Millburn Dance Teacher Honored for Inclusive Practices
Arvin Arjona Advocates for Inclusive Dance Classes for Students with Disabilities
MILLBURN, N.J. (July 7, 2022)—A Millburn High School dance teacher was honored by the New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education (NJCIE) for his outstanding inclusive teaching practices and advocacy for inclusive education.
Arvin Arjona was recognized by the organization for his continuous efforts to sustain an inclusive learning environment for all students—especially those with intellectual disabilities—through dance.
“Arvin unifies his two passions: dance and inclusive education,” said NJCIE Chief Executive Officer Fred Buglione. “He uses his knowledge and skills from his special education background and his personal experience to ensure that students with and without disabilities receive the support they need to succeed. His story exemplifies that inclusion goes beyond the classroom and works in all classes.”
More about Arjona’s work in inclusive education can be found in this year’s annual NJCIE Honors video:
Arjona has taught in various dance studios throughout New Jersey and also serves as an adjunct professor at the Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts. He served as a special education teacher for 10 years in Newark, Orange, Bloomfield and Millburn and is a certified Autism Exercise Specialist.
Arjona has performed with Funk That Hip Hop Dance Company, Mooshi Sushi Crew, Triple Threat Dance, La Tin Dance Company and the AP Motion Dance Company from 1995 to 2003. He is the recipient of the New Jersey Association for Health Physical Education Recreation and Dance’s 2014 Dance Teacher of The Year Award and the Shape America Eastern District Association’s 2015 Dance Teacher of the Year.
Arjona holds a master’s in dance education at the New York University Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development. He received an Associate in Arts in dance from the County College of Morris and a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education with a minor in English, history, and psychology from New Jersey City University.
NJCIE has honored educators' and educational teams' efforts to promote or sustain effective inclusive practices in schools for the past seven years.
About the New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education
The New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education (NJCIE) is a federally designated 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization serving parents and educators in the state of New Jersey. Established in 1989 by professionals and parents, the organization supports schools in creating inclusive classroom environments for children with learning disabilities. Since its inception, NJCIE has provided services to nearly 400 school districts in New Jersey; 75 charter, private and parochial schools; and various educational organizations.
NJCIE is the only nonprofit organization in New Jersey with the sole focus on inclusive education and provides needed expertise to schools and educators on how to include students with disabilities into school communities and classrooms with dignity and equality. The organization works to ensure children with disabilities and learning differences are welcomed as classmates, valued as learners and empowered to succeed. For more information, visit www.njcie.org.
NJCIE is dedicated to the development of inclusive schools and educational opportunities for all students through:
Facilitating positive and supportive relationships.
Enhancing institutional capacity to fully and effectively provide inclusive education.
Providing training and resources for family members and communities.
Providing professional training and technical assistance.
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