YOUR

MATTERS.MEMBERSHIP

President Marie Blistan Special education teacher, Washington Township (Gloucester County)

Vice President Sean M. Spiller High school science teacher, Wayne (Passaic County)

Secretary-Treasurer Steve Beatty High school social studies teacher, Bridgewater-Raritan (Somerset County)

The New Jersey Education Association is an organization of over 200,000 members whose mission is to advance and protect the rights, benefits, and interests of members, and promote a quality system of a public education for all students. Members range from preK-12 to postsecondary categories. They include the broad spectrum of teaching staff members, including school librarians, school nurses, school counselors, and other certified staff; college faculty; and educational support professionals, including secretaries, clerks, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, food service workers, maintenance and custodial personnel, and other public school employees.

NJEA is a democratic organization in which members vote and have a voice in determining the organization’s priorities in an ever-changing environment. For over 150 years, NJEA members have driven the state education reform agenda in order to keep New Jersey’s public schools among the best in the nation.

As the state’s largest and most experienced representative of educational employees, NJEA successfully advocates for better working conditions and benefits for all of its members. NJEA not only provides its members with the power to be heard locally and at the state and federal levels of government, but also gives its members unequaled legal protection and representation.

Along with our parent organization, the National Education Association (NEA), NJEA offers members an impressive array of services and benefits.

NJEA is proud to represent you. We wish you a successful school year.

Sincerely,

2

New Jersey Education Association

Welcome to the

We are proud to count you as a member of the nation’s premier

education association. In challenging times such as these, NJEA members

must remain united to promote a quality system

of public education for all students and protect

our profession.

3

Our mission:The mission of the New Jersey Education

Association is to advance and protect the rights, benefits, and interests of members, and promote

a quality system of public education for all students.

Our vision:The New Jersey Education Association is a diverse, democratic organization working

to create an optimal environment to achieve excellence in public education in New Jersey.

Our goals:✓ Member advocacy

To preserve and improve the economic interests, working conditions, job security, and pensions

of all members.

✓ Enhancing public educationTo promote and deliver quality professional development for educators. To advance and

support policies that enhance and enrich public education.

✓ OrganizingTo strengthen the Association by maximizing

membership, developing leadership, and supporting affiliates.

How NJEA works with you:Look at your workday and consider the role your local association has had—and continues to have—in protecting and maintaining your working conditions. NJEA and its members advocated for many of the rights you enjoy by statue. NJEA provides you with other benefits—including negotiating with you for a fair, high-quality contract.

Your association is here when you’re feeling overwhelmed and to help you achieve your professional goals.

WHY NJEA?

4

Early career members – NJEA knows that you are important.All members—even nontenured members—have a full membership in the NJEA. You are as much a member of this association as a local association building rep or even a local association president. You are important.

Speaking of your local association and NJEA, you may not know much about them yet. This publication was written with that in mind. Your local association, your county association, and NJEA work best when members step up and get involved. When NJEA members become involved, they report increased job satisfaction, too.

Get involved.There are many ways to get involved in your local association. You don’t have to be the person out front who speaks at board of education meetings, takes the microphone at rallies, or collaborates directly with the superintendent. Generally speaking, those are the jobs of a local association president.

There are many of other roles that members can take on to be active. These include serving on:

• the PRIDE committee. • the Legislative Action Team (LAT). • the social committee. • the county education association.

It can be a challenge for early career members to find entry points to getting involved in their local associations, but even volunteering just one hour a year with your local association is time well spent. Reach out to your building representative or local association president to ask about how you can volunteer your time to build strength within your association.

But why should I get involved?NJEA members just starting their careers often feel overwhelmed. This feeling is amplified by a well-funded corporate “reform” movement that seeks to weaken unions and make money from public education by

The NJEA early career member network

The governor, the State Legislature, and theState Board of Education

Local Board ofEducation

Superintendentand districtadministration

What makes an association work.• We don’t criticize a coworker except to the coworker. • If we hear a coworker being criticized, we confront the criticism. • We don’t participate in conversations with administrators, board of education members, parents, or other community members that result in speculation about or criticism of association members. • We settle di�erences internally. • We will engage in debate and give adequate opportunity for debate, but we observe the majority mandate.• We respect minority viewpoints, but when we settle issues through discussion or vote, we support the local association position.

A strong foundation levels the playing �eldand this is what keeps the foundation strong.

OK, NOW let’s negotiate.

your association. simplified.

5

privatizing school services. Stress is a weapon of choice from these profiteers, and members can feel exhausted from fighting this battle.

