The Gloucester County Education Association Philanthropic Fund awarded three scholarships to students graduating from a Gloucester County public school and entering the field of education. These special awards were presented during the Annual Retirement Reception on June 6, 2013. The recipients are Emily Hinkson, Gateway Regional High School who will be attending Rowan University; Kevin Ruffenach, Clearview Regional High School, a special education major at West Chester University, and Madison S. Underwood, Pitman High School, who will be attending Gloucester County College. We wish these young people great success!

The Annual Gloucester County Education Association Retirement Reception was held on June 6, 2013 at Nicolosi's Catering in Woodbury. Approximately 100 retirees, members and guests honored those teachers, secretaries, bus drivers, food service workers, and paraprofessionals who are entering the 'promised land' of retirement! NJEA Secretary-Treasurer Marie Blistan was the keynote speaker and geetings were offered by the New Jersey Retired Educators Association President-elect, Pat Provnick.

Over 200 Gloucester County Education Association members attended the first Member Appreciation Reception held at Bogey's in Pitman. Give-a-ways and a multitude of door prizes were awarded as members enjoyed great food, tasty beverages, and each other's company.

The "Preventing Teen Suicide is Everybody's Business" presentation, scheduled for Thursday, May 16, 2013, 7:00 at Wedgewood Country Club has been canceled. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

The Westville Education Association recently hosted a school-wide "Wellness Day". Parents, students, and members all enjoyed learning about exciting new ways to get and stay healthy!

Lynn Cianci, Gloucester County Education Association Workshop Coordinator and member of the Washington Township Education Association is featured in the latest BEN-FM 60 second radio spot talking about the contributions she makes as an ESP member to the educational community.

The New Jersey State Board of Education gave final approval to a set of new regulations governing special education in our public schools. In spite of dozens of witnesses testifying against them and hundreds of letters from stakeholders, the BOE approved several very controversial measurements with minor changes. Click on the link below to learn how these changes may affect you and your students.

The Gloucester County Education Association is pleased to once again offer scholarships for graduating seniors from a public high school within the county. Two $1,000 awards will be presented to students entering the field of education, and one $1,000 scholarship will be awards to a student wishing to further their technological education. The deadline for the applications are due to the GCEA office no later than May 9, 2013. Click on the link below for more information and the application forms.

Arnetta Johnson, Gloucester County Education Association 2nd Vice President and NJEA Executive Committee Minority- Member- at Large Representative was honored as the Monroe Township Middle School Teacher of the Year. Arnetta is a 7th grade special education teacher. The Monroe Township Council presented her and several others with certificates at the regular council meeting on Monday, March 25, 2013. Shown pictured above are (l-r) GCEA President, Susan Clark, Arnetta Johnson, and NJEA Secretary-Treasurer, Marie Blistan.

Registration is now closed for the ESP Roundtable #3 to be held on April 17, 2013, 4:30 at Terra Nova Restaurant. If you would like to placed on the waiting list, please call the GCEA office at 856-853-6673.

Congratulations to the Harrison Township Education Association, Mantua Township Education Association, and the Clearview Education Association. The three locals recently held a friendly volleyball tournament to collect food and raise money for the local food pantry. Teams from each school competed in front of students, parents, and community members to declare the regional volleyball champion! Almost $500 in cash and 1200 canned goods were collected. (Clearview won!)

The NJEA PAC Operating Committee unanimously endorsed Senator Barbara Buono for Governor! The 15 member screening committee, including GCEA GR co-chair Tina Dare, recommended the endorsement after interviews with both Buono and Governor Christie. Click on the link below to read the full story and see the video of Senator Buono's remarks to the NJEA Delegate Assembly.

Click on the link below to read The Jersey Jazzman's take on the proposed Teacher Evaluation regulations as proposed by the State Dept of Education!

The Profession Development Council #2, scheduled for Monday, March 4, 2013 has been CANCELLED. Please feel free to call the GCEA office at 856-853-6673 if you have any questions.

The State Board of Education is fast-tracking changes in the special education regulations that would, if enacted, allow teachers and other certified staff to be designated as case managers of students with disabilities. Unless we intervene, these changes will be acted on at the Board’s MARCH 6 meeting. Click on the link below to go to the NJEA website for information on how you can help!

Congratulations to Lynn Cianci, food service worker from the Washington Township Schools Support Services Personnel Association as the recipient of the 2013 NJEA ESP Career Achievement Award! Lynn was honored at the annual ESP Awards Dinner by the NJEA and 450 of her ESP colleagues. Marie Blistan, NJEA Secretary-Treasurer, stated in her presentation that Lynn epitomizes the union advocate as she continues to work to help improve the working conditions of all NJEA ESP members. Hats off to a fine role model for all of us!

The Gloucester County Education Association presented a workshop on "Know Your Workers Comp Rights". This informative and important event was led by Region 2 UniServ Field Rep Jane Travis-Address. Click on the link below to see the pictures.

