Barbara Keshishian, a high school mathematics teacher in the New Milford School District, is the president of the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA). She previously served as NJEA vice president and secretary-treasurer. She was elected to a two-year term effective Sept. 1, 2009, and is eligible to serve a second term in 2011-13.
She was the host of "Classroom Close-up, NJ," NJEA's Emmy Award-winning weekly TV show airing on NJTV, featuring stories on innovative public school programs and current issues facing New Jersey educators.
Nationally, Ms. Keshishian is a representative on the National Council of State Education Associations (NCSEA) and served on the National Education Association’s Taskforce on Retirement which addressed pensions, health benefits, social security, and Medicare issues.
Ms. Keshishian has served on several New Jersey Department of Education workgroups and committees including the State Teacher of the Year Selection Panel, and the Graduation Requirements Task Force.
She serves on the Board of Governors of the New Jersey Math and Science Education Coalition and the Board of Trustees of the New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning. The Center provides professional development opportunities for teachers in content-specific areas and leadership.
She also serves on the Board of Directors of the New Jersey Hall of Fame and is a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, as well as Leadership for Educational Excellence (LEE).
Active in NJEA since early in her career, Ms. Keshishian has served as Chair of the Association's PRIDE Committee (1993-1999) and helped spearhead the campaign to share the good news about New Jersey's public schools.
In addition, Ms. Keshishian has chaired NJEA's Public Media (1999-2001) and Instruction (1993-1998) Committees. Her other state level responsibilities include serving on the NJEA's policy-making Delegate Assembly and Executive Committee.
An active member and leader in the Bergen County Education Association (BCEA), Ms. Keshishian served as BCEA's second vice president (1989-1992), first vice president (1992-1996), and president (1996-2000). As co-chair of the BCEA Public Relations Committee, Ms. Keshishian helped develop the BCEA's annual mall display in celebration of Excellence in our Public Schools.
Ms. Keshishian has been active in her local association (New Milford Education Association) since the beginning of her teaching career when she served as social chair (1973-1975), association representative (1975-1977), and president (1977-1996). To honor her many years of service, her local association established the Annual Barbara Keshishian New Milford Education Association Scholarship which is awarded to a graduating senior at New Milford High School.
A graduate of St. Peter's College in Jersey City, Ms. Keshishian holds a Bachelor of Science degree.