We often refer to spring as the season for new beginnings, but anyone in education would agree that September marks the start of a new beginning, a new academic year. Per my reflections at the end of last year, I shared how grateful I was for a successful first term and I acknowledged many people for this success. I often refer to “it takes a village…” to describe the great work of our association and the people who help lead our success. So, just as I ended last year, I would like to begin this academic year with thanks and acknowledgements.
There are a few people and committees that have been working throughout the summer to lead, facilitate and/or move initiatives forward. NJACTE’s President-elect and Treasurer, Amy Kline, has been hard at work getting our association’s website organized. She has been busy creating a blog campaign, like this one, that gives members/committees opportunities to share stories about the great work being done.
The edTPA Committee, led by Margaret Renn, has been working with our legislative consultants to ensure NJACTE’s voice is being heard. Over the summer the committee helped craft a position letter to make the case for Governor Murphy’s expeditious signing of the S896 Bill.
Over the summer the Regulation-Codes Committee, led by Claudine Keenan and Linda Amerigo, met with NJDOE’s Chief of Staff, Julie Bunt and Executive Director of the Office of Recruitment, Preparation and Certification, Paula Bloom, to discuss and provide recommendations for Chapter 9.
Also, this summer, the Committee for Diversifying the Teacher Workforce, led by LaChan Hannon, has been meeting to plan two virtual and one in-person events during the month of October. For more information about the 5th annual convening, go to: https://sites.rutgers.edu/ue-teacher-certification/5thconveningdttw/.
Finally, special acknowledgment must be given to Brandi Warren, Amy Ginsberg, Amy Kline and Jennifer Robinson, who helped write and submit a proposal for the AACTE State Affiliate Award. Fingers crossed, word about the award winners should be any day now. If awarded, NJACTE will be awarded $10,000 to continue our great work.
I look forward to moving this year’s initiatives and priorities forward. I cannot do this work alone and acknowledge the NJACTE village for their continued support and efforts.
Submitted by Dr. Stacey Leftwich, NJACTE President