Welcome to the NJAEA Chalkboard!
Welcome to the September edition of the NJAEA Chalkboard! As we head into a new school year, we’re excited to continue building a community of aspiring educators across New Jersey. This month, we’re celebrating member accomplishments, highlighting opportunities to get involved, sharing professional development resources and looking ahead to an excellent year of leadership and advocacy.
Whether you’re a returning or new member of the NJAEA, there are so many ways to connect, grow and make an impact. Thank you for being a part of NJAEA and for helping shape the future of education in New Jersey!
With pleasure,
The NJAEA Leadership Team
JOIN NJAEA
Are you a future educator who wants to connect with other aspiring educators, grow professionally, and get involved in advocacy? Join NJAEA today!
Whether you are beginning your journey or preparing to enter the classroom, NJAEA is here to support you every step of the way. Learn about the benefits of membership here.
Paid Student Teaching Update
The current state budget allocates $0 toward paid student teaching. Aspiring educators should not have to choose between completing their required student teaching experience and being able to afford their everyday expenses. NJAEA remains committed to advocating for support of student teachers. A bill establishing the Student Teacher Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships to college students completing required clinical practice, has been introduced. Take action and show our legislators what this program would mean to us.
NJAEA Leadership Retreat
This past weekend, the NJAEA held an incredible Leadership Retreat! Our leaders dived deep into NJEA’s history and values, learned how to hold meaningful one-on-one conversations and discussed strategies for building stronger communities. Attendees discussed the vital importance of paid student teaching and the direct impact it has on our future educators’ daily lives. To top it off, we headed over to a Trenton Thunder game, complete with a special stadium shoutout and a photo op with the mascot, Boomer!
Want to take your involvement to the next level?
Become an NJAEA Ambassador or Committee Chair! Ambassadors are an important part of helping NJAEA connect with aspiring educators across New Jersey. If you’re ready to get involved, build your leadership experience and represent NJAEA, we want you to be part of the team!
Ready to get more involved with NJAEA? Join an NJAEA committee! Committees are a great way to build leadership skills, connect with educators across New Jersey, and allow your voice to be heard. Email aspiringeducators@njea.org to learn how to get involved or fill out this form to be contacted!
Congratulations, Abigail Rodriguez!
Please join NJAEA in congratulating Abigail Rodriguez, who was awarded the National Education Association Aspiring Educators Local Leader Award! This recognition celebrates Abigail’s leadership and commitment to aspiring educators and the future of public education. Congratulations, Abigail!
Congratulations, Madison Baca!
Congratulations to Madison Baca for helping NJAEA increase membership by 22%! Madison’s dedication to connecting with aspiring educators and growing our organization is making a difference across New Jersey. We appreciate you Madison for helping strengthen NJAEA and build our community!
IMPACT Conference Highlights
The July 15 NJEA IMPACT Conference brought educators together for an opportunity to connect, learn and engage with fellow future educators from across New Jersey. From meaningful conversations to opportunities for connection and professional growth, the event was a great reminder of the energy and impact our aspiring educator community brings to the profession.
Summer Leadership
In August, aspiring educators had the opportunity to attend the NJEA Jack Bertolino Summer Leadership Conference, where we tabled and asked NJEA members to sign the paid student teaching petition! We also learned much more about NJEA Member Benefits!
America Ferrera is coming to the NJEA Convention!
We’re excited to announce that America Ferrera will be a featured speaker at the NJEA Convention this November! Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from an accomplished actor, producer, activist and advocate whose work has inspired conversations about representation, education and community. Stay tuned for more information about the NJEA Convention!
Questlove is coming to the NJEA Convention!
We’re excited to announce that Questlove will be the Friday speaker at the NJEA Convention this November! Known for his work as the drummer and musical director of The Roots, Questlove has also become a celebrated author, filmmaker, educator and advocate for creativity and learning. Don’t miss this special opportunity to hear from one of today’s most influential voices in music and culture!
Creating space for mental health
NJAEA members came together at Montclair State University for a meaningful mental health art mural! The mural allowed educators to express themselves creatively while bringing awareness to the importance of mental health and well-being. Through art, connection and conversation, we were reminded that supporting mental health is an important part of building healthy and caring school communities.
Professional Development Opportunities
Looking for opportunities to build your skills before stepping into your own classroom? NJAEA has professional development opportunities designed to help aspiring educators grow personally and professionally. Can’t make it in person? Join NJAEA virtually! Information on Virtual Workshops can be found here.
Stay connected with NJAEA
Your voice matters. Your leadership matters. Your future needs you. Stay involved with NJAEA throughout the year for leadership opportunities, professional development, advocacy updates, events and ways to connect with aspiring educators from across New Jersey. Have a question or want to get involved? Email aspiringeducators@njea.org