The Gloucester County Education Association recently sponsored an informational presentation by the New Jersey Brain Injury Alliance on "Concussions in Sports". Dr. Connie Domingo, medical director of Weismann Children's Rehabilitation Hospital stressed that it is important to deal with concussions as to what they are-traumatic brain injuries. She also stated that "when in doubt: sit it out" should be a guiding principle as to when students suffering concussions should be allowed to return to normal activities. Approximately 50 people attended this Pride in Public Education event held at the Wedgewood Country Club.

Our ESP bills are on the move! Today, both bills, S-1191 and S-2163, were released from the Senate Education Committee. S-1191, which provides employee protections when subcontracting is considered, passed by a vote of 4 to 1. S-2163, which statutorily provides due process rights to all educational support professionals, passed the Senate Education Committee by a vote of 3 to 1. You may recall that the Assembly version of our subcontracting bill (A-3627), sponsored by Assemblyman Herb Conaway, Assemblywoman Connie Wagner and Assemblyman Ralph Caputo, passed the Assembly Education Committee last week and now heads to the full Assembly for a vote. Thank you for all you have done to help move these bills. Please keep up the good work by urging your legislator to become a sponsor of these important pieces of legislation.

The "Diversity in Education" workshop scheduled for Wednesday, Febraury 13, 1013, 4:30 PM at the GCEA office has been cancelled! We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Educational Support Professionals from throughout the county met recently to discuss the issues of prime importance to them and their colleagues. Bob Antonelli, NJEA Staff Contact for ESP facilitated the discussion. Topics covered included the cost and location of workshops, the ESP Conference, and trainings needed.

The Gloucester Salem Legislative Action Team met recently at the River Winds Restaurant. NJEA Government Relations Associate Director Beth Schroeder Buonsante, presented information on the general election being held in November and members spent time writing letters to the State Board of Education regarding the proposed changes in professional development. Freeholders Heather Simmons, Lyman Barnes, Larry Wallace, and Vince Nestore briefly addressed the audience.

Register now for a fabulous workshop on communications skills--"Bridging the Generational Communication Gap", Thursday, January 31, 2013, GCEA office, 335 Glassboro Road, Woodbury Heights, 4:30. Effective communication across the generations is needed to create and maintain healthy relationships. Many of us struggle with a generational disconnect when it comes to communication. Half the battle is being aware each generation has a different way of communicating. Join us for this workshop to learn effective strategies that will help build and maintain those relationships. This event is open to all GCEA members. You must be registered to attend. Go to www.gceanj.org; click on 'workshops', then: 'register for a workshop" Dinner will be provided

The Deptford Barnes & Noble bookstore hosted a bookfair for the GCEA Philanthropic Fund to help raise money for scholarships. The Aura Elementary School students, under the direction of teacher Sonya Cramer, presented projects, book reports , and skits. Rita Hale, GCIT teacher, organized musical performances by several GCIT students. Many thanks to all of the parents, students, and members who helped make this event a success!

Almost 70 teachers and Educational Support Professionals attended a workshop on "Understanding Autism and Aspergers" presented by the Center for Neurological and Neurodevelopmental Health held at the GCEA office. The board certified behaviorists suggested strategies for helping those students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders succeed.

GCEA recently held its annual Executive County Superintendent's Dinner at the GCEA office. County and state association leaders discussed current educational issues with Dr. Richard Stepura, Gloucester County Executive Superintendent, and Freeholder Lyman Barnes. Special guests included NJEA Secretary-Treasurer Marie Blistan, Salem County Council of Education Associations President Sue Maniglia, SCCEA Executive Committee member Carl Fratz, and GCREA President, Diane Camiolo.

GCEA thanks everyone who contributed to the Hurricane Sandy Stuffed Animal Collection. Close to 200 stuffed animals, coloring books, crayons, story books, and Matchbox-like toys were donated to the Adventist Disaster Response team for distribution to children in Atlantic and Ocean counties. Click on the link below to see pictures of the collection and pick-up. Check back after the holidays for more photos of the items being distributed. Also, congratulations to the Logan Township Education Association members who collected $740 in gift cards to be donated to the victims of Hurricane Sandy---just in time for the holidays!

NJEA has produced three new television ads spotlighting educational reform, The Center for Teaching and Learning, and the important role our ESP's played in the Hurricane Sandy relief effort. These ads will run in the Philadelphia and New York markets until December 24, take a holiday break and be back in January. Click on the link below to view all three ads.

The Gloucester County Education Association is collecting stuffed animals (no larger than 12 inches!), coloring books, crayons, and Matchbox-like toys (firetrucks, ambulances, and police cars preferred) for students displaced by Hurricane Sandy! These items will be placed into a 2 gallon ZipLoc bag for distribution. You may drop off these items anytime between 10:00-7:00 Monday-Thursday and 10:00-2:00 on Friday at the GCEA office or bring with you to any GCEA event between now and December 7th!

