Dr. Dawn Nichol-Manning, EOEA President
November 2023
November is the month where we are reminded to be grateful for the things that provide us a good quality of life. We should always remember to be grateful for the rights that we freely exercise today, recalling that they were not always in existence. Personal days, sick days, duty-free preps and lunch periods, the grievance process, the right to negotiate our contract and so much more were fought for by union pioneers in years past. It is our responsibility to become knowledgeable and participate in the very things that sustain who we are as professional educators. We have a lot to be grateful for when it comes to our Association. It’s easy to complain but it takes higher level thinking to recall the benefits offered by our organization to maintain our rights and privileges. Let’s remember to be grateful and stand in solidarity.
Mediation
Nov. 6, 2023, the EOEA Negotiating Team and the Board of Education met for another session of mediation. The meeting began at 4:00pm and concluded at 8:30pm. There was an exchange of proposals between both parties that dealt with monetary structures. We are hopeful for a settlement. As prescribed by the mediator, a declarative written response from the Board of Education is expected and needed before the end of this week. The agreement has yet to be finalized due to the updates of the monetary proposals.
If we do not receive a written declarative statement from the school board by the end of this week, our next step will be to move into fact-finding and phase two of actions will begin. You will be notified if we execute phase two actions once the Action Committee reconvenes. Let’s stay united and stand together in the efforts the EOEA Negotiations Team is putting forth to come to a fair and reasonable contract.
Concerns for Superintendent and Senior Cabinet
Complete the form and submit by Nov. 8, 2023; 4pm (this was also sent out on October 30th)
https://forms.gle/6YQAVAf2iiD7Qp5r9
2023 NJEA Convention N0v. 9-10, 2023
I hope to see EOEA in the house at the NJEA Convention. For those attending we will take a group picture at the WHALE Display on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023 at 2:45pm. Essex County Education Association will have a lunch reception at Tun Tavern on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023 you must be registered to attend. Only members allowed.
Grades Uploaded to Focus
Grades are due Nov. 15, 2023 (Shown on the Focus Site)
GCN Training
Make sure to complete listed modules.
Native American Heritage Month*
During November, we celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. To help educators with their curriculum plans, NEA has compiled Thanksgiving lessons and resources about the tribes indigenous to North America. Access the NEA resources here. You can also take part in the NJEA Convention workshop “A Celebration of the History of New Jersey’s Indigenous People,” on Nov. 10 at 11 a.m. to delve into the rich culture. Register for the workshop here.
NEA Conference on Racial and Social Justice – Submit a proposal by Dec. 1*
The National Education Association (NEA) Center for Racial and Social Justice is looking for dynamic and engaging workshops for its annual Conference on Racial and Social Justice (CRSJ) which will be held Jun. 30 – Jul. 2, 2024 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA. The purpose of the conference is to provide a unique space for educators, students, parents, organizers, community members, and leaders to unite for the advancement of justice in public education. Proposals can be submitted here by the deadline of Dec. 1, 2023
Affiliated Special Interest Group Spotlight*
NJEA is linked to dozens of Affiliated Special Interest Groups that provide resources and networking opportunities for educators in just about every specialty you can imagine, from art to world languages, and everything in between. This week’s featured group is New Jersey Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages/New Jersey Bilingual Educators (NJTESOL/NJBE.) NJTESOL/NJBE is the professional organization of English as a Second Language (ESL) and bilingual education teachers for all levels. Membership is open to all educators interested in current information on educating bilingual and English language learners (ESL students). NJTESOL/NJBE sponsors several conferences throughout the year and keeps members informed through newsletters and online discussion of hot topics in ESL/bilingual education. The organization is very involved in advocacy/political action and collaborative activities with other professional organizations.
*Information from the NJEA Advocate
