A roundtable of teachers from Garfield, Newark, North Bergen and Perth Amboy met with AFT-endorsed candidates for Governor Phil Murphy and Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver to talk about challenges they face in the classroom and hopes for education policy decisions made by educators.
AFT President Randi Weingarten led the discussion with AFT New Jersey President Donna M. Chiera at Newark Teachers Union office, Monday, August 28.
Murphy and Oliver talked about the need to meet the school funding formula and treat educators with respect. Teachers voiced their opinions about the need to confront excessive testing requirements, educate local Board of Education members and empower state education policy makers with classroom experience.
“We endorsed Phil Murphy and Sheila Oliver and will work for their election,” said Chiera. “The roundtable demonstrated their willingness to listen to the voices from the classroom—where the reality of what works for students is clearly apparent.”
Perth Amboy Federation-AFT President Patricia Paradiso participated in the roundtable. “Our teachers want to be treated like professionals and allowed to collaborate with their peers to promote overall well-being and powerful learning,” said Paradiso. “I believe that message came through loud and clear to the candidates and that, if elected, they will listen to and honor educators’ voices in formulating policy.”
