Marks 10 consecutive years a Drew student has earned the award
July 2026 – Drew University student Nicole Sydor C’24, G’26 has been named a Distinguished Clinical Intern by the New Jersey Department of Education, marking the 10th consecutive year a Drew student has received the honor.
Sydor was one of the top five honorees in the state, an even more select group than previous iterations of the award in which 15 students were recognized.
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After graduating from Drew as an English and French double major, Sydor enrolled in the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies’ Master of Art in Teaching (MAT) graduate program. As part of the program’s clinical internship student teaching requirements, she spent the last year gaining teaching experience with the West Morris Regional High School District.
“Drew’s MAT program helped me reflect on the kind of educator I want to be,” said Sydor, who has since been placed full time in the West Morris Regional High School District as an English teacher.
“Drew placed me with mentor teachers in a school environment that gave me the space to put that into action. They deeply considered who I was and found educators and schools that aligned with what I needed to thrive. I felt safe and secure to take risks and was encouraged to explore what I feel to be an essential part of my practice: teaching grounded in love and compassion.”
The perfect setting led to great success for Sydor.
“I am beyond grateful for the praise and recognition, but it is all because Drew’s program gave me the space to push boundaries, try new ideas, and integrate what we learn in the way that suits me and my students best.”
While Drew students are no stranger to receiving the Distinguished Clinical Intern recognition, Sydor’s award marks the first time that a winning Drew MAT student had a Drew MAT graduate as a cooperating teacher.
Kelly Duddy C’19, G’20 was one of Sydor’s mentors during her clinical internship, and received a Distinguished Clinical Intern recognition herself in 2020. She has been teaching French and history in the West Morris Regional High School District since receiving her MAT.
“Kelly is a phenomenal educator and practitioner,” said Sydor. “She was able to really cater feedback to what Drew expects and help integrate me into the classroom so I felt prepared upon leaving. She is a model of what Drew educators become: strong, intentional, creative, and thoughtful teachers.”
“This full circle moment is exactly what we try to cultivate in the MAT program,” said Kristen Turner, faculty director of Drew’s new college. “We create excellent teachers who in turn become excellent mentors and teacher leaders.”
