By Tiffany Harris-Greene
One of the first things I learned is this: our community college members are deeply dedicated to the ongoing education of students.
We are all fighting for the same things: respect, fair wages, and a sense of belonging.
For 26 years, I was a special education teacher in the Pre-K to 12 world. What did I know about higher education? Honestly—very little. Sure, I had attended college, but that’s like when a politician claims to know how schools work just because they went to school. The truth is, I knew nothing.
But in Year 27, I got an education of my own.
Since the fall of 2024, I’ve had the extraordinary opportunity to work alongside NJEA community college members as an NEA Organizing Fellow. I was granted a year-long sabbatical from my teaching position in Mount Laurel to get experience what it is like to be a UniServ field representative. For the first time, I stopped being a union member and instead worked for the members.
One of the first things I learned is this: our community college members are deeply dedicated to the ongoing education of students—many of whom I’ve had the privilege of teaching in my own classroom. That education is supported by everyone on campus—from school counselors to security guards, administrators, professors, nursing faculty, chef educators and countless others.
As an NEA Organizing Fellow, I was able to support community college units in a wide range of ways—from helping with grievances and enforcing workplace safety, to assisting with contract negotiations and organizing member engagement activities. This experience gave me a firsthand look into the inner workings of community colleges—an environment that, while sometimes vastly different from Pre-K to 12, is built on the same foundation of commitment, care and professionalism.
During my fellowship, I also had the opportunity to assist in organizing our community college members of color on several campuses. I helped coordinate initial meet-and-greet events with members of color across the state, creating a space for connection and shared purpose. In addition, I supported locals in organizing member rights workshops, social events and activities focused on engagement and learning the full value of union membership.
A national perspective
This journey wasn’t limited to New Jersey. I traveled across the country working alongside other NEA Organizing Fellows, collaborating to build a more active, engaged and powerful union movement—one that centers equity, inclusion and collective strength.
To tell the truth, I would never have fully understood the challenges and triumphs of our community college colleagues without living this experience.
And here’s the most valuable lesson I’ve taken away: we are more alike than we are different.
Whether you’re in Pre-K or teaching college-level biology, whether you’re supporting students in the classroom or on campus grounds—we are all fighting for the same things: respect, fair wages and a sense of belonging.
It is through organizing, engaging and connecting that we will build a stronger bridge between Pre-K to 12 and community college members. On that bridge, we will find our truest union voice and collective power.
A renewed purpose
Now that my yearlong sabbatical has come to an end, I’m returning to my classroom in Mount Laurel with renewed purpose. This past year—dedicated to advocating, empowering and promoting positive work environments with livable wages—has been nothing short of transformative. I’ll now lead from the classroom, carrying with me all I’ve learned, and continue the fight alongside my colleagues for fair wages, safe workplaces and collective power.
The collective voice of our members—raised together in unity—will be heard far and wide, and I’m proud to be one of them.
Interested in a fellowship?
If you’re wondering, “How can I do that?” let me shine a light on the NEA Organizing Fellowship Academy, or NOFA. This yearlong fellowship, sponsored by NEA and NJEA, trains member-leaders in the essential skills of organizing and advocacy.
If you’re passionate about supporting your fellow union members and strengthening our collective voice, this program is for you, whether working in a Pre-K to 12 district or on a community college campus. You’ll dive headfirst into the work of a UniServ field representative, assisting local districts and community colleges in building leadership, partnerships and solutions that protect member rights, wages and workplace safety.
You’ll also have the extraordinary opportunity to connect with NEA members from across the country and travel to promote union solidarity on a national scale. This program equips you to champion unity and teamwork among all public education workers—because your voice, your passion and your dedication can transform not only New Jersey, but the entire nation.
To learn more about NOFA or to apply for the next cohort, visit nea.org/nofa.
A note of thanks
Finally, I want to personally take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks to the community college members I had the pleasure of working closely with this year. It’s been a true joy collaborating with you, and I’m excited to see the great work you’ll continue to do on your campuses.
With a heart full of gratitude, I also want to thank my Region 29 colleagues and NJEA staff. The NJEA UniServ Region 29 office provides support to higher education members and local leaders. To my mentor, UniServ Field Rep Marcia Kleinz—thank you for the countless hours, thoughtful guidance and unwavering support throughout my fellowship. My professional growth this year is a direct reflection of your dedication.
To UniServ Field Rep Maury Koffman, Administrative Assistant Karen “Skip” Perry and Office Assistant Marissa Mayor—thank you for welcoming me into the Region 29 family and for the encouragement and support you’ve shown me along the way. Community college members across New Jersey are fortunate to have such passionate and selfless professionals advocating for them every day.
Tiffany Harris-Greene is a teacher at Hartford School in Mt. Laurel. She recently became an NJEA UniServ consultant, serving higher education members. She can be reached at tharris-greene@njea.org.