New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) leaders have released a statement in response to the nomination of Dr. Lily Laux as the state’s next commissioner of education. The statement was issued by President Steve Beatty, Vice President Petal Robertson, and Secretary-Treasurer Tina Dare.
“New Jersey’s students deserve a Department of Education that works in full partnership with educators, families and communities to ensure their success. With the nomination of Dr. Lily Laux to serve as commissioner of education in Gov. Sherrill’s administration, NJEA looks forward to bringing the experience of nearly 200,000 New Jersey public school educators to the table as she learns more about our public schools and shares her vision for even greater achievements in the future. Our members want and expect to be full partners in shaping the policies that will support our schools’ success. We are encouraged that Dr. Laux has already reached out to NJEA to begin those conversations,” said the officers.
They highlighted several priorities facing New Jersey’s education system: “The work ahead is substantial. Together, we must address student learning challenges, strengthen assessment so it supports instruction, recruit and retain excellent educators, expand student mental health support, meet special education needs, and ensure fair, stable funding that reaches every child in every community, regardless of race, immigration status, or family income.”
The statement also emphasized the expertise of New Jersey educators: “New Jersey’s educators bring a wealth of professional experience and deep knowledge of what works for our students. NJEA is prepared to share that expertise constructively and collaboratively, and we know other public education stakeholders in New Jersey share that commitment. We expect genuine collaboration and respect for educator voice as statewide policy is developed and implemented, and we look forward to ongoing productive engagement with the incoming commissioner and administration so that together we deliver what every New Jersey student deserves.”
