By Jennifer Clemen
The Warren County Education Association (WCEA) is setting the standard for member engagement, communication and community-building across New Jersey. Under the dynamic and inclusive leadership of President Erin Durkin, the association has transformed challenges into opportunities and built a strong, connected network of more than 2,000 educators across one of the state’s most geographically diverse counties.
NJEA President Steve Beatty often says, “Lead, follow, or get out of the way,” and WCEA is unquestionably leading the way. With locals spread up to 25 miles apart and membership sizes ranging from small school districts to large associations, unifying Warren County once posed a significant challenge. Today, WCEA stands as a model of what is possible when leadership is intentional, inclusive and relentlessly member-focused.
“Members are seen and heard,” Durkin said. After stepping into the presidency four years ago, she quickly recognized the need for a clear, consistent plan to reach every member. Geography could no longer be a barrier to engagement. Through thoughtful communication strategies and creative, welcoming events, WCEA has fostered meaningful connections across the county.
Durkin’s leadership style has earned praise throughout the association. “Communication is her superpower,” said NJEA Executive Committee member and WCEA Treasurer Laurie O’Brien. “Her emails strike the perfect balance between listening to members, responding to their needs and motivating them to take action that strengthens our association.”
In addition to regular outreach, Durkin hosts Zoom roundtable sessions for local presidents, membership chairs and other leaders. These meetings provide a valuable space for collaboration, problem-solving and shared support. “Local leaders need a community, too,” Durkin said. “WCEA is proud to be that support system and to help leaders feel confident and connected.”
The results speak for themselves. WCEA events that once struggled for attendance now regularly sell out, often with waiting lists. Annual new member events welcome educators into the association by highlighting union benefits, organizational structure and advocacy opportunities. The highly anticipated Member Extravaganza delivers engaging experiences that leave attendees energized, informed and excited to stay involved.
Community partnerships are another cornerstone of WCEA’s success. Through Public Education Partnership (PEP) grants and outreach initiatives, the association has hosted food drives, family nights with the IronPigs baseball team, Bowling for Backpacks and other family-friendly events. These activities strengthen ties between educators and the communities they serve while creating inclusive opportunities for members and their families. WCEA has also built strong collaborative relationships with neighboring counties, including Morris, Hunterdon and Sussex.
Most recently, WCEA brought members together to advocate for pension fairness, calling for all educators to be placed in Tier 1 and eliminating the harmful requirements of Tier 5. A sold-out multi-county trivia night blended fun, education and advocacy, ensuring members left ready to take action beyond the event.
“Members left feeling informed, energized and valued,” Durkin said. “When people know their association truly cares about them, they are inspired to speak up, get involved and advocate for themselves and their colleagues.”
Through strong leadership, clear communication and a genuine commitment to its members, WCEA continues to lead by example—proving that when educators come together, they can build a stronger union and a stronger future for public education.
Jennifer Clemen is a seventh-grade teacher in Englewood and an NJEA Communications Consultant. She can be reached at jclemen@njea.org.