Starfish Award

Submittted by Clara Jamison, Chair Lead, SEPAG

For families in Rutherford's special education community, certain educators leave a lasting impact that extends far beyond the classroom. This year, those families chose to recognize one of those exceptional individuals.

Last Friday, Rutherford Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG) named Chelsea Iocca, Head Teacher of the K/1 Multiple Disabilities classroom at Lincoln School, the recipient of the 2026 Rutherford SEPAG Starfish Award, a parent-led recognition honoring educators, therapists, support staff, and administrators who make a meaningful difference in the lives of students with special needs and their families.

For Mrs. Iocca, the award reflects what she strives to create every day at Lincoln School: a classroom where every child feels safe, included, supported, and empowered to succeed. Working with students of varying abilities, she is passionate about implementing sensory-based learning experiences and creating an environment where every student can discover their strengths and thrive. She credits much of her classroom's success to the dedication and teamwork of the paraprofessionals who work alongside her each day, helping to create a nurturing and supportive learning environment for every child.

Parents who nominated Mrs. Iocca described an educator who consistently goes above and beyond to advocate for her students, celebrate their achievements, and build strong partnerships with families. Through her patience, compassion, and unwavering belief in every child's potential, she has become a trusted source of support for many families navigating the special education journey.

The recognition is also a proud moment for Lincoln School, which continues to be a place where inclusion, acceptance, and student-centered learning are embraced throughout the school community. Families frequently praise Lincoln's educators, specialists, paraprofessionals, and administrators for creating an environment where children are encouraged to grow academically, socially, and emotionally while feeling valued for who they are.

Created by Rutherford SEPAG in 2025, the Starfish Award was inspired by the belief that even small acts can have a profound impact on a child's life. Unlike many traditional awards, the Starfish Award is entirely parent-driven. Families within Rutherford's special education community submit nominations and share stories about the educators and staff members who have made a difference in their children's lives. The result is one of the district's most meaningful recognitions because it comes directly from the voices of the families these professionals serve.

While Chelsea Iocca was selected as this year's recipient, Rutherford SEPAG & parents also recognized an outstanding group of nominees whose dedication to students and families exemplifies the spirit of the Starfish Award. This year's nominees included Janine Smith, Speech-Language Specialist; an Elementary Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant (LDTC); Bridget Lowe, Behaviorist with the Rutherford Child Study Team; Vanessa Russo, K-1 Language and Learning Disabilities Teacher at Lincoln School; Jaclyn McGinley, Paraprofessional; Frank Fabiano, Special Education Teacher at Pierrepont School; Berna Betancor, Integrated Preschool Teacher at Lincoln School and recipient of the inaugural 2025 Starfish Award; Megan MacLeod, Preschool ABA Teacher at Washington Elementary School; and Peter Grompone, School Psychologist at Pierrepont School.

Rutherford SEPAG extends its congratulations to Mrs. Iocca and all of this year's nominees. Together, they represent the compassion, dedication, and advocacy that continue to strengthen Rutherford's special education community and help ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.