teachers working together

teacher voice

Photos: Donna M. Chiera

“I definitely learned from many of the topics presented to vary instruction in my classroom,” said one of the 50 teachers attending the Prekindergarten to 12 ‘Professional Learning Showcase’ Feb. 25 in New Brunswick.
Divisional Executive Vice President Rob Barbier, a Garfield high school English teacher, said feedback from attendees was overwhelming. “Teachers complimented the trainers, said they would take lessons back to local Professional Learning Communities and were happy to have peer-led professional development through the union,” he said.
In additional to lessons for the classroom, the community engagement seminar will help teachers work with parents and increase involvement in and around the school, according to AFT New Jersey President Donna M. Chiera, a retired Perth Amboy teacher. “This kind of training is invaluable and shows teachers are really engaged in continuously improving and advancing the profession.”		 Quotes from Attendees:

professional development
• “As a result of the training I am better able to construct lessons to fit student’s needs”
• “Learning about helping our students in the classroom as well as parents and other educators”
• “I will use this information in my classroom to help improve student performance”
• “Incorporate knowledge into daily practice as well as turnkey information to other staff”