NJEA reads across New Jersey

NJEA members in all 21 counties --- at all educational levels --- participated in Read Across America 2007, the nation’s largest celebration of reading. This year, while celebrating the birthday of Dr. Seuss, children and adults also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the debut of the Cat in the Hat.

“NEA’s Read Across America has become a national tradition,” said NEA President Reg Weaver. “What began as a few reading parties 10 years ago has grown into the largest national reading event with more than 45 million participating this year.

“As we celebrate this fun and successful program,” Weaver added, “let’s not forget the most important message: children who read – and are read to – do better in school and in life.”

Throughout February and March, New Jersey Retirees’ Education Association members Linda Behm, Jean Carl, Carol Dziedzick, and Patty DiDonato traversed the state as NJEA’s official Cats, visiting over 300 schools.

Accompanied by the Cat in the Hat, NJEA President Joyce Powell and Gov. Jon Corzine (above) stopped in at Robinson Elementary School in Hamilton and Cleveland Street Elementary School in Orange, reading The Cat in the Hat to enthusiastic crowds of students.

NJEA Vice President Barbara Keshishian (far left) celebrated the day with students and members in Wanaque, while NJEA Secretary-Treasurer Wendell Steinhauer (below) dropped in on celebrations at Peter Muschall Elementary School in Bordentown and Hopewell Elementary School in Mercer County.

Check out the insert in your April NJEA Reporter to see what your colleagues were up to.

Photo gallery