EC’s Jessica Truran Named NJ Nonpublic Teacher of the Year!

Jessica Truran, a kindergarten teacher at Eastern Christian School, has been named the 2025 New Jersey Nonpublic School Teacher of the Year by the New Jersey Council for American Private Education (NJCAPE). This prestigious award recognizes outstanding educators across the state who exemplify excellence in teaching and a deep commitment to their students. Truran joins former EC teachers, Jesse Wright and the late Paul Beverly as EC colleagues who won this prestigious award (Herald feature story here).

Since joining EC in 2019, Mrs. Truran has been a cornerstone of the elementary team, bringing a passion for Christ-centered learning and a strong background in trauma-informed teaching to the classroom. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Childhood Education from Nyack College and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, with an emphasis on Trauma and Resilience in Educational Settings, from Concordia University.

Beyond her classroom, Mrs. Truran is actively involved in the broader educational community. She has contributed to the Christian School International Teacher to Teacher Blog and was a featured guest on the Society’s Child podcast, sharing practical strategies for educators navigating trauma-informed care.

At EC, she serves as a mentor and cooperating teacher, helping to equip the next generation of educators. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she even helped lead a creative video initiative to encourage families and foster a sense of community amidst uncertainty.

Head of School Dr. Ruth Kuder reflects:

“Exceptional teachers are also exceptional students who study the children in their class to learn how to best instruct and support them. Mrs. Truran is an exceptional teacher who provides excellent, differentiated instruction for her students in all academic areas.  She also supports the social, emotional and spiritual growth of her students through her advanced knowledge of brain development, trauma, and resilience. She is most willing to collaborate with colleagues throughout the school to provide professional development in her area of expertise.”

Mrs. Truran will be honored at a formal awards ceremony hosted by NJCAPE on Tuesday, October 28, in Lawrenceville, NJ.

Dr. George Corwell, Director of the Office of Education of the New Jersey Catholic Conference and Chairperson of the Selection Committee for this award, said the following about this year’s winner and finalists:

“Nonpublic school teachers are pivotal in preparing students for the skills and knowledge needed for the rapidly evolving challenges of the 21st Century, especially here in New Jersey. Their efforts strengthen the advancement of parental choice in education so that parents have the right to send their child to a school that best suits the child’s individual needs. Our winner, Mrs. Truran, and finalists Ms. Baglivio and Ms. West, demonstrate daily what it means to be fully invested in a career and they represent the best and brightest among the thousands of devoted nonpublic schoolteachers who do their jobs in a way that embodies the true spirit of education, while enhancing the lives of nonpublic school children and the communities in which they live.”

We are so proud of Mrs. Truran and grateful to have her as part of our EC community. Her Christ-like compassion, academic excellence, and dedication to the whole child reflect the very best of what we strive for at Eastern Christian School.

Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Truran on this well-deserved recognition!