Clarissa Hug Teacher of the Year – Classroom Close-up viewers know Danielle Kovach – the 2010-11 New Jersey Teacher of the Year and advocate of children with special needs. But now an international group pays tribute to the teacher from Hopatcong. The Council for Exceptional Children, an international community of special education educators, has named Danielle the 2014 CEC Clarissa Hug Teacher of the Year. The CEC Clarissa Hug Teacher of the Year Award recognizes a CEC member who currently provides direct services to students with exceptionalities.