HIP-HOP

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Social justice a hallmark of labor unions
Social justice has been a hallmark of labor unions, including
NJEA, since their inception. After all, the fundamental issue of
unionism is to improve the lives of its members through collective
action and, through our action and activism, to improve
the lives of all working men and women, their families and their
communities.
For NJEA members, our activism extends beyond the walls of
our classrooms and the confines of our contracts to the health,
safety, and social and academic quality of life for our students.
We advocate not only for the 200,000 active, retired and preservice
members of our association, but also for approximately
1.6 million schoolchildren in the state.
Yet we are not alone in our activism. We are proud to join with
other groups, individuals and organizations to advocate for the
best interests of our students. That is why NJEA members are
invited to join their colleagues across the country at the Save
Our Schools Coalition March and Rally on July 8 in Washington,
D.C. You can learn more about it in the article, “March for
social justice,” found on Page 8, and visit the march’s website at
saveourschoolsmarch.org.
The constitutional amendment to secure quarterly pension
payments and require the state to commit to a responsible
funding schedule is a common-sense approach to the pension
funding crisis. Not only that, but it benefits every taxpayer in the
state. By requiring responsible, predictable funding, the pension
funds will be able to maximize investments and ultimately shrink
the unfunded liability. This is the right move for New Jersey, as
well as our members. Learn how you can support the campaign
and bring responsible budget practices back to the state in the
article, “#VoteNJPension: constitutional amendment will rescue
pensions from politicians,” found on Page 54. And be sure to visit
votenjpension.org throughout the summer for updates.
Finally, take a look at NJEA’s 2016-17 budget on Pages 50-51 to
see how your dues dollars are being used to advance the interests
of members, students, and ultimately, the communities we serve.
As always, thank you for all that you do for public education,
your colleagues and your students. As challenging as this year
has been, imagine how much harder it would have been without
the support, encouragement and strength of your colleagues in
education.
Enjoy the warm summer months and keep up the excellent
work!
Paraprofessional Vivian Byrd (l) and teacher Martin Cannon (r) both Trenton Education
Association members at Hedgepeth Williams School, join NJEA President Wendell Steinhauer at
the Rally for Equity on May 15. See Page 19 for more.
WENDELL’S PICKS
Instagram
NJSEA at Montclair State University
Event
Techstock
Stockton University will host this
celebration of technology and
learning on Wednesday, July 13.
Registration ends on June 17. Go to
njea.org/teaching-and-learning for
details and to register.
Resource
Sustainable New Jersey grants
The Sustainable Jersey for Schools
Small Grants Program seeks to
provide support to districts and
schools for sustainability projects.
To date nearly $600,000 in grants
have been provided to districts and
schools to make progress toward
a sustainable future. See Page 9 to
learn more.
News
Rally for Equity
Associations from across the
state answered the Trenton
Education Association’s call for a
Rally for Equity to tell the state,
Gov. Christie, and all New Jersey
elected officials that it is time
for them to follow the law and
adequately fund our urban public
schools. See Page 19.
@njsea_msu: New Jersey Student
Education Association members spent
their Saturday morning volunteering
within the community and creating
hopscotch mats for elementary
school students #jerseycares
#JCD2016#WhyIJerseyCares #NJSEA
instagram.com/p/BFHUnENoF02
JUNE 2016 7