The Gloucester County Education Association held the annual Educational Support Professional Dinner and Workshop on November 14, 2012 to honor and thank our ESP's for the outstanding work they do every day! The GCEA ESP of the Year, Jennifer Ellick from Geenwich Township Education Association was honored. Marge Villeau, the NJEA ESP of the Year spoke about the importance of being involved, NJEA Secretary-Treasurer Marie Blistan spotlighted outstanding members within the county, and Freeholder Lyman Barnes presented a Proclamation describing the history and importance of our ESPs. Finally, NJEA network attorney, Keith Waldman explained how the the anti-bullying law affects ESPs.

Educational Support Professionals are the bus drivers, food service workers, secretaries, paraprofessionals, aides, custodians, maintenance workers, security guards, and technicians who work every day to keep our public schools safe, clean, and functioning. They are the glue that holds everything together. Our schools could not function without them. Take a minute to thank one of them today--- they are our everyday heroes!

Join thousands of educators from across the country as we celebrate our great public schools. November 11-17 is American Education Week, a time to honor all the individuals who help to make our schools so successful. Parents will be visiting classrooms, grandparents will be reading to students, and the public will have many opportunities to see our outstanding members in action.

The Gloucester County Education Association will be showing the documentary film, "MissRepresentation", on Tuesday, November 27, 2012, 7:00 PM, at the GCEA office, 335 Glassboro Road, Woodbury Heights. The film explores how the media�s misrepresentations of women have led to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence. Join us to learn what others are doing across the country to counter this injustice. Click on the link below to register. Delicious snacks will be served!

Many of our members were severely affected by Hurricane Sandy-- and many of us here in Gloucester County want to help! NJEA has established a special fund to collect money for the relief effort. Additionally, opportunities for individuals and local associations to help with specific projects are being developed.

Congratulations to the Swedesboro-Woolwich Education Association, recipients of the 2012 Jim George Collective Bargaining Award! This honor is awarded annually to the local association which has bargained an extraordinary contract; one which includes new contractual language, used the bargaining process to propel new members into association involvement. or achieved a particularly good settlement in comparison to state averages! Pictured in the photo, from l-r are Region 2 Field Rep Al Beaver, NJEA President Barbara Keshishian, SWEA negotiations team member Kelli Woronicak, SWEA President Matt Sparacio, NJEA Vice-President Wendell Steinhauer and NJEA Secretary-Treasurer Marie Blistan.

The GCEA office will be closed on Monday, October 29 and Tuesday October 30 due to the hurricane. All scheduled events for those two days have been cancelled. This includes the XYZ's of Retirement workshop (which will be re-scheduled) and the election phone banks.

Congratulations to Jennifer Ellick, secretary to the principal from Greenwich Township Education Association who was selected as the Gloucester County Education Association Educational Support Professional of the Year for 2012-2013! Jennifer served as the Vice-President and President of the Greenwich Township Education Association and is currently the Legislative Action Team and Social Committee chair. She is also very active in community Pride events and is a regular attendee at the Board of Education meetings. Mrs. Ellick will be honored at the annual ESP Dinner and Workshop to be held Nov 12 at Nicolosi's in Woodbury.

Thousands of NJEA members across the county helped educate their students and the public as they celebrated PINK DAY on October 19. Students wore pink, administrators donned pink boas and feathers, and GCEA delivered pink bags full of goodies to oncology centers throughout Gloucester County as a thank you for their hard work with breast cancer patients.

The Gloucester County Education Association honored the 2012-2013 Teacher of the Year at the October Representative Council meeting. Susan Barry, a member of the Clearview Education Association spoke about her role as an advocate for all students. First time attendees were also honored.

The annual Fall Focus meeting attracted a large crowd of almost 175 members from 27 different local associations throughout Gloucester County. NJEA Leadership and Staff presented updates on the evaluation regulations, the election, and new initiatives for our ESP members.

Congratulations to the Monroe Township Education Association who recently celebrated their 50th year of incorporation at the Scotland Run Golf Club. MTEA President Jon Woodward welcomed the many active and retired members who attended. NJEA Secretary-Treasurer Marie Blistan spoke about the numerous individual and group accomplishments of the MTEA members, UniServ Field Rep Jane Travis-Address congratulated the MTEA on its accomplishments, and Gloucester County Education Association President Susan Clark reminded members of how hard they have worked over the years and presented President Woodward with a Certificate of Congratulations.

The Salem County Council of Education Associations and the Gloucester County Education Association hosted a Saturday morning brunch with Congressman Frank Lobiondo (R) at the Ramada Inn in Vineland. Congressman LoBiondo is an NJEA endorsed candidate with an outstanding voting record in support of those issues that are important to our members.

