News Highlights

• News & Publications

  • Christie’s $268 million blunder

    More than two weeks after the first states submitted their applications for federal aid intended to put school employees back to work this fall, Governor Christie continues to dig in his heels, refusing to submit New Jersey’s application for $268 million in already-approved funds. Incredibly, the administration continues to insist that it needs more time and “technical advice” in order to complete a “thorough and complete application,” which consists of a single question. Read More

  • NJEA statement on Schundler firing

    NJEA President Barbara Keshishian made the following statement: “Today, Gov. Chris Christie made Education Commissioner Bret Schundler the latest scapegoat for his $400 million debacle. After days of blaming everyone from a ‘mid-level employee’ to the Obama Administration to NJEA for his failed Race to the Top application, the governor continues to deny responsibility for shortchanging our public schools." Read More

  • Clock is ticking on 3,900 jobs

    With just a few days left before classes start this fall, Gov. Christie is inexplicably dragging his feet on completing a slam-dunk application for $268 million. The federal money, already approved by Congress, would put 3,900 laid off school employees back to work. More than two weeks after publicly questioning whether he would apply for the money at all, he continues to stall. His indefensible delay threatens to leave 3,900 New Jersey school employees on the unemployment rolls rather than working in our schools in September. Read More

• Teaching & Learning

  • Don’t miss Staples Teacher Appreciation Day

    Visit your local Staples store on Saturday, Aug. 21 for Teacher Appreciation Day. See the hottest new items for your classroom, learn about Copy & Print services that can help make your school year easier, and find out about Staples Rewards Teachers Program, which includes teaching and art supplies. The first 100 teachers will receive a free gift. Visit www.staples.com/teacherday for details. Read More

  • Resources for future educators

    The Center for Future Educators (CFE) seeks future educators interested in teaching in high poverty and hard-to-staff schools and/or high shortage subject areas such as math, science, special education, world languages, technology, bilingual, and ESL. The CFE web site showcases information about state-wide initiatives and programs that recruit high school and middle school students who are considering teaching as a future career. Read More

  • Important information for RIFed members

    As a result of Gov. Christie’s draconian budget cuts, many districts are planning to lay off teachers and other school employees. While NJEA and its members are still fighting for additional funding to reduce the need for RIF’s, it is likely that Gov. Christie’s budget cuts will result in many lost jobs. If members of your association are facing RIFs, please direct them to this resource page. Read More

• Issues & Political Action

  • NJEA PAC Releases Congressional Endorsements

    The New Jersey Education Association’s 125-member political action committee has voted to endorse seven incumbents in the general Congressional elections and Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein (D) for the open Senate seat vacated by former State Senator Bill Baroni (Mercer, Middlesex). “NJEA is as committed as ever to endorsing and electing pro-public education candidates,” said NJEA President Barbara Keshishian. Read More

  • Christie calls special session. Attack on education continues.

    Gov. Christie has called a special session of the Legislature beginning July 1. Christie is attempting to strong arm legislators into considering his draconian property tax cap proposal, which would enshrine a 2.5% cap into the state constitution. Earlier this week, the legislature passed its own property tax cap legislation, a statutory 2.9% limit. Read More

  • NJEA testifies against cap legislation

    NJEA Director of Government Relations Ginger Gold Schnitzer testified before the Senate and Assembly budget committees in opposition to property tax cap legislation. Pointing out the toll similar caps have exacted in California, Massachusetts and elsewhere, she urged lawmakers not to starve schools of needed resources and shortchange a generation of students. Read NJEA’s testimony. Read More

• Parents & Community

  • Families make a difference

    It may be cliché, but we all know it takes a village to raise a child. That’s one reason NJEA created FAST, Families and Schools Together Work for Children. The goal of the FAST program is to encourage families to be involved in their children’s education, to enhance their academic progress, and to feel welcome in public schools. Read More

  • Activities benefit children

    Many parents are concerned about over-scheduling their children. While it’s true that children need down-time, extra-curricular activities such as sports, music, art, drama, and student council can add value to your child’s education, build confidence, and provide insight into what their future career path may be. Here are some tips about how families can add activities to enhance their child’s learning. Read More

  • 

    Is the Cat in the Hat coming to your school?

    Each year in February and March, NJEA’s Cat in the Hat visits nearly 300 elementary schools across New Jersey to celebrate Read Across America. This is just one way NJEA works with its members to promote childhood literacy in our schools. Coming Sept. 1, members will be able to sign up online to have the Cat in the Hat visit their schools. The first 50 members who sign up for a Cat visit will receive an authentic striped stovepipe hat. Read More