Check out your Portland photos from July 3
Yesterday, we accomplished a lot during our first day of the NEA RA at the Oregon Convention Center. NJEA also hosted it’s first ESPAN Reception, which was a big success. View yesterday’s photos here.
What kind of country do we want to be on our 250th anniversary of Independence Day?
Thank you for all you’re doing to fight for our freedoms, families, and futures at this time. We’re at a major crossroads. This July 4th marks the 249th anniversary of this country’s independence, meaning that next year is the big one: year 250. Take a moment and watch “Take Up the Baton” and share it so we can break through to millions of Americans this 4th of July and galvanize them for a year of organizing ahead of the 250th. Together, we can build a country that meets its ideals and where freedom and equality are for all, no matter our race, background or gender.
NEA celebrates 10-year anniversary of NBI 2015, eradicating institutional racism
On July 4, 2015, NJEA member Jacqui Greadington, who was chair of the NEA Black Caucus at the time, brought forward NBI 2015 to the NEA Representative Assembly. The NBI stated that NEA shall address the issue of institutional racism and its impact upon educating students of color. It passed unanimously. Jacqui decided to write the NBI because of the tragic shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, which occurred on the evening of June 17, 2015, killing nine Black parishioners and injuring one other. In response to the NBI, taskforces were organized and met to determine how to implement the NBI over the next two years. This year, NEA will recognize Jacqui and celebrate the 10-year anniversary of NBI 2015, which played a critical role in the work that NEA now does around racial and social justice and is reflected within the budget of every division. Congratulations to Jacqui Greadington for laying the foundation for our national union to take the lead on prioritizing institutional racism and its impact on educators, public schools and students, particularly students of color.
Dan Staples wins the Cynthia Hammond Award
Congratulations to Dan Staples! He was awarded the Cynthia Hammond Award at the Annual NEA Mary Artuso Social hosted by the NEA Democratic Caucus on Thursday, July 3. The award goes to a registered or self-identified Democrat NEA member who is currently either working or volunteering to further democratic principles or who has done extraordinary work with students and/or the union to further democracy and the future of democratic education. Learn how you can join the NEA Democratic Caucus here.
Talk to us about your NJEA officers – We want to hear from you!
Tell us about your experiences with our NJEA officers, NJEA President Sean Spiller, NJEA Vice President Steve Beatty, NJEA Secretary-Treasurer Petal Robertson, and NJEA Secretary-Treasurer Elect Tina Dare. If you’d like to be interviewed, please contact Angel Boose at aboose@njea.org to set up a time for a short 2-3 minute interview.
Schedule a photo with your county delegation
If you’re interested in taking a county delegate photo, please contact Angel Boose to schedule your photo. Photos can be taken before the start of the state caucus (between 6 to 7 a.m.), immediately following the state caucus (9 a.m.), or prior to the start of the business on the NEA RA floor (9:50 a.m.). Email Angel at aboose@njea.org to to request the day and time that works best for you.
PAC incentives – July 4
Continue to donate to NEA PAC. Here are today’s incentives:
- Accessory pouch – $25
- Dominoes – $15
- Bottle sling – $25
- Bracelet – $25
- Tote bag – $30
- BINGO – $5
- GOAT Selfie Challenge – $10
The PAC GOAT Selfie Challenge is still on
Thank you to everyone who continues to participate in our GOAT Selfie Challenge. You can still take part in the fun. Visit the PAC table and donate $10 to receive the instructions on how to participate. Be sure to follow the instructions for sharing your images.
Meet your first time delegates
Attending the NEA RA for the first time can be both exciting and overwhelming, but we encourage new delegates to jump right in and participate in the process. Go to the microphone and ask a question, second a motion, or speak for or against an NBI. If you have questions about what to do a veteran delegate will be happy to walk with you to the microphone and will guide you step-by-step through what to do. Just ask! Shout out to our first timers: Portia Lowery and Melissa Dyl (Hudson); Angela Castaneda and Maryellen Bradley (Mercer); Judy Ideo, Christine Gloeckner, Frank Cabrera, Amanda Szustkiewicz, and Denise Mungiole (Gloucester); and Felicia F. Best (Hudson).
NEA Resolutions Committee election results
Congratulations to those elected at the 2025 NEA RA to serve on this year’s NEA Resolutions Committee: James Frazier (Union), Henry Goodhue (Somerset), Tonya Scott-Cole (Union), April Brown (Camden), Chrissy Kosar (Gloucester), Ted Graham (Passaic), Jaclyn Headlam (Essex), Christal White (Essex), and Jeremias Salinas (Middlesex).