Camden preschool teaching assistant becomes first from the city to receive a statewide award.

At the Riletta Twyne Cream Early Childhood Center in Camden, instructional assistant Angela Feliciano, affectionately known as Miss Angie, plays a crucial role in shaping the educational experiences of her preschool students. With nearly 30 years of dedicated service as a classroom assistant, Feliciano is now on the cusp of becoming a certified teacher, reflecting her long-standing commitment to education in her community.

Recently, Feliciano was honored by the New Jersey Education Association as the Educational Support Professional of the Year for the 2025-2026 academic term, distinguishing her as the first instructional assistant from Camden schools to receive such recognition. Her success story will culminate in a representation of New Jersey at the National Education Association’s Educational Support Professionals conference in Anaheim, California, later this month.

Pamela Clark, the president of the Camden Education Association, highlighted the significance of Feliciano’s achievement, emphasizing the pride felt within the Camden educational community. The nomination process for the award considered nominees based on their professional practices, community involvement, and contributions to advancing the public image of support staff.

Feliciano’s commitment to early childhood education is evident in her efforts to boost preschool enrollment at Cream, effectively increasing the student population from approximately 120 to 350 over a three to four-year period. Her outreach to parents through weekend events underscores her dedication to fostering a supportive environment for children and families.

Describing her work, Principal Medinah Dyer commended Feliciano for her ability to connect with students and address the needs of those facing trauma or behavioral challenges. Feliciano not only engages with her students in classroom activities but also provides essential resources for those in need, emphasizing her role as an advocate for children’s well-being.

In her daily interactions with students, Feliciano fosters an engaging and inclusive atmosphere. During a typical day, she collaborates with her colleagues to conduct lessons in music and reading, frequently interacting with students at their eye level to build rapport and trust. Engaging in playful activities, such as pretending it was her birthday during a game, Feliciano ensures her students feel valued and loved.

Feliciano, originally from Camden, began her journey in education in 1989 as a paraprofessional, fueled by her lifelong ambition to be a teacher. Currently, at 53 years old and living in Pennsauken, she holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Wilmington University and is preparing to take the New Jersey Praxis exam once again in hopes of achieving her teaching certification.

Despite past challenges with the exam, Feliciano remains resolute in her goal of inspiring her fellow paraprofessionals and enhancing the educational landscape. Her passion for teaching reflects a dedication not only to her personal growth but also to the enrichment of her students’ lives and the broader community. As Feliciano aspires to continue her career in education, she expresses a heartfelt desire to remain in the classroom, where her impact on young learners is most profound.