath, has been named New Jersey's "Educator of the Year," by ASAH, a nonprofit that represents 135 private, special education schools and agencies serving students with disabilities across the state.

 This prestigious, statewide honor is a long time in coming for McGrath, who joined our Chatham school in 1989. In the subsequent 24 years, she has made an enormous difference in the lives of so many, from her classroom lessons to creating weekend activities and championing outside programs.  

At ECLC Chatham, McGrath teaches a class of graduating students and focuses on ensuring they will be ready for the adult world by incorporating the latest technology tools; popular novels; current events, and business skills into her daily lessons.    

She empowers students to raise money by organizing fundraisers, including plant and wreath sales, a rummage sale and annual walk-a-thon. Over the years, these efforts have raised an estimated $200,000 for the school and various worthy charities.  

Beyond those practical lessons, McGrath instills old-fashioned values of generosity, thoughtfulness and kindness to her charges.   

She has gone above and beyond the classroom, creating new programs to benefit the entire school. For example, she developed a respite program that allows students to stay overnight at the school and enjoy a social activity -- movies, bowling, shopping, dinner and/or breakfast out -- with their friends. She also started the yearbook, ECLC Angels and the prom, among her many other accomplishments.