NJEA wants to empower you to advocate for yourself and your students. Since the percentage of teachers and education support professionals who leave their jobs within the first five years continues to climb, it is important that you feel good about what you do. NJEA wants you to be successful, not a statistic.

A support system of family, friends, and colleagues is particularly vital for early-career members who deal with both the stress of a new job and the stress of attacks upon the profession they are devoting their lives to. It is important that NJEA members carve out time to come together across departments, job categories, districts, and counties to celebrate the profession.

The early career member network Recently, NJEA members created what is known as the early career member network. Early career members often gather to network and build their support systems. Getting involved is a great way to meet other educators who are in the same position as you.

The early career network has hosted plenty of events over the past couple years. Members have enjoyed bowling, trivia nights, paint nights, holiday shopping events, and much more. Members have even hosted events for professional development credits, too. You can read descriptions of these past events and even browse upcoming events at njea.org/earlycareermembers. While there, make sure to join the network to get in on the email list. The early career network has been so popular, in

fact, that there are now three regional spin off groups located in the northern, central, and southern regions of the state. They are . . .

✓ Team North – facebook.com/groups/teamnorth.

✓ Central Connection – facebook.com/njeacentralconnection.

✓ Team South – facebook.com/njeateamsouth.

The early career members in these groups plan events for their peers from start to finish. If you have an idea for an event, want to help plan an event, or just get in contact, send an email to earlycareer@njea.org to be put in touch with your regional group.

For even more information on the early career network, visit njea.org/earlycareermembers, where you will find:

✓ Get access to special members-only events.

✓ Browse resources, including those related to student loan debt and saving for retirement.

✓ See what early career members are up to across the state! The news blog is updated regularly.

Remember that every member has a place in his or her local association. You are part of NJEA, a 200,000-member organization that makes an important difference in the lives of 1.35 million students every day. The more you advocate for yourself and your students, the more of a difference you can make.

“A movement . . . not a moment.”TEAM NORTH | CENTRAL CONNECTION | TEAM SOUTH

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NJEA Members also includeNJEA Preservice membersThe NJEA Preservice program gives preservice members immediate access to their future colleagues and every advantage of NJEA membership, including:

• Admission to the annual NJEA Convention in Atlantic City.

• Training and advice to help members survive their student teaching assignments and first year of teaching.

• Liability insurance that protects members in the classroom during student teaching.

• Subscription to an exclusive professional journal for preservice members.

• The same shopping and service discounts enjoyed by all NJEA members.

• Access to NJEA’s library of collective bargaining agreements in order to review school districts’ employment contracts before job interviews.

• Joining NJEA Preservice also includes membership in the National Education Association (NEA).

Learn more at njea.org/members/preservice.

NJEA higher education membersDid you know that NJEA represents faculty, education support professionals (ESPs), and administrative staff across the state’s 19 community colleges? These NJEA members prepare students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities, or for immediate entry into the workforce.

In fact, there are almost fifty NJEA higher education bargaining units. NJEA higher education members enjoy all the rights and privileges of their preK-12 counterparts, as well as:

• Legal and negotiations representation.

• Access to local leadership development programs.

• Access to regional and national conferences as well as the annual NJEA Higher Education Conference.

• Subscription to an exclusive higher education newsletter.

• Special seminars at the annual NJEA Convention.

• The national connection through NEA, which has 950 higher education local associations across the US.

Learn more at njea.org/membership/higher-education.

New Jersey Retirees’ Education Association membersThe New Jersey Retirees’ Education Association (NJREA) is dedicated to:

• Improving the quality of life for retired educational personnel by providing informational programs in all 21 county associations as well as philanthropic activities and social situations for NJREA members.

• Sponsoring an annual convention in November with member benefit vendors and speakers who address retiree issues.

• Working with NJEA & NEA to pass beneficial state and federal legislation.

• Offering NJREA annual, lifetime, and pre-retired lifetime membership to all New Jersey public school or public college employees, which includes membership in NJEA, NEA-Retired, and a CREA—County Retired Education Association.

NJREA is a proactive retiree organization, offering NJREA annual, lifetime, and pre-retired lifetime membership to all New Jersey public school or public college employees, which includes membership in NJEA, NEA-Retired, and a CREA-County Retired Education Association.  Currently, there are approximately 30,000 NJREA members— an increase of more than a thousand members compared to last year.  NJREA leaders agree that the growth may be attributed to an increased awareness by retirees of the need to keep informed about their pensions, medical and dental health insurance, and any legislation that could impact these earned benefits.

Learn more at njea.org/Members/Retired-Members-Public/Retired-Members.