The Gloucester County Education Association hosted a question and answer session with Congressman Rob Andrews (D). Congressman Andrews spoke about many of the issues that are of importance to our members such as IDEA, the re-authorization of NCLB and student loan programs. Congressman Andrews is an NJEA endorsed candidate for re-election

Registration for the annual Fall Focus meeting being held on Thursday, October 18, 2012 is now CLOSED! Thank you for taking the time from your busy schedules to attend.

The Gloucester County Education Association hosted a Chamber of Commerce Business Card Exchange Breakfast on October 10. Approximately 40 representatives from Gloucester County businesses attended the before-hours event to exchange information about their commercial enterprises. President Sue Clark spoke about the achievements of our public schools, invited participants to several upcoming Pride events, and explained who GCEA was and what we do!

The Gloucester County Education Association's Legislative Action Team met recently with our endorsed Freeholder candidates and the Senate President to discuss those issues that are important to our members. Senate President Steve Sweeney thanked us for the work done on the recently passed tenure reform legislation and gave his support to the pending ESP legislation currently waiting action in the Senate Education Committee. Freeholder Director Bob Damminger and Freeholder Deputy Director Joe Chila thanked us for our endorsement of their candidacy for re-election and re-affirmed their commitment to public education in Gloucester County.

Over 15 local associations from Gloucester, Camden, and Salem counties showed their support for the Washington Township Education Association as they rallied before the high school 'Back to School Night' on October 4, 2012. Members from throughout South Jersey wore red, held signs, and proudly displayed their Association banners to bring attention to the WTEA's lack of a contract after three years of negotiations.

Glassboro Education Association and GCEA Educational Support Professional Member-at-Large, Traci Davis, recorded a 60 second message on radio station BEN-FM 95.7 highlighting the value of school bus drivers. Click on the link below to listen to the spot!

The governing body of the Gloucester County Education Association, the Representative Council, met on Tuesday, September18, 2012. The first monthly meeting of the year celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Monroe Township Education Association, and distributed updated information to the local association reps.

The Gloucester County Education Association recently conducted a workshop on the new evaluation regulations and procedures. Martha DeBlieu, Associate Director from the NJEA Research and Economics Division presented timely updates on the impact these regulations will have on our certificated members. Sixty-five GCEA members enjoyed a great dinner and learned a great deal.

Registration for the Evaluation workshop scheduled for Thursday, September 20, 2012 is now CLOSED as we have reached capacity! Thank you to everyone for your strong interest in this topic.

GCEA is now accepting nominations from the local associations for the annual ESP of the Year award. This award is presented to a Gloucester County Educational Support Professional who has been an important member of their local association---as an elected officer, as a member of your Executive Committee or as an outstanding advocate for ESP's and public schools! The GCEA award winner will be forwarded to NJEA for consideration as the NJEA ESP of the Year. Click on the link below to see more details and get the forms. Scroll to "Selection of the Award", and click on 'local association nomination award' Nominations are due to GCEA before September 28th!

Congratulations to Clearview Regional English teacher Susan Barry for her selection as the 2012-2013 Gloucester County Teacher of the Year! Ms. Barry has been a teacher for 11 years after careers in insurance claims and book wholesaling! Susan is known to actively recruit students from the Special Education classes as she shares her love and enthusiasm for Shakespeare with everyone! Ms. Barry will be honored by the GCEA at the October 16 Representative Council meeting. Click on the link below to view the NJEA video of our County Teacher of the Year-Susan Barry!

The Washington Township Education Association held a 'smart' walk at the Whitman Elementary School. More than 600 members, parents, and supporters walked before the school's "Back to School Night" to bring attention to their lack of a contract. Walkers were encouraged to use their 'smart' phones to tweet, email and post the activity to show unity and educate the community. Click on the link below to view the NBC10 coverage of the event.

Gloucester County is offering free eye screenings twice a month for all county children and adults. This service is provided by the Board of Chosen Freeholders and the NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired in an effort to prevent or limit the impact of vision loss in our county. Click on the link below for more information.

NJEA has launched the revised njea.org! Click on the link below to view the latest information, updats on political news, connect to other members, and discover what the bloggers are saying!

NJEA ESP members are being spotlighted on BEN-FM as they talk about their jobs and their importance to the school community! A different 60 second spot will be aired each month. Click on the link below to hear the NJEA ESP of the Year, Marge Vallieu, talk about her job as a cafeteria manager.

Twenty-five members of the Gloucester County Education Association attended the Annual NEA Representative Assembly in Washington, DC this past summer. The NEA-RA meets every July to approve new business items, elect national leaders, and create policies for the National Education Association. Nearly 10,000 members from across the country meet together to debate issues and listen to prominent education/political leaders. Vice-President Biden and his wife were the main speakers this year and President Obama made a special "call-in" to thank members for their endorsement of his campaign for re-election.

