Clarification of Scope of Appeal Process Would Make Legislation Stronger
EDISON, N.J.—The American Federation of Teachers New Jersey (AFTNJ) supports S. 1455, the Teacher Effectiveness and Accountability for the Children of New Jersey Act, AFTNJ President Donna M. Chiera said today. “Changes of this magnitude are never easy. We applaud the authors of the bill, particularly Sen. Teresa Ruiz, for working with a broad range of individuals and organizations, including AFTNJ, that were committed to ensuring that this legislation remained focused on improving teaching and learning in our schools.”
Recently retired from a career of more than 30 years in the classroom, Chiera had in-depth, ongoing discussions with the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Ruiz, that focused on ensuring teachers had a voice in advocating for high professional standards and the supports needed to meet those standards. “Provisions in this legislation allow for access to professional development and mentorship so that ineffective teachers can become effective teachers, and effective teachers can become master teachers—making it possible for all our students to be taught by a master teacher,” said Chiera.