NJEA Public Charter School MembersDid you know that NJEA represents over 1,000 members who work in PUBLIC charter schools in New Jersey? These 17 charter schools have gone through the NJEA affiliations process, and staff are full NJEA members. These members represent public education at many different levels in the state, including:

• Serving on NJEA’s Public Charter School Members Work Group, a body made of representatives from all 17 NJEA affiliated charter schools that works to influence and adopt charter policy at the NJEA, NEA, and state government levels.

• Testifying before the State Board of Education against the weakening of charter regulations.

• Supporting and amending the new business item passed at the 2017 NEA Representative Assembly meeting that called for a moratorium on charter schools as well as the active unionization of the existing charter schools.

• Actively organizing unaffiliated public charter schools to help NJEA bring fair working conditions and improved learning conditions to all educational professionals and students in New Jersey.

7

What is UniServ?The cornerstone of NJEA’s service to members is its UniServ program—a statewide network that provides extensive field services to members and local and county affiliates throughout the state, working out of 22 regional offices to supply doorstep service to members. Find these offices on njea.org under About.

Through each UniServ office, trained NJEA field representatives offer local associations and members personal on-site service in bargaining and contract enforcement as well as advice on grievances, explanation of legal rights, political action, communications assistance, representation before administrators and boards of education, direct assistance at the bargaining table, leadership development skills, organizational management and membership promotion strategies, and guidance related to professional development issues.

The UniServ staff is assisted by staff in other divisions who work out of NJEA Headquarters in Trenton and part-

time UniServ, pension, professional development, communications, and organizational development consultants.

STOP! Seek help before answering investigatory questions.If you have been accused of inappropriate conduct with a student, child abuse, or job-related criminal behavior, call your regional UniServ office immediately—before speaking with an investigator or administrator regarding an accusation. If an administrator or investigator asks to meet with you regarding an accusation, you may exercise your constitutional rights and not make any statements without NJEA legal representation.

If you are a witness to child abuse, you must report it following your district’s procedures. Failure to report suspected child abuse could result in criminal prosecution or a lawsuit if it is discovered that you had knowledge and did not report it. In addition to reporting the

suspected child abuse, speak to your building representative, local president, or NJEA UniServ field representative.

When and whom should I call?Often it is hard to know whom to call or reach out to when you know something just isn’t right at work. Please reach out to your local building representative or local president and ask for help. They may be able to help you resolve the issue right away.

However, if you need immediate assistance and can’t reach a local representative and if your problem is job related—affecting your employment, your contract with a public school district, or some other aspect of your continued employment—call your regional UniServ office immediately.

Find your regional UniServ office at njea.org/about/regional-offices.

By May 15, all nontenured teachers must be notified of re-employment.If the school board fails to notify the nontenured teacher, he or she is entitled to continued employment for the next year. In addition, many locally negotiated contracts include similar requirements for educational support professionals (ESPs).

If a nontenured teacher wishes to accept employment, he or she must notify the board in writing on or before June 1. ESP staff members should consult their collective bargaining agreements to determine if they have similar response requirements.

Members who have been notified of their nonrenewal should contact their local president.

What is tenure? In 1909, New Jersey became the first state to pass tenure legislation when it granted fair-dismissal rights to educators. Tenure is vital to the protection of public education. It provides you with due process procedures that protect you from arbitrary discipline or political interference.

Ultimately, tenure gives your students the stability and consistency they need to reach their full potential.

A note on tenure for NJEA members working in public charter schools:

According to N.J.A.C. 6A:11-6.2 (a): “All teaching staff members, janitors, and secretaries shall acquire streamline tenure in a charter school after five consecutive full academic years of effective employment as determined by the Department-approved educator evaluation system established by each charter school and in accordance with the charter school’s uniform policies and procedures.”

What’s so special about May 15?

8

Who we are:✓ Paraeducators: instructional and non-instructional

support.

✓ Clerical services: secretarial, clerical, and administrative support.

✓ Custodial and maintenance services: buildings and grounds, maintenance and repair.

✓ Transportation services: transportation and delivery services and vehicle maintenance.

✓ Food services: food planning, preparation, and service.

✓ Skilled trades services: trades, crafts, and machine operations.

✓ Security services: school resource, guard, police, and security specialties.

✓ Technical services: computer, audiovisual, and language technical support; media, public relations, writing, and art specialties.

We’re NJEA Educational Support Professionals

9

...and Proud of It!

These eight job groups include more than 300 categories of preK-higher education ESP positions! Through NJEA we:• Win better pay, benefits, and working conditions.

• Gain professional development and leadership training.

