Clifton, NJ - August 20, 2025 - Last week, ClassLink and NJASA celebrated the accomplishments of exceptional New Jersey educators at their annual Seaside Celebration for Ed Leaders in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Bringing together educators and thought leaders from across the state, the event gave guests a chance to connect, kick off a new school year, and celebrate their colleagues!
Congratulations to Our Award Winners!
To be a visionary, an educator must have the passion and creativity to design future-focused learning experiences and programs. Each new school year has unique challenges, and NJ educators remain committed to creating innovative initiatives that inspire and empower students and colleagues. At the event, four outstanding individuals who consistently go above and beyond to serve their communities were honored.
“ClassLink takes great pride in celebrating the outstanding achievements of the NJ Visionary Award Winners. At the heart of ClassLink's success lies the invaluable presence of educators—they are the very essence of our existence! We extend heartfelt gratitude for their efforts, their talents, and unwavering commitment to advancing education.”
NJ Visionary Educator Award
Winner: Kelly Fletcher (Teacher/Work-Based Learning Coordinator, Burlington County Special Services School District)
Kelly Fletcher, a special education transition teacher and work-based learning coordinator, has dedicated 24 years to the Burlington County Special Services School District. She also serves as association vice president and community-based instruction coordinator. Passionate about innovation, Kelly develops programs that strengthen the school community, enhance learning for all students, and empower staff by recognizing their strengths and engaging them as active stakeholders.
NJ Visionary Technology Leader Award
Winner: Patrick Pagani (Director of IT, PC MRHSD)
With over 18 years in IT, 10 of them in public education, Patrick Pagani brings both corporate and educational expertise to his role as Technology Coordinator for Manchester Regional High School and its consortium. He oversees infrastructure and leads initiatives in cybersecurity, physical security, and capital improvements. Patrick has implemented districtwide cybersecurity training, redesigned multiple data centers, and advanced classroom and athletic technology integration, modernizing educational spaces and strengthening districtwide resilience.
NJ Visionary Superintendent Award
Winner: Dr. Marnie Hazelton (Superintendent of Schools, Englewood Public School District)
Dr. Marnie Hazelton, Superintendent of Englewood Public School District, is recognized for her commitment to equity, community engagement, and transformative leadership. She has built strong partnerships with local organizations and city agencies, established a District Community Liaison role, and launched inclusive initiatives like the annual Back to School Fair. Under her leadership, post-pandemic academic recovery has accelerated, with reading proficiency rising and all student subgroups exceeding growth targets.
NJ Visionary Community Impact Award
Winner: Edward Cohen (Associate Director, Center for Math, Science, and Computer Education, Rutgers University)
As Associate Director of the Center for Mathematics, Science & Computer Education at Rutgers University, Dr. Edward Cohen leads the NJDOE-funded Rutgers Climate Change Learning Collaborative, which has awarded millions in grants for free, hands-on professional development to K–12 educators. Since the state's climate change education mandate began in 2022, he and his team have trained over 1,000 teachers, reaching tens of thousands of students through project-based learning, environmental simulations, and community field experiences. His place-based approach, featuring aquaponics gardens, Raritan River expeditions, crop systems, and renewable energy projects, turns climate concepts into meaningful classroom inquiry and action.