Month: November 2023

AFTNJ NewsNew Jersey Department of EducationNewsPre-K to 12 News

Allen-McMillan stepping down as N.J.’s acting education commissioner

Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, the acting commissioner for New Jersey’s Department of Education for more than three years, will step down from the post and retire, effective Feb. 1.

In a three-part post Nov. 27 on X/Twitter, Allen-McMillan wrote that her time as acting commissioner “has been one of the most rewarding professional accomplishments and experiences of my career.…

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Critical race theoryHigher Ed NewsNewsPre-K to 12 News

PEN America report analyzes legislative educational gag orders

Through Nov. 1, 110 educational gag order bills were introduced in the United States during 2023 (down from 143 in 2022), while 14 such bills were passed or adopted this year via legislation or state policies/executive orders (four more than last year), according to a recent PEN America report.

“America’s Censored Classrooms 2023” has a link to PEN America’s Index of Educational Gag Orders.…

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AFTNJ NewsHigher Ed NewsMontclair State UniversityNews

Chiera, Wolfson see the value in MSU’s Teacher Certification Registered Apprenticeship Program

The U.S. Department of Labor on Nov. 14 recognized Montclair State University as the first higher education institution in New Jersey to have a Teacher Certification Registered Apprenticeship Program.

The program “addresses the teacher shortage in a very specific way, providing an opportunity for aspiring teachers to realize their full potential,” MSU President Jonathan Koppell said prior to signing official documents in the University Hall Conference Center.…

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NewsPre-K to 12 News

Free forum to focus on learning recovery’s success stories

Join Education Week on Nov. 16 for the virtual forum “Making Learning Recovery Work.”

In its description for this session, EW says, “Implementing strategies like accelerated learning or high-dosage tutoring can be challenging and most school districts are still struggling to master them. This virtual forum will highlight recent reporting on some of the schools and districts that have figured it out.”…

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AFT NewsHealth careNews

Weingarten backs Markey’s bill of rights for paraprofessionals, education support staff

On Nov. 6, U.S. Sen. Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts introduced the Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights, which is co-sponsored by Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren.

Per a press release from Markey’s office, the resolution calls for:

• Livable, competitive wages and access to benefits, including health care and paid leave

• The supplies, resources and training they need to do their jobs

• Meaningful voice in workplace policies and the right to negotiate for better working conditions

• The dignity of safe, healthy and adequate staffed workplaces

• Year-round job security and opportunities for growth

Among those voicing their support for the Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights was AFT President Randi Weingarten.…

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Climate changeClimate JusticeNewsPre-K to 12 News

GSC ’24 has sessions on outdoor learning spaces, indoor air quality programs

Hourlong sessions on transforming outdoor spaces for learning and implementing indoor air quality programs are among the offerings at the next Green Schools Conference, taking place March 5-7 in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Now in its 14th year, the Green Schools Conference “brings together everyone involved in creating and advocating for green schools, with a focus on those leading their schools and school systems toward whole school sustainability,” according to its website.…

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