New Jersey Education Association History

1853 - NJEA is founded.

The New Jersey Education Association is founded by a group of educators with a desire to improve public education and elevate the teaching profession.
1853
1874

Free public education for all was enacted.
1896

Teachers’ Retirement Fund is created.
1909

First tenure bill was enacted.
1914
Elizabeth Allen elected first woman president of NJEA.
1919
Minimum salary law enacted.
1930s

NJEA wards off efforts to undermine public education due to the Great Depression.
1942

First sick leave law with mandated minimums.
1963

Funding of county colleges was established.
1968

NJ passed its first collective bargaining law.
1975
Thorough and efficient education law was passed.
1975

Judi Owens elected first African-American president of NJEA.
1985

NJ has the highest minimum salary in the nation.
1988

Legislation providing health benefits for retired teachers.
1990
Family Leave Protection.
1992

Paid health benefits for retired educational support professionals/county college members.
1995

Zero tolerance for weapons and guns in schools.
2000
Educational Facilities Construction and Financing Act.
2003

Contract imposition ends with legislation extending bargaining process.
2007
2013
2015

Legislation prohibiting the administration of standardized assessments in kindergarten through second grade.
2015

Teacher Leader endorsement added to the instructional certificate.