A local association that has demonstrated excellence in negotiations will be honored at the annual Jim George Collective Bargaining Summit with the 2026 Jim George Collective Bargaining Award. All locals who are nominated will be recognized.
Criteria
A local qualifies for nomination by meeting one or more of the following criteria:
- Bargained one or more new contractual provisions not already found in another affiliate’s contract.
- Conducted an extraordinary community-organizing effort that resulted in a settled agreement.
- Used the bargaining process to propel new members into association involvement and leadership positions.
- Achieved a particularly good settlement, in comparison to state averages, in salary increases, benefits, professional development, and/or member protection and follows best practices for salary guides.
Nomination
To be considered for the 2026 Jim George Collective Bargaining Award, settlements must be ratified by both parties between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026.
Local associations may be nominated by any NJEA member or NJEA staff member. To nominate a local, visit njea.org/cbaward.
Nominations are due Sept. 11, by 5 p.m.