• Have access to life, health, and disability insurance programs.

• Get credit, loan, savings, investment, and discount services.

• Have tough and effective representation in job-related disputes.

• Speak out for our concerns in the State Legislature and in Congress.

• Are represented at NJEA meetings.

• Get association news through NJEA publications and njea.org.

NJEA’s ESP programs…• Organize, represent, and support us.

• Let the local community know what we do for public education.

• Foster our access to and use of technology through training, grants, and educational materials.

• Help us fight privatization of our work.

• Develop research-based information to help ESP leaders better represent us.

• Over the past two decades, NJEA’s ESP membership has grown steadily. In 1979 we numbered just 13,000. We now number over 50,000.

• Contact your UniServ office for more information. Also visit njea.org/esp.

✓ Your local, county, state, and national associations are not “top down” organizations. ✓ You have a democratic voice. As a member, you can be a big part of what happens, and you have a right to vote. ✓ Consider running for a local, county, state, or even a national position to make more of an impact.

�e New Jersey Education Association is the state’s largest professional education organization, representing 200,000 elementary and secondary teachers, education support professionals, higher education faculty, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.

You have direct representation to the NJEA Delegate Assembly (DA) and NJEA Executive Committee.

NJEA members elect three o�cers to serve the members on a state level—the NJEA President, Vice-President, and Secretary/Treasurer.

Learn more at njea.org/about/leadership.

�e National Education Association (NEA) is the nation's largest professional employee organization. NEA has 3 million members that work at every level of education—from preK to university graduate programs. NEA has a�liate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.

New Jersey has 11 elected representatives on NEA’s Board of Directors. NEA policy is set at its annual Representative Assembly (RA) meeting each summer.

Learn more about NEA at nea.org.

Your COUNTY Education AssociationCounty association leadership is usually very similar to that of the local. �ey have a president, vice president(s), treasurer, and a secretary.

In addition to the o�cers, each county has an executive board, which includes members of the NJEA Delegate Assembly.

County associations have representative councils, too. �ey include members from each local association. Delegates to the council are proportionate to the size of each local association.

You can �nd your county association’s website at njea.org/about/county-

presidents-o�ces.

Your STATEEducationAssociation

Your NATIONALEducationAssociation

YOUR LOCAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATIONAlthough each of NJEA’s 900+ local associations can be very di�erent, all have a basic structure. You have an important

place within this structure, giving you a voice. �e Vice

President(s):�e position of vice president

is not an easy one to describe with a “one size �ts all” de�nition. Vice

presidents are expected to do . . . well . . . anything and everything that supports the

president. Your local association has already designated speci�c tasks to the

vice president, and you can �nd them in your association bylaws. Ask for a copy if

you don’t have one.

�e President:Frankly, the president is the

biggest indicator of success for any local association. �e president

must be willing to give time and e�ort to duties of the o�ce, have a passion for

education, and possess a cooperative spirit to work with all school employees, adminis-

trators, board of education members, and the public. Any good local president has lots of members behind him or her, stepping

up and helping out.

�e Membership Chair:

�e membership chairperson keeps members’ records up to date

and is a liaison with the payroll o�ce, the county association, NJEA, and NEA.

Changes in employment status are tracked, and new members should be welcomed. �e membership chairperson also works with

association o�cers to develop and implement a member engagement

plan that motivates members to become more involved.

Committee Chairpersons:

Most local associations have committee chairs, which are appointed by the president.

�ese committee chairs, in addition to the association o�cers listed, make

up the local association executive board.

Association Representatives:

Each local association has an AR (or Association Representative)

structure. ARs should be members of the local association representative council

or representative assembly, which is the policy-making body for the local associa-

tion. With few exceptions, each school or worksite should have at least one

AR for every 10 to 15 members. In large schools, one AR

serves as head AR.

�e Treasurer:Responsibilities of the

local association treasurer can steadily grow as association

members realize the advantages of keeping adequate �nances, maintain-ing a planned budget, being incorpo-

rated, and following appropriate Internal Revenue Service

classi�cations.

�e Secretary:Probably the secretary’s most important job is to

properly interpret the discus-sions that occur at local associa-tion meetings. Failure to clearly

record the proceedings of a meeting could confuse everyone involved.

✓ Your local, county, state, and national associations are not “top down” organizations. ✓ You have a democratic voice. As a member, you can be a big part of what happens, and you have a right to vote. ✓ Consider running for a local, county, state, or even a national position to make more of an impact.

�e New Jersey Education Association is the state’s largest professional education organization, representing 200,000 elementary and secondary teachers, education support professionals, higher education faculty, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.

