By Steve Baker
At its Jan. 10 meeting, the NJEA Delegate Assembly unanimously voted to adopt a new Strategic Purpose, Mission and Vision that will serve as the association’s guiding framework for years to come. That vote followed a unanimous vote of the NJEA Executive Committee the previous evening. This action replaces the Mission, Vision and Goals that have directed NJEA’s work for decades and reflects a commitment to aligning our union’s priorities with our stated intention to be a justice-centered labor union.
Why the change?
The newly adopted document reaffirms NJEA’s identity as a member-led, justice-centered labor union that champions the rights, dignity, and working and learning conditions of public educators. It lays out a mission focused on advocating for and protecting members’ rights, benefits and interests while promoting a high-quality, equitable system of public education for all students. It describes a New Jersey where educators are respected and supported and every student has access to an inclusive, safe and high-quality education.
NJEA’s previous Mission, Vision and Goals provided a strong foundation for advocacy and organizing in its day. However, as NJEA President Steve Beatty explained, the educational and societal landscape has shifted significantly in recent years.
“Our members face challenges that look very different from those of 20 or 30 years ago,” Beatty said. “We need a clear statement of our values that will help us identify shared objectives and develop effective strategies. Adopting this new framework ensures that every part of NJEA is working toward the same goals.”
“This process was about listening to members and making sure their priorities shaped the outcome,” said NJEA Vice President Petal Robertson. “The new Strategic Purpose, Mission and Vision reflects the values we stand for and the union we are striving to become. It gives us a clear path to strengthen our union and fight for equity, justice and respect in our union and our school communities.”
“NJEA members deserve a union that shares our values and is committed to our success,” NJEA Secretary-Treasurer Tina Dare said. “This framework helps ensure we can become that union. It elevates our shared priorities and clearly states our purpose. It’s a tool we will use in all of our important decision making, beginning with the development of our budget in the coming weeks.”
How it came together
The new Strategic Purpose, Mission and Vision is the result of a yearlong planning process led by the Strategic Planning Steering Committee. Beginning last spring, the committee worked with facilitator Lisa Nentl-Bloom to gather input from members and leaders across the state. A major turning point came at July’s NJEA Summer Leadership Conference, where NJEA leaders participated in extended planning sessions that helped shape the draft plan.
Throughout the fall, the committee continually reviewed and revised the framework, boiling it down to its essential elements and working to ensure that it was fully aligned with the values and priorities of NJEA members. By January, the plan was ready for adoption, reflecting broad member input and collaboration across NJEA.
Beatty said the process was designed to keep members at the center. “We wanted a plan that every local, every committee and every staff team could use,” he said. “When our work is aligned, we can deliver more for our members and for public education.”
What the plan includes
The Strategic Purpose, Mission and Vision is organized around three pillars: Membership, Labor Rights, and Solidarity and Justice. Under these pillars are commitments to advance economic security and dignity, ensure professional respect, champion academic freedom, cultivate diverse and inclusive leadership, strengthen communities and public schools, and engage and unify all voices.
These priorities will guide NJEA’s advocacy, organizing and professional development work. Members will see the plan reflected in efforts to recruit and retain members, campaigns for fair compensation and benefits, and initiatives that promote equity and honesty in education.
Beatty emphasized that the plan is intended to evolve. “This is not a document that sits on a shelf,” he said. “We will use it in our planning work. If necessary, we will review and refine it as conditions change. Most importantly, we will keep member voices at the center of that process.”
Looking ahead
The adoption of the new Strategic Purpose, Mission and Vision marks an important step forward for NJEA. It honors the association’s history while providing a clear, actionable framework for the future. For members, it means a stronger, more unified organization focused on delivering results in classrooms and communities.
Steve Baker is the NJEA Communications Director. He may be reached at sbaker@njea.org.
