Month: June 2022

AFTNJ NewsNewsPre-K to 12 News

Advisory council aims to lift voices of Latino education leaders

The nonprofit Latinos for Education recently launched a six-member advisory council “to lift up the voices and efforts of seasoned, Latino education leaders” as well as “influence conversations and actions around increasing educator diversity at the state and national level,” according to its website.

“We know that we are not alone in our efforts to increase the voice and representation of Latinos in the nation’s education system; that is why we are convening the National Latino Educator Advisory Council,” said Feliza I.…

Read More
AFTNJ NewsNewsPre-K to 12 News

NMAI teacher workshop covers Pamunkey Indian tribe

“Life Along the River: The Pamunkey Indian Tribe of Virginia,” a two-part online workshop for fourth- and fifth-grade teachers, begins June 28 at 4 p.m. ET.

Presented by the National Museum of the American Indian, this workshop — in which participants will explore materials for appropriate teaching of Pamunkey history — meets social studies and environmental science standards.…

Read More
AFT NewsAFTNJ NewsNews

AFT’s LGBTQIA+ task force to hold inaugural meeting in NYC

On June 24, the AFT’s new LGBTQIA+ task force will hold its inaugural meeting in New York, close to the Stonewall Inn, the acknowledged birthplace of the modern movement for LGBTQIA+ rights.

The meeting coincides with events at the Stonewall on June 24 (AFT members will gather there at 4 p.m.), the United Federation of Teachers-hosted “Unapologetically Us” educational conference that begins on June 25 and the NYC Pride March on June 26.…

Read More
AFTNJ NewsHigher Ed NewsKean UniversityNews

KFT’s Bellitto lands speaking engagement in Rome

Kean Federation of Teachers member Dr. Christopher Bellitto, a history professor at Kean University, is scheduled to speak June 23 at the Vatican during the World Meeting of Families.

“It’s certainly humbling that someone would read what I wrote and think it has value on a global scale,” said Dr. Bellitto, referring to “Ageless Wisdom: Lifetime Lessons From the Bible,” his 2016 book that prompted an invite to Rome for the event.…

Read More
AFT NewsAFTNJ NewsMontclair State UniversityNewarkNewsPre-K to 12 News

U.S. DOE shines spotlight on AFT-supported Red Hawks Rising

The U.S. Department of Education recently featured the AFT-supported Red Hawks Rising teacher academy as part of its #InnovatED online video series.

The clip focuses on Melissa De Almeida, a senior at Newark’s East Side High School, and her quest to become a bilingual teacher. Also featured in the video are Mayida Zaal, an associate professor in Montclair State University’s teaching and learning department; Erika Plumey, a teacher at East Side; and Roger León, Newark’s superintendent.…

Read More
AFTNJ NewsDiversity and inclusionHigher Ed NewsNewsPre-K to 12 News

NJCIE Inclusion Leadership Conference is June 28

A Q&A session with author Dr. Cheryl M. Jorgensen and a workshop about how schools can support family reading time are among the offerings at the NJCIE Inclusion Leadership Conference on June 28 in Kenilworth.

The event is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education and the Montclair State University Center for Autism and Early Childhood Mental Health. …

Read More
AFTNJ NewsCOVID-19Higher Ed NewsMental healthNewsPre-K to 12 News

Poll: K-12, higher ed are the industries with highest burnout rate

At 44 percent and 35 percent, respectively, K-12 education and college or university are the top two industries where employees feel most burned out at work, according to a Gallup poll conducted in February.

“K-12 workers have consistently been among the more burned out workers nationally, but the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing challenges — and introduced new ones to a profession already struggling,” write Stephanie Marken and Sangeeta Agrawal for Gallup.…

Read More
AFTNJ NewsCOVID-19NewsPre-K to 12 News

New U.S. DOE council connects families, schools to meet students’ needs

The U.S. Department of Education on June 14 launched the National Parents and Families Engagement Council.

“Parents are a child’s first teachers, and there’s no one better equipped to work with schools and educators to identify what students need to recover,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel A. Cardona in a press release. “The National Parents and Families Engagement Council will serve as an important link between families and caregivers, education advocates and their school communities.…

Read More
AFTNJ NewsHigher Ed NewsHPAENewsPre-K to 12 News

Speeches by Chiera and others energize MFOL Newark

Hundreds showed up June 11 in Military Park to participate in March for Our Lives Newark, one of many rallies that day in New Jersey against gun violence held in solidarity with the national march in Washington, D.C.

Before and after the half-mile march that traveled in part along Broad Street, several featured speakers graced the stage, referencing recent mass shootings in America, citing personal experiences and calling for gun legislation.…

Read More