You have direct representation to the NJEA Delegate Assembly (DA) and NJEA Executive Committee.

NJEA members elect three o�cers to serve the members on a state level—the NJEA President, Vice-President, and Secretary/Treasurer.

Learn more at njea.org/about/leadership.

�e National Education Association (NEA) is the nation's largest professional employee organization. NEA has 3 million members that work at every level of education—from preK to university graduate programs. NEA has a�liate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.

New Jersey has 11 elected representatives on NEA’s Board of Directors. NEA policy is set at its annual Representative Assembly (RA) meeting each summer.

Learn more about NEA at nea.org.

Your COUNTY Education AssociationCounty association leadership is usually very similar to that of the local. �ey have a president, vice president(s), treasurer, and a secretary.

In addition to the o�cers, each county has an executive board, which includes members of the NJEA Delegate Assembly.

County associations have representative councils, too. �ey include members from each local association. Delegates to the council are proportionate to the size of each local association.

You can �nd your county association’s website at njea.org/about/county-

presidents-o�ces.

Your STATEEducationAssociation

Your NATIONALEducationAssociation

YOUR LOCAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATIONAlthough each of NJEA’s 900+ local associations can be very di�erent, all have a basic structure. You have an important

place within this structure, giving you a voice. �e Vice

President(s):�e position of vice president

is not an easy one to describe with a “one size �ts all” de�nition. Vice

presidents are expected to do . . . well . . . anything and everything that supports the

president. Your local association has already designated speci�c tasks to the

vice president, and you can �nd them in your association bylaws. Ask for a copy if

you don’t have one.

�e President:Frankly, the president is the

biggest indicator of success for any local association. �e president

must be willing to give time and e�ort to duties of the o�ce, have a passion for

education, and possess a cooperative spirit to work with all school employees, adminis-

trators, board of education members, and the public. Any good local president has lots of members behind him or her, stepping

up and helping out.

�e Membership Chair:

�e membership chairperson keeps members’ records up to date

and is a liaison with the payroll o�ce, the county association, NJEA, and NEA.

Changes in employment status are tracked, and new members should be welcomed. �e membership chairperson also works with

association o�cers to develop and implement a member engagement

plan that motivates members to become more involved.

Committee Chairpersons:

Most local associations have committee chairs, which are appointed by the president.

�ese committee chairs, in addition to the association o�cers listed, make

up the local association executive board.

Association Representatives:

Each local association has an AR (or Association Representative)

structure. ARs should be members of the local association representative council

or representative assembly, which is the policy-making body for the local associa-

tion. With few exceptions, each school or worksite should have at least one

AR for every 10 to 15 members. In large schools, one AR

serves as head AR.

�e Treasurer:Responsibilities of the

local association treasurer can steadily grow as association

members realize the advantages of keeping adequate �nances, maintain-ing a planned budget, being incorpo-

rated, and following appropriate Internal Revenue Service

classi�cations.

�e Secretary:Probably the secretary’s most important job is to

properly interpret the discus-sions that occur at local associa-tion meetings. Failure to clearly

record the proceedings of a meeting could confuse everyone involved.

Observations

AchieveNJ -*TeachNJ - ▲

Dates

Evaluation

10/ 1

Annual

noti�c

ation

of

evalu

ation

syste

m and

all ev

aluati

on pr

oced

ures*

10/ 3 1

SGOs d

ue*

Deadli

ne for

CAPs

for t

hose

with a

summert

ime s

core

prior

to the

end o

f the y

ear*

Deadli

ne for

PDPs2 / 15

Deadli

ne to

modify

SGO*

6 / 30

Deadli

ne for

Annu

al

Summati

ve C

onfer

ence

Appro

ximate

ly mid-w

ay

betw

een th

e dev

elopm

ent

of the C

orrec

tive A

ction

Plan

and A

nnual Su

mmative

Con

feren

ce.

Date of

the m

id-ye

ar ev

aluati

on fo

r

teach

ers on

a Cor

rectiv

e Acti

on Plan

9 / 1 /1 8

Sunset

date

of the

regula

tory r

equir

emen

t

for a

DEAC*

Maximum amount of time to develop a CAP for individuals who receive their summative evaluation score after September 15*

25workdays

10workdays

Maximum amount of time allowed to give notice of changes to evaluation system after October 1*

1Maximum number of teaching staff member days for a post-observation conference*15

Minimum number of minutes required for any observation*

7Maximum number of teaching staff member workdays for notification of a pre-observation conference*

10Maximum number of teachingstaff member work days following the post-observation conference to submit a response/rebuttal*

Approximate minimum number of observed minutes required for tenured teachers as defined by code*

The number of summative evaluations a teacher receives per year ▲

40 20Number of observations required for those on a CAP*

Minimum number ofobservations required fortenured teaching staffmembers.

