More Stories
Coach Stephen Waters Honored for Lifetime of Dedication
For over four decades, Coach Stephen Waters has been a consummate presence at Spectrum360 | Academy360, shaping the lives of countless students with autism and related challenges. His unwavering commitment to education and his passion for adaptive physical education have earned him a well-deserved place in the Newark Athletic Hall of Fame.
Spectrum360 Rings THE Bell!
In July 2024, Spectrum360 had the exciting honor to ring the Opening Bell® at the New York Stock Exchange in celebration of National Disability Pride Month!
Digital Photography: A New Lens on Learning
This summer, Academy360 Upper School students explored their creative sides in a new Digital Photography after-school club, introducing the ins-and-outs of using genuine cameras to capture moments in time.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Spectrum360’s Doug Howansky Honored as NAPSEC Educator of the Year
Livingston, NJ – November 22, 2024 – Spectrum360 is proud to announce that Doug Howansky, a teacher at Academy360 Upper School, has been named the National Association of Private Special Education Centers (NAPSEC) Educator of the Year. This national award recognizes educators who make exceptional contributions to special education in NAPSEC-member schools. The award ceremony will take place at the 2025 NAPSEC Annual Leadership Conference, held at The Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans, LA in January.
Doug Howansky has been an integral part of Spectrum360 for more than 25 years, progressing from a teacher’s aide to a teacher through his dedication and commitment. His teaching philosophy emphasizes guiding students through challenges rather than removing them, fostering resilience and problem-solving skills that prepare them for life beyond the classroom.
As a key member of Spectrum360’s Young Adult Program (YAP), which supports students aged 18 to 21, Doug is instrumental in helping young adults transition into adulthood. He goes beyond teaching pre-vocational skills, focusing on real-life applications that help students navigate the complexities of work, social interactions, and independent living. Doug has been pivotal in creating programs that teach students how to understand behaviors in adult settings and manage the consequences of their actions in work and social environments.
Spectrum360 congratulates Doug Howansky on this well-deserved honor. His passion, dedication, and innovative approach to education continue to inspire and empower the students he serves.
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About Spectrum360:
For over 60 years, Spectrum360 has been a pioneer in serving individuals with special needs. Today, Spectrum360 serves children, adolescents, young adults, and adults on the autism spectrum and related disabilities. Spectrum360’s mission is to provide the highest quality educational and therapeutic programs for individuals with learning, language, and social/emotional challenges to achieve their maximum potential as responsible adults in society; to recognize and value individuals’ unique abilities, learning styles, and differences; and to serve as a leader in promoting innovative educational programs. For more information, visit us at https://spectrum360.org/about-us/.
For Media Inquiries, please contact:
Melissa Kuper, Head of Communications
Email: mkuper@spectrum360.org | Phone: 973-509-3050 x271