Click on the link below to read about President Obama's call to Congress to rehire teachers!

GCEA recently hosted a screening of the documentary film, "MissRepresentation" for the students involved in the Gloucester County Prosecutor's office summer program. The movie discusses the impact the media has on misrepresenting women which leads to an under-representation of females in positions of power and influence. The summer program is led by Shannon Fuerneisen. Deborah Wilson, GCEA Minority Member at Large led the discussion.

Gov. Christie signed the tenure bill into law on Monday, August 6, 2012. NJEA unveiled its own version of tenure reform on December 7, 2010 and after a long, hard-fought process was able to have most of that original proposal included in the new law! Click on the link below for answers to your questions and details on how this historic legislation will affect you.

If you have a question, or don't understand the two tenure bills that NJEA recently testified in support of, please click on the link below to learn why these tenure reform bills have our support.

Gloucester County Education Association awarded three graduating high school seniors with a $1,000 scholarship. Carl Archut, Jr. from GCIT received the Attila Matusek Career Technical Award. The Marianne Eitel Memorial Scholarship was presented to Stephanie Fanelli of West Deptford High School and The Bill Gaines Memorial Scholarship recipient is a graduate of Gateway Regional High School--Kristina Perdicaro. Congratulations to these outstanding students and best wishes as they continue their education. GCEA also honored three remarkable members who have gone above and beyond in their contributions to their Association. Kathi Looney, retired from Washington Township Education Association, Marge Dolente, a retiree of Mantua Township Education Association, and Paul Petrille, former GCEA treasurer and a member of the Deptford Township Education Association were all given a place on the GCEA "Wall of Honor"!

The Gloucester County Education Association recently held the Annual Retirement Reception at Nicolosi's Catering. Retirees from throughout the county's schools were honored for their years of service and dedication to their students and public education. NJEA Secretary-Treasurer, Marie Blistan, was the keynote speaker and Gloucester County Executive County Superintendent, Robert Bumpus, offered congratulations to the honorees.

The 2011-2012 Representative Council meetings ended on May 15 with awards to locals for 80% or better attendance, remarks by member authors, and a very special 'good-by' to Bob Antonelli. Click on the link below to view the photos.

Celebrate School Nurses' Day on May 9th! Click below to go to the NEA webpage for more information.

Help celebrate National Teacher Day on May 8th! Click on the link below to find dozens of ideas on how to celebrate and thank a teacher!

Gloucester County Education Association members recently attended the annual New Member Benefits Fair at Nicolosi's Catering. NJEA-endorsed vendors were on-hand to present their products and explain how members can save money, including California Casualty, BJ's, and Morey's Piers. Click below to view the photos.

The Gloucester County Education Association held the annual Paul J. Petrille Education Celebration recently at the Scotland Run Golf Club. One hundred forty members, mayors, superintendents, elected officials and special guests celebrated all that is great about our county's public schools. Musical presentations were performed by the West Deptford High School Madrigal Choir and the Washington Township High School String Quartet. The Deptford High School NJROTC led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. The students of the Baking and Pastry Arts classes of Charles McBride from GCIT provided cookie treats, and the horticulture students of Peggy Grady, GCSSSD created the centerpieces. Three outstanding citizens of the county, Barbara Wallace, Frank Smith, and Paul Petrille were honored for their service to the public schools with the prestigious "Friend of Education" award.

An article from NJ.com explains one way that the conservative "education reform' agenda is being pushed throughout the country! Click on the link below to learn about ALEC, a one stop shop for model bills that are being introduced in many of the states!

The Gloucester County Education Association turned 50 on March 19th! While records date back to the late 1800's, our organization was not officially incorporated until 1962! Members of Rep Council, along with invited guests from past leadership and staff enjoyed seeing the original papers and record books.

GCEA recently held a screening of the movie, "MissRepresentation", a documentary focusing on how the media treats women and girls. Close to 70 members and guests viewed the film. A follow-up discussion, led by GCEA representative on the NJEA Women in Education committee, Debbie Wilson, included comments by reps from the Fort Lee Film Commision, the Alice Paul Institute, Pam Garwood, Associate Director from NJEA PDII Division and Marie Blistan, NJEA Secretary-Treasurer. For more information on "MissRepresentation" or to schedule a screening for your local or organization, contact the GCEA office.

Close to 165 members and guests from Gloucester and Salem counties attended the Annual Legislative Dinner at Scotland Run Golf Club. Senators Sweeney and Norcross spoke about the current proposed legislation affecting public schools and public school employees. Assemblywoman Gabrielle Mosquera also spoke briefly. Members were brought up to date on NJEA's Education Reform proposals by President Barbara Keshishian and Director of Government Relations Ginger Gold- Schnitzer. Many thanks to Bob Antonelli, NJEA Associate Director of GR, Tina Dare, Ryan Griffin, and Colleen Gilmartin, GR chairs for Salem and Gloucester counties, for planning and facilitating the program.