Minimum number ofobservations required fornontenured teaching staffmembers.

+1

2

3Approximate number of total teaching minutes of a teacher

36,000

Approximate percentageof total teaching captured through observation

0.12%

Approximate percentage of unobserved teaching time

99.88%

1 Weight of SGP school year30%

Minimum number of individual student scores required to have an SGP*

20 Minimum number of teachers on a School Improvement Panel (ScIP) ▲

1Minimum number of people on a ScIP ▲

3

Weight of SGO school year(projected for 2017-18) *

15% Weight of teacher practice with SGP school year (projected for 2017-18)*

55%

Weight of teacher practice without SGP school year (projected for 2017-18)*85%

The minimum summative score required to be rated effective (projected for 2017-18)*

2.65

Minimum number of teachingstaff member work days for notification of a pre-observation conference*

12

Evaluation by the numbers*Due to the nature of this evolving issue, this information is subject to change. Visit njea.org/issues/ evaluation for the most up-to-date information.

13

Protect your income during your initial open enrollment period.Disability insurance is an essential consideration. New Jersey public school employees (in pension tiers IV and V) have no disability insurance in their first year of employment and insufficient protection after that. NJEA has made voluntary disability insurance available to members since 1953. Every member is urged to investigate his/her income protection needs at the start of his/her career and during subsequent open enrollment

periods. Each school district is visited by Educators Insurance Services (EIS) approximately once every three years. EIS is the only NJEA-authorized sales agency offering the unique NJEA-sponsored disability insurance plans.

As a new NJEA member, you have 120 days to enroll in the NJEA-sponsored disability insurance program without having to answer health questions. Call 800-727-3414 (prompt #3) for an application or visit educators-insurance.com.

Your pension is deferred compensation.Pensions are a form of deferred compensation. They help attract quality professionals.

Pensions do not necessarily cost employers or taxpayers more than a 401 (k). Over the last twenty years, employees have contributed more than three times what the state has contributed. If defined pension benefits are funded properly, they are the cheapest, most efficient way to fund retirement benefits for public employees. (Source: National Institute on Retirement Security.)

A 403(b) plan is a U.S. tax-advantaged retirement savings plan available for public education organizations.  Employee salary deferrals

into a 403(b) plan are made before income tax is paid and allowed to grow tax-deferred until the money is taxed as income when withdrawn from the plan.

Learn more at neamb.com/retire

If you do not act within the first 120 days of your initial NJEA membership, you will be required to answer health questions and could be denied coverage.

Financial security concerns for new members

As you begin your career in public education, begin planning for a lifetime of financial security now. Consider the following:

14

AID-NJEA—If you or a family member ever needs someone to talk about any kind of issue, there is a 24/7 resource. Simply call 866-AID-NJEA. A trained and dedicated professional is always available.

Life and Health-Related Insurance—NEA Member Benefits offers members and their families a comprehensive assortment of insurance programs. Visit neamb.com and go to the Insurance menu.

NEA Financial Services—NEA Member Benefits offers nationally-sponsored savings programs, credit cards, home financing, personal loans, and a variety of insurance products. Visit neamb.com or call the member service center at 800-637-4636.

Auto and Home Insurance—Be sure that you are getting the best pricing for auto and/or home insurance. Contact California Casualty (NEA Auto and Home Insurance) at 866-680-5142. Find out all about the free, additional perks that you get as an NEA member.

Totally No-Fee Banking—BankMobile offers totally mobile banking through your smartphone or tablet without fees. BankMobile also offers high-yield savings with no minimum balance. Simply visit bankmobile.com/njea for instructions.

Travel—Visit the Entertainment and Travel menus at njea.org/memberbenefits to find many sources of fun places that offer special discounts to our members. Be sure to check out:

• Access Discounts• Buyer’s Edge Inc. Travel• NEA Travel Services

Vision Services—Optical Academy offers the lowest pricing on vision services and eyewear. Visit optical-academy.com or call 800-530-2730. In addition to stores in New York City and Clifton, N.J., Optical Academy schedules visits to schools around the state. Eyeglasses start at $29 for single vision frames and lenses.

Home Financing—Wells Fargo Home Mortgage has a special relationship with NJEA Member Benefits that provides a $500 gift card after closing on home mortgages. Call 866-699-3557 or visit neamb.com/finance.

