Policy Fellowship Opportunity Launches to Recognize and Elevate New Jersey Teacher Leaders

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Cranford, NJ — Teachers in New Jersey who want to learn more about education policy and advocacy in New Jersey, as well as earn an extra $2,000 to recognize their time, can now apply to participate in the New Jersey Teacher Leader Policy Fellowship.

Over the course of one year, ten New Jersey Teacher Leader Policy Fellowship Participants (Fellows) will explore and discuss the latest policy trends and issues in New Jersey education. They will expand their knowledge and understanding of local, state, and national governance, the roles of educational stakeholders, and the importance of teacher leaders taking part in advocacy for student learning and the profession.

Teacher leaders, teachers who influence colleagues and the profession, while maintaining classroom responsibilities, are critical to improving systems and outcomes for students.  Great teachers often cite that they leave their classrooms to take on roles such as principal or supervisor because they want to have greater influence over education systems and policies. While this may give them a broader impact on the system, unfortunately, it also draws them away from the direct impact that great teachers have been shown to have on student outcomes.

“Teacher leadership allows classroom teachers to have an even greater impact on student outcomes. Influencing policy development and advocacy allows those who know our students best to contribute to the developments that will ensure students are ready to live, learn and earn at the end of high school,” said Mary O’ Malley, We Raise New Jersey Steering Committee Member. “We Raise New Jersey is eager to work with and learn from some of our state’s leading teachers. We are delighted to support this program in partnership with JerseyCAN.”

The Fellowship, a collaboration between We Raise New Jersey and JerseyCAN, will provide high-quality professional learning and networking opportunities to Fellows as well as a $2,000 stipend for their commitment to this work.

“We are facing unprecedented times in New Jersey education: teaching is completely virtual, accessibility gaps are illuminated, and school budgets are stretching,” said Patricia Morgan, Executive Director of JerseyCAN. “Now more than ever, it is critical that practicing teachers have an opportunity to engage in the policy and rule-making of the future.”

The Fellowship meetings will commence in June, with the first convenings being held virtually. Applicants interested in learning more about the Fellowship can apply online by May 10, 2020.

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About We Raise New Jersey

We Raise New Jersey is a diverse coalition of New Jersey organizations and associations that are united in our belief that New Jersey students need and deserve a world-class education to effectively compete and succeed in our rapidly changing world. Our coalition organizes the power of each member organization into a collective voice to advocate for high quality academic standards and aligned assessments, and to ensure that every child is prepared for college, career, and active citizenship in our communities.

About JerseyCAN

JerseyCAN is a nonprofit organization that advocates for high-quality educational opportunities for all New Jersey students, regardless of their address. JerseyCAN has secured key policy wins that have advanced its mission including more equitable school funding, growth in the number of high-quality new schools in our state—particularly in Newark and Camden—and high standards and aligned assessments. Since its inception in 2013, the JerseyCAN board has been co-chaired by former New Jersey Governor Tom Kean and Ann Borowiec, former CEO, J.P. Morgan Private Banking.