CSCD@RU -- NJSOC 2010 Awards Intro Page

2010 New Jersey Schools of Character

The NJSOC program has proven to be an effective way to identify schools with outstanding programs that have made significant progress in creating caring, safe school cultures where learning can flourish. Schools that win the award successfully complete demanding applications that demonstrate the merit of their programs, and all applicants receive feedback by trained colleagues that is useful for program growth

On March 22, 2010 the Center for Social and Character Development at Rutgers University hosted the Fifth Annual New Jersey Schools of Character (NJSOC) awards ceremony. The event was attended by nearly 100 educators, administrators, and professionals in the field of character education. The awards ceremony included remarks from three outstanding professionals in the field of education and character education (respectively): Wendell Steinhauer, Vice President of the New Jersey Educators Association (NJEA), Janice Stoodley, Director, State and National Schools of Character Program, Character Education Partnership and Kent Hill, Vice President of Character Development at the John Templeton Foundation.

The day belonged to all of the schools that are doing character education every day. In total 25 schools were presented with awards for their participation in the 2010 NJSOC awards program; 2 Emerging Schools(including one district), 12 Honorable Mention Schools, and 11 NJSOC Winners. Two of the eleven NJSOC Winners were also recognized as being selected as National Schools of Character Finalists and an additional two were recognized as Profile in Character award recipients. On May 17th 2010 the Character Education Partnership announced it's 2010 National Schools of Character. We are pleased to announce that Lore Elementary School was recognized as a National School of Character.