Personal Legal Services—Get two free 30-minute free consultations annually, and/or a 30% discount on qualifying personal legal needs through the NEA/NJEA network of attorneys. Call your local NJEA office for details.

ACCESS Discounts—Card-carrying NJEA members save up to 50% at popular restaurants, retailers, and travel providers throughout New Jersey and across America. Simply log in at njea.org/memberbenefits for a searchable listing of more than 300,000 member-only discounts. Questions? Call 866-245-5292. Mention group #9138.

My Deals App—Be sure to download the My Deals app from Access to connect with discounts using your smartphone. It is extremely valuable.

Member Benefits Directory—Hundreds more special offers are listed in the NJEA Member Benefits Directory. You can search online or print a copy of the directory.

Benefits for members and their families

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Buyer’s Edge Inc.

1. Shop around and find what you want.

2. Know the manufacturer and model number.

3. Call the phone number above to get the lowest price.

4. Give the representative NJEA’s number. Find it on memberbenefits.njea.org

5. Save money! It’s that simple!

Appliances/TVs: 800-377-3700Audio equipment: 800-543-0911Cars (new and used): 800-543-8381Jewelry: 800-635-9136Exercise equipment: 800-541-9905Furniture/Mattresses: 800-631-0286

Kitchen cabinets/countertops: 800-327-3599Luggage: 800-543-8237Moving service: 800-356-7771Real estate (buy/sell): 800-232-6766Solar Energy: 800-588-1920Travel (full service): 800-634-8538

NJEA’s most valuable consumer benefit! Save on most major purchases through Buyer’s Edge Inc. NJEA members and

family can get guaranteed lowest prices!

To take advantage of this benefit, visit memberbenefits.njea.org and sign in.

*Member Discount Program and Access: products and services listed in the NJEA Member Discount Program and Access are provided as a service to NJEA members and do not constitute an endorsement by NJEA or a representation regarding the products’ quality or characteristics. NJEA makes no warranties expressed or implied, including the warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose regarding any products or services listed in the NJEA Member Discount Program and Access.

NJEA Member Discount Program*NJEA offers thousands of savings offers. Visit njea.org to find the complete listing of locations where you can save!• Go to njea.org/memberbenefits.• Sign in with your PIN (or email address) and password (last four digits of your Social Security

number, unless you changed it).

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Established in 1993, the NJEA Frederick L. Hipp Foundation for Excellence in Education was created to provide opportunities for school employees to expand their visions of excellence in our classrooms and schools. The Foundation honors the memory of Dr. Hipp, a former NJEA executive director. NJEA members can apply for grants ranging from $500 to $10,000 for innovative educational initiatives that wouldn’t normally be funded by your school budget. The Foundation accepts applications postmarked up through March 1 of each year. Applications are reviewed once annually. Applicants are notified of their application status by the end of May.

GrantsHipp GrantsThe NJEA Frederick L. Hipp Foundation for Excellence in Education provides grants from $500 to $10,000 for innovative educational initiatives.

PRIDE in Public EducationIn 1994 NJEA initiated PRIDE in Public Education, a campaign aimed at sharing the successes of New Jersey’s public schools and building community support and involvement.

NJEA provides grants for all kinds of local and county com- munity involvement projects.

PRIDE has supported thousands of projects that have brought schools and communities together to demonstrate just how great our public schools are.

One of the most important aspects of PRIDE is the recognition and publicity the projects often produce. The more a community knows about how good its schools are, the more likely it is to get involved and offer support.

Are you considering inviting parents in to your classroom for an activity? Your local association can get involved and use PRIDE funds to make the experience even more

special for your guests. PRIDE can pay for refreshments, promotional items, supplies, materials, etc. Any activity that involves parents and the community—even if not schoolwide—qualifies for PRIDE funding.

Are you involved with any community groups that your local association could help via PRIDE? How about not-for-profit organizations, historical houses, community recreation offices, senior groups, businesses, civic groups, etc.? Your local association can have a presence at an upcoming event and make it more special through PRIDE.

To learn more, visit njea.org/grants/pride and contact your NJEA UniServ field representative.

If you are interested in applying for a Hipp grant, check out njea.org/grants/hipp-foundation.

College tuition increases are due to state funding cuts.

Student Loan Relief Resources—Don’t leave money on the table. Learn about your options for reducing your student loan payments: njea.org/getting-out-of-student-loan-debt.

Income Driven Repayment Options—There are at least four different plans that may help to lower monthly student loan payments. They fit under the larger umbrella of “Income Driven Repayment.” Learn more about these options at nea.org/home/60703.htm.