Click on the link below to read Jersey Jazzman's succinct summary response to the Governor's attack on NJEA's political expense report.

Click on the link below to read Diane Ravitch's response to the "deal" struck between the NY Department of Education and teachers' unions over a new evaluation policy. Keep informed: New Jersey is fighting the same kind of battle!

A woman pilot, first-officer and two flight attendants marked another step in history as they served as the first all female, African- American flight crew for a Delta Airlines flight--- and what better time to do it than during Black History Month!

Under NJEA's proposed tenure system, it will take four years to earn tenure. During the four years before tenure, teachers will have more opportunities to develop and improve, and districts will have more time to make good decisions about granting tenure.

Approximately 50 members attended the workshop, "Workload Increases: Fair or Foul?" to learn the things they can---and cannot---control in their work environment. UniServ Field Rep for Leadership Training, Michael Saffron explained the laws, policies and practices that can affect our workloads.

Tenure was created more than one hundred years ago to protect public school employees by keeping politics out of the classroom. New Jersey's schools still need that protection. Tenure is not designed to keep ineffective teachers in the classroom. Most ineffective teachers are weeded out in the first three years, before ever earning tenure. Four out of every 10 new teachers never earn tenure.

Almost every local association in Gloucester County was represented at the annual NJEA Winter Leadership Conference held at the Sheraton in Atlantic City. Members learned about various advocacy issues from collective bargaining to engaging members.

Detective Sgt. Steven LaPorta, head of the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office High Tech Crimes Unit, presented "What is CyberBullying?" to parents and community members. Click on the link below to view the photos.

The Gloucester County Education Association recently held a workshop for members entitled, "Strides for Pride: Protecting Our GLBT Students". The presenter, Riley Keenan is a social worker and advocate for the GLBT community.

Seventy members braved the snow on Saturday, January 21, 2012 to attend the ESP Luncheon and workshop at Terra Nova Restaurant in Washington Township. NJEA Professional Development consultant Muneerah Higgs presented a training on "Dealing with Difficult Students for ESP".

The Region 2/Gloucester-Salem Legislative Action Team met recently at the RiverWinds Restaurant in West Deptford. Close to 60 members were able to hear the views on educational issues of Freeholders Lyman Barnes, Heather Simmons, Vince Nestore, and Larry Wallace. Members also had the opportunity to ask questions.

The week of January 23-27, 2012 has been designated as "NO NAME CALLING" week! Created by the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and Simon & Schuster Children’s publishing, it was inspired from the young-adult novel "The Misfits" by James Howe. Click on the link below to read more.

Registration for the Educational Support Professional's luncheon on Saturday, January 21, 2012 has been CLOSED! Thank you to everyone who is planning to attend!

The Gloucester County Education Association will be hosting a workshop for all members, parents, students and other interested community members on Wednesday, January 25, 7:00 pm. at Nicolosi's Catering in Woodbury on the issue of cyberbullying. The presenter will be Sgt. Steven LaPorta from the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office. Please click on "workshops" in the menu bar to register.

Click on the link below to read a Wall Street Journal article concerning the failure of Chris Christie to attain any part of his education reform agenda in 2011!

GCEA proudly presents a very special workshop on Monday, January 23, 2012 at 4:30 pm at the GCEA office, 335 Glassboro Road, Woodbury Heights-- "Strides for Pride: Protecting Our GLBT Students". Now, more than ever with the implementation of the anti-bullying law, we must find ways to help ALL of our students feel safe and protected. Come learn what it is like to be a GLBT student in today's environment- and how we can make a difference. Click on "workshops", then "register for a workshop" in the menu bar. You must be registered to attend.

The Gloucester and Salem County Legislative Action Teams will hold a meeting and training on January 10, 2011 at the RiverWinds Restaurant in West Deptford. If you are interested in the current political scene and want to hear about the latest legislative issues affecting education, please plan to attend. This is also an opportunity for you to speak directly with our legislators from Districts 3, 4 and 5. To register, click on "Workshops", then "register for a workshop".

Members from Gloucester and Salem Counties converged on the Food Court at the Deptford Mall to stage another Grade-In. Over 100 members representing Mantua, Deptford, Harrison, Kingsway, Clearview, Greenwich, Franklin, Delsea, Glassboro, Pitman, GCIT, Monroe, Westville, East Greenwich, Alloway, Lower Alloway Creek, Penns Grove-Carney's Point, and Pennsville local associations graded papers, ate dinner, and talked with the public about their jobs! Brochures on homework, watching TV, college and other topics were disseminated to parents. Special thanks to Kingsway Regional EA members Laura Reynolds and Jacki Pelleriti for taking the time to help a parent with her child's math homework, to Mike Wichert, Clearview EA for organizing the event, and of course, to the Cat in the Hat for the surprise visit!

