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Abeigon: Newark teachers need more remote-learning support

AFTNJ

In the wake of the Newark Board of Education deciding to extend remote learning for all students until Jan. 25, Newark Teachers Union (Local 481) President John M. Abeigon is standing up for the needs of his educators.

“No teacher, especially new teachers, were prepared or trained for this,” Abeigon said in a statement. “If we are to improve our remote teaching, district administrators need to take their boots off our necks and help us instead of applying even more pressure [than] we are already under.”

Chalkbeat Newark’s Patrick Wall has more.…

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Montclair State University Rutgers University News Higher Ed News AFTNJ News 

Rutgers, Montclair State among world’s top colleges

AFTNJ

Rutgers University’s New Brunswick and Newark campuses and Montclair State University have landed on U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 Best Global Universities list.

Calculations were based on 13 indicators, among them global research reputation and regional research reputation.

To see the full list, click here.

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News Pre-K to 12 News AFTNJ News 

DOE nominee Allen-McMillan looks back and ahead

AFTNJ

Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy’s nominee for education commissioner, spoke for about nine minutes at her introductory press conference Oct. 20 in South Orange.

Here is some of what she said:

  • “Like so many in our society, I believe that our children are our most precious resource. Participating in the education of students over the past 25 years has prepared me for this awesome responsibility.
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News Pre-K to 12 News AFTNJ News 

Chiera reacts to N.J. DOE commissioner nominee

AFTNJ

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy on Oct. 20 named Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan as his nominee for commissioner of education during a press conference at Marshall Elementary School in South Orange.

Dr. Allen-McMillan will serve in an acting role until her confirmation by the full state Senate.

“We welcome Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan as New Jersey’s commissioner of education, and we look forward to collaborating with her during this tumultuous time in education,” AFTNJ President Donna M.…

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Election 2020 News AFTNJ News 

UFT retiree Chaykin reaches out to N.J. voters

AFTNJ

Technically, he’s retired, but Mark Chaykin has not been one to stay inactive.

A few years ago, around the time he moved to New Jersey, Chaykin — who in his career was a teacher in Queens, New York, and director of field services for New York State United Teachers — became more involved with the retired teachers chapter of the United Federation of Teachers.…

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Remote learning News Pre-K to 12 News AFTNJ News 

Family ties to Newark schools run deep for Morales

AFTNJ

Before she became a teacher at Newark’s Ridge Street Elementary School, Wirmarie Morales was a student there, starting shortly after her family moved to the city from Puerto Rico.

Other family members have worked at Newark public schools, and two of Morales’ children are current students.

In an interview with Chalkbeat Newark’s Patrick Wall, Morales talks about her work as a fourth grade bilingual teacher, working remotely during the pandemic and more.…

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Survey: Student mental health is top concern for college, university presidents

AFTNJ

The mental health of students is the top concern of college and university presidents, according to a recent survey by the American Council on Education.

About 300 presidents participated in the survey, which was conducted in September. Following the mental health of students (53 percent), the next two major concerns are long-term financial viability (43 percent) and the mental health of faculty and staff (42 percent).…

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Salary Rutgers University Labor News AFTNJ News 

Rutgers professors in pay inequity suit speak out

AFTNJ

Three of the five female plaintiffs from Local 6323 who filed a lawsuit this week against Rutgers University over pay inequity participated in a virtual press conference Oct. 15.

Here are some of their comments:

Professor Deepa Kumar: “I will say that I started with a good salary — higher, in fact, than several of these colleagues because I had four years of seniority, having taught at Wake Forest University before coming here to Rutgers.…

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Rutgers University Labor News Higher Ed News AFTNJ News 

Female professors sue Rutgers over pay inequity

AFTNJ

Five female Rutgers University professors on Oct. 14 filed a lawsuit against Rutgers, claiming their salaries are significantly lower than male professors with comparable qualifications.

“We as professors are working so hard to inspire our students, to expand the knowledge base, and to work with our communities and policymakers to solve social problems, and we should know that within our academic community, principles of economic justice will be safeguarded,” said professor Nancy Wolff in a New York Times story by Jillian Kramer.…

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News Pre-K to 12 News Teacher Evaluation AFTNJ News 

Teacher evaluation talks with NJDOE continue

AFTNJ

Building on talks that began during the summer, AFTNJ pre K-12 vice presidents on Oct. 13 spoke with Pete Mazzagatti from the office of evaluation at the New Jersey Department of Education about teacher evaluation models for this academic year.

Sample portfolio observations was among the topics discussed. “As part of the FAQ, we are incorporating some ideas here of what could be good examples of these things,” Mazzagatti said, citing lessons, unit plans and examples of online communications set up by teachers.…

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Remote learning News Share My Lesson AFT News AFTNJ News 

Webinar has resources to address current events

AFTNJ

Steve Masyada, Valerie McVey and Christopher Spinale, all of the Lou Frey Institute at the University of Central Florida, will share virtual resources for civics and current events in the webinar “Civics in Real Life: Resources for Virtual Instruction,” set for Oct. 15 at 5 p.m. ET.

During this hourlong AFT Share My Lesson webinar, they will cover the institute’s weekly Civics in Real Life series, which uses civics concepts to explore current events in a one-page, student-friendly, image-rich text.…

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‘Celebrando Nuestra Hispanidid’ panel features AFT’s DeJesus

AFTNJ

AFT Executive Vice President Evelyn DeJesus will be among the panelists for “Celebrando Nuestra Hispanidid: A Converation With Latino Leaders,” a Hispanic Heritage Month program presented by AFT and NYSUT.

Moderated by NYSUT Secretary Treasurer J. Philippe Abraham, the online discussion takes place Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. ET.

For more information, click here.

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