South Orange Maplewood Education Association

Archives for June 2020

NJEA higher ed reopening guidance

*From the desk of Marie Blistan, NJEA President
 
As you are likely aware, the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) has issued guidance for New Jersey’s colleges and universities as they begin to plan for a phased reopening, which may begin on a limited basis as early as next month.
 
NJEA’s Legal Services office has prepared an advisory to help higher education leaders and members navigate the OSHE document and ensure that any reopening is done safely and appropriately. In particular, please note that the OSHE guidance anticipates that colleges’ planning should involve the faculty, staff and students.
 
As always, if you have any concerns or specific questions regarding your college’s handling of its phased reopening, please contact your UniServ field representative immediately.

This is BIG! Agreement reached on Ch. 78, ESP Job Justice

*From the desk of Marie Blistan, NJEA President
 
On June 26th, the Assembly Appropriations Committee voted to approve ALL THREE of our Ch. 78 Relief and ESP Job Justice bills.
 
Today’s votes show the power of member action. After nearly two years of member advocacy, those bills are poised to go to the full Assembly for a vote as soon as Monday. When passed by the Legislature and signed by the governor, they will provide significant health care savings for members while strengthening due-process and subcontracting protections for Educational Support Professionals.
 
Today’s committee vote was a very important step forward, but we need to make sure these bills get through the full Assembly and to the Governor’s desk to be signed.
 
Please take a minute today to contact your Assembly members. Ask them to vote YES on all three bills.

NJEA Recovery Plan

Click here to access this is a thirty-three page document that discusses Technology & Overcoming the Digital Divide, Tools for Mitigating Learning Loss, Supports for Social Emotional Learning & Mental Health Care, Professional Development on Learning Supports & Emotional Supports for Students, Health & Safety Before & After School Reruns to the Classroom, Student Access to Healthy Meals, Assistance for Students with Disabilities & English Language Learners, and Budgets & Finances.

Teachers for Black Lives Rally & March

Dear SOMEA family,
 
Our students have made their voices heard, and it is our turn to respond. It’s time for us to show them that we are listening and are standing in solidarity with them against police brutality and the murder of black people. We must show our students that they are not alone in this fight for racial justice, but rather that they have a whole community—including their teachers and school staff—who are fighting for justice with them.
 
All NJ teachers, school staff, students, parents, and all community members, please join us for our Teachers for Black Lives Rally and March! Please consider wearing your SOMEA t shirt.
 
Date: Mon, June 15
Time: 1:00pm
Start: Marshall Elementary
End: CHS back gym parking lot by steps
 
‼️ Please wear a mask or face covering and practice social distancing. ‼️
 
Frequently asked questions
 
I don’t teach at SOMSD, can I still attend?
  • Yes! This event is open to all teachers, school staff, students, parents, and community members in NJ! Please spread the word!
 
What if I can’t make it?
  • There will be a Zoom call at 5pm on 6/15 which will provide those who can’t attend and those who’d like to continue the discussion after the rally a chance to talk.
 
Is there parking?
  • Yes, there will be free parking in the lots of Marshall Elementary.
 
Who is this organized by?
  • Various K-12 teachers in SOMSD and has been endorsed by SOMEA.
 
For additional questions please contact: mapsoteachersforblacklives@gmail.com
 
Executive Board
Rocio Lopez, President
Shira Lincoln, Vice President
Phil McCormick, Secretary
Laurie Pham, Treasurer