GCEA members were out in full force at the 2011 NJEA Convention held in Atlantic City, November 10-11, 2011. Many of them visited the GCEA booth to register for a special prize and receive a free gift! Several local presidents also attended the NJEA Affiliates Presidents' dinner held on Nov 10 at the Convention Center. President Sue Clark, NJEA Executive Committee member Linda Martins, Treasurer Tina Dare, and Membership Chair Christine Onorato represented GCEA at the Urban Education Committee's brunch where they heard a special presentation by NJEA attorney, Steve Cohan, on the anti-bullying law.

The Gloucester County Education Association honored our Educational Support Professionals and the GCEA ESP of the Year with a dinner and workshop! The members enjoyed a "Time Management" presentation by Region 2 UniServ consultants, Allison Braun and Mike Salerno, then paid special tribute to the Educational Support Professional of the Year, Dotty Grieb, President of the Gloucester County Special Services Education Association.

Gloucester County Education Association once again sponsored a 'phone bank' to "Get Out the Vote' for our endorsed candidates. NJEA Secretary-Treasurer Marie Blistan was on hand to lend her support as well! Click on the link below to see some of the members who helped!

Irene Hill-Smith was a life long resident of Gloucester County and has been nominated for the New Jersey Hall of Fame in the history category. In addition to being a tireless civil rights leader, Hill-Smith played a significant role in the restoration of Paulsdale, the home of Alice Paul, and lobbied for the civil rights of all individuals at the local, state, and national levels. The GCEA Executive Committee has voted to endorse her for this prestigious honor and encourage you to click on the link below to cast YOUR vote for Irene Hill-Smith.

Every New Jersey Senator and Assemblyperson was invited to participate in the "Teacher for a Day" program during American Education Week! Click on the link below to read all about it!

Click on the link below to view the latest TV ad by NJEA that 'debunks' claims that tenure is given to teachers just for breathing!

The Gloucester County Education Association is proud to announce that the annual Educational Support Professionals Dinner and Workshop will be held on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at Nicolosi's Catering in Woodbury. The program for the evening will include the presentation of the GCEA ESP of the Year award to Dotty Grieb, President of the GCSSEA, remarks by the NJEA ESP of the Year, Deborah Grosse, and special guest, NJEA Secretary-Treasurer, Marie Blistan. Please join us for the workshop, "Time Management", and enjoy this event especially designed for the ESP's!

The Westville Education Association was nominated for the prestigious Jim George Collective Bargaining Award! The WEA bargained language for family leave, established stipends for four new positions, established themselves as an active community participant, and worked to pass the school budget, What is probably most astounding is that their contract was settled three months prior to the expiration of the current agreement with settlements within the county average. Additionally, all members were able to move up a step on the salary guide each year of the three year agreement while increasing the starting salary to $50k! Congratulations to Westville Ea, their co-presidents, Karen Knaul and Keith Jackson, the Negotiations chair, Cathy Davis and the 34 members of the WEA! GOOD JOB!

Click on the link below to sign a petition that will encourage your representatives in Washington to maintain the 6 day delivery system of the postal system! Cutting back delivery to 5 days, as is being proposed, could cost thousands of middle-class jobs!

Almost one hundred members attended the "XYZ's of Retirement" workshop held at Masso's Crystal Manor in Glassboro. NJEA Research Division Associate Director Jim Jameson presented information on the retirement process. The same workshop will also be presented on April 24, 2012 if you missed this one!

Click on the link below to read the Newark Star-Ledger article on how two super-rich hedge fund managers are trying to influence educational reform in New Jersey!

The Gloucester County Education Association celebrated "Pink Day" by thanking the staffs of several oncology centers in the county for their work with breast cancer patients. Gloucester County Retired Educator member Trudy Randazzo, office manager, Linda Calandra and President Susan Clark visited the Minniti Center for Medical Oncology and Hematology, Abel Imaging, Virtua Fox Chase Cancer Center, Underwood Women's Breast Center, Kennedy University Radiation Oncology and Kennedy Cancer Center to deliver bags filled with 'goodies', as a thank you gift for all their hard work.

The Gloucester County Education Association, as part of the Pride in Public Schools campaign, hosted a "Gang Awareness" presentation for members, parents, students, and law enforcement. Detective Javier Castellanos, Passiac County Sheriffs Dept Gang Intelligence Unit, and Detective Robert Chew, Camden Police Strategic Multi-Agency Shootings and Homicide Task Force, presented segments on gang enticements, recruitment, colors, symbols, and presence.

The workshop, "What Newer Members Need to Know" scheduled for Wednesday, October 26 at the GCEA office has been cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. It will be re-scheduled for next year.

Click on the link below to view the latest ad from NJEA-- this one highlights the training of science teachers.

