Betty Kraemer, who served as president of NJEA from 1989 to 1993, passed away at home in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on April 4. Kramer also served as NJEA’s vice president from and secretary-treasurer in addition to other state, county and local association leadership positions.
“Betty was an NJEA officer, a county president, a Delegate Assembly member, and political force, but the one title that always guided her was ‘teacher,’” said NJEA President Marie Blistan. “Her leadership continues to guide this association.”
Born and raised in Jersey City, Kraemer’s family took public service very seriously. Her father, Willian Ringle, was a well-known local politician and her whole family was involved in the community. It was no surprise that Kraemer chose teaching as her career.
Kraemer taught elementary school—mostly fourth grade—in Berkeley Township, Ocean County. She soon became active in her local and county associations. She served as president of the Ocean County Council of Education Associations and was elected president of the County Presidents Council. She also served on the Delegate Assembly.
During her presidency Kraemer led the fight to maintain teachers’ and educational support professionals’ pensions. She fought against reducing funding to public schools; and encouraged local associations to support school board candidates who would ensure positive funding levels for public schools.
Kraemer knew the importance of getting families and communities involved in public education. She was an advocate for what she called Community Learning Centers. She believed that schools should be the centerpiece of the neighborhood and serve as a resource for all families. She foresaw a day when schools could support struggling families with healthy foods, medical and health resources, workshops and programs for parents, and partnerships with businesses and community groups.
One of Kraemer’s proudest achievements was the creation of the Frederick L. Hipp Foundation for Excellence in Education. Kraemer recognized the talent of NJEA members. But as a teacher she knew firsthand what it was like to have great ideas hamstrung by a lack of funds. She approached the NJEA Communications Division with an idea for a grant program that would nurture members’ creativity, support local school districts, and give students access to high-quality learning experiences. With the help of staff, the Hipp Foundation was born. Over the years, the foundation has awarded $2.3 million to 435 projects.
When Kraemer finished her two terms as president, she went back to teaching in Berkeley Township before eventually retiring and moving with her family to North Myrtle Beach.