Gloucester County Education Association's Legislative Action Team welcomed Freeholder candidates Heather Simmons and Lyman Barnes, as our endorsed candidates in the November election. Ginger Gold Schnitzer, NJEA GR Director spoke to the members about the importance of going to the polls on November 8 . She also presented the latest information on pending legislation.

Delsea Education Association members who reside in Franklin and Elk Townships, as well as many community members expressed their concern over a lack of a contract between the Delsea Board of Education and the DEA! Residents and members alike each urged the Board members to meet with the DEA and settle the contract now.

The Gloucester County Education Association is pleased to announce a "Pride in Public Education" event on "Gang Awareness" on October 20, 2011 beginning at 6:00 pm at the Wedgewood Country Club in Washington Township. While most people believe GANGS are only an urban problem, a 2007 survey of law enforcement showed that 55% of the communities in South Jersey reported a gang presence! Come learn what you can do to prevent our children from joining gangs, what gangs promise our children, and how gang activities affect our families and communities. The public is invited but you must be registered to attend

Gloucester County Education Association recently held a workshop on how to make your meetings better and more effective. Region 2 UniServ consultant, Mona Bennett, presented information on how to create and organize effective meetings using Robert's Rules of Order, and how to best use the time available to meet.

The Gloucester County Education Association held the annual Fall Focus meeting at Masso's in Glassboro on September 27, 2011. Over 200 members were in attendance to hear NJEA President Barbara Keshishian speak about why Membership Matters. The local associations with at least 10% of their members present were awarded prizes. Those districts are: Delsea Transportation, Elk Township, Greenwich Twp, Harrison Twp, National Park, Wenonah, and Woodbury Heights. The Glouc. County Special Services EA won for having the highest number of members and the Glassboro Ed Support Prof Assoc. had the greatest improvement in attendance over last year.

An article in the Bergen Record challenges the 'facts' presented in a recent television ad praising Gov. Christie's accomplishments. Click on the link below to read more.

Come and join us for the first grade in of the 2011-2012 school year. This grade-in will occur on November 17th between 5 and 7 pm.

The first Legislative Action Team meeting of the year will be held on October 11, 2011 at the GCEA office beginning at 4:00pm. The NJEA-endorsed candidate for Assembly from Legislative District 4, Shelley Lovett, has been invited to meet with you! Take this opportunity to express your concerns and hear her positions on issues important to all of us. Click on "workshops" in the menu bar and then "Register for a workshop". Hope to see you there.

Linda Behm, GCEA past president was honored with her addition to the Wall of Honor and the Gloucester County Teacher of the Year was presented to the members!

Members from the South Harrison Township Education Association, led by President Bev Donofrio, protested their lack of a contract before and during the annual Back-to-School night held on September 21, 2011. Members held signs informing parents that they have been without a settled agreement for 800+ days! SHEA is the ONLY district in the state that has started their third year without an agreement and the ONLY district in South Jersey who are at super-conciliation!

Howard Wainer, Wharton School of Business professor and former principal researcher at the Educational Testing Service, raises significant questions about the use of student test scores to evaluate teachers in his new book, "Uneducated Guesses".

GCEA held the first-ever Welcome Back Brunch for Gloucester County local association presidents on Sunday, September 11, 2011 at Scotland Run Golf Club. GCEA President Susan Clark welcomed everyone, presented a special 9-11 remembrance and explained what our county organization can do to assist the locals. NJEA Secretary-Treasurer, Marie Blistan, congratulated the presidents on their advocacy and hard work on the behalf of their members. Various GCEA officers and committee chairs then presented brief overviews on upcoming events and workshops. Thank you to everyone who took the time from their busy schedules to attend!

Support our new program where we promote shopping at local businesses that support public education.

A recent public opinion poll conducted by Kean University found that 70% of those polled were very or somewhat satisfied with public school teachers and schools. Click on the link to see the full results.

The NJEA has joined other public sector employee unions in filing a lawsuit against the State of New Jersey for violating members' contractual rights. Click on the link below to read more.

The NJEA PAC Operating Committee has endorsed 68 candidates for the state legislature in the November elections. Click on the link below to read the entire press release and learn who was or wasn't endorsed.

Actor Matt Damon goes toe-to-toe with a news reporter over the issue of teacher tenure!

Gloucester County locals were well represented at this years Annual Meeting of the NEA Representative Assembly held in Chicago July1-6, 2011. Members from the following Associations worked from 7;00 am to 6:00 pm listening to Vice-President Joe Biden address the delegates, voting on new business items, honoring the Wisconsin Senators, the National Teacher and ESP of the Year, and endorsing President Obama for a second term: Swedesboro-Woolwich, Monroe Township, Mantua, Elk, Delsea Regional, GCSSSD, Franklin, Deptford, Washington Township, Clearview Regional, and Glassboro. If your local was not represented, start making plans to become a delegate for next year!