Income-Based Repayment—Income Based Repayment ties the size of your monthly loan payment to your income and family size. Learn more at nea.org/home/60700.htm.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness—You may qualify for public service loan forgiveness after 10 years or 120 qualifying payments. Got questions? Read the FAQs: nea.org/home/60605.htm.

Learn more about how to apply for public service loan forgiveness. Find out here: nea.org/home/60674.htm.

It never hurts to call your loan provider and ask if you qualify for any loan forgiveness programs.

Depending on where and how long you teach, you can receive complete loan cancellation or at least a deferment of some loans by filling some understaffed teaching positions, including teaching in schools serving low- income students or teaching certain subjects in which there is a shortage of teachers.

Under the National Defense Education Act, a portion of Stafford or PLUS loans can be forgiven (up to $17,500 of the remaining loan balance).

Download “Student Debt: 6 charts that explain it all,” here: nea.org/assets/img/pubToday/2014Winter/StudentDebt_charts.pdf

There are solutions to this crisis of college affordability. Demand from Congress:• Increase need-based federal aid, like Pell Grants.

• Refinance loan interest rates. We can refinance loans on cars or homes, so why not student loans?

• Expand loan forgiveness programs, especially those for people working in public service careers like education.

• Expand federal repayment programs, such as Pay As You Earn, which determines the size of monthly loan payments according to a borrower’s income.

NEA’s Degrees Not Debt campaign is a coast-to-coast effort to raise awareness of the student debt crisis and provide resources to besieged borrowers, including information on federal loan forgiveness programs.

Getting out ofstudent loan42 million Americans have student loan debt. More student loans are in delinquency than mortgages, credit cards, and auto loans.

TO DO: Contact your New Jersey state legislators and tell them to increase state support for higher education institutions. Find your legislator at njleg.state.nj.us/members/legsearch.asp.➥

TO DO: Contact your member of the US House of Representatives and demand action! Visit house.gov. 17

This information is subject to change. Visit njea.org/getting-out-of-student-loan-debt for the most up-to-date information

In 2016, seven out of 10 college graduates left school owing an average of $35,000 each in student loans. Between 1980 and 2010, the average cost of a four-year public university education jumped from approximately $9,000 a year to nearly $22,000. The average debt for a school employee with a graduate degree is $50,000

Learn about NEA’s Degrees Not Debt campaign here: nea.org/degreesnotdebt.

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The PAC is bigger than most NJEA committees. It includes NJEA officers; members of the Executive,

Government Relations, and Congressional Contact Committees; county association presidents; and representatives of educational support professionals, NJEA Preservice, and the New Jersey Retirees’ Education Association (NJREA). The purpose of the PAC is to screen and endorse candidates who support public education, students, and schools as well as college staff; raise funds; and develop support for endorsed candidates.

Why does NJEA need PAC?Our association needs NJEA PAC to elect supporters of public education. NJEA PAC also provides us with an opportunity to bring the issues to the candidates and help them understand the concerns of public school employees. Our ability to support proven or potential friends of public education has helped us to build the relationships we need to advance public education.

How does NJEA PAC choose which candidates it will support?Candidates, individual NJEA or NJREA members, county or local associations, or political parties may submit a written request for endorsement to NJEA PAC. These requests for endorsement are processed by screening committees composed of NJEA and NJREA members. The screening committees make recommendations to the NJEA PAC. The NJEA PAC considers these recommendations and chooses which candidates to support. Candidates are selected on a strictly nonpartisan basis. Candidates are asked to complete questionnaires or

submit information regarding their positions on issues of importance to public education. This information is forwarded to screening committees that conduct interviews of interested candidates to further explore their ideas about public education and to assess their electability.

You have a voice!You have direct input in selecting candidates through your local and county association leaders and your representatives serving on NJEA PAC. In fact, they count on you for information about local issues, the political climate in your area, and your assessment of local attitudes.

How is NJEA PAC funded?NJEA PAC funds come solely from voluntary contributions of NJEA and NJREA members. NJEA does not use dues money for campaign contributions. NJEA PAC is your voluntary voice. To donate, see your local president or building representative for an APD (Automatic Payroll Deduction) form.

NJEA’s Political Action Committee

How does NJEA choose the candidates they support?

They listen to members just like YOU on the Political Action Committee!

NJEA’s Political Action Committee (PAC) is one of NJEA’s 50 committees. NJEA’s Delegate Assembly, Executive Committee, and all of NJEA’s committees are made up of members just like you.

For more information, visit actioncenter.njea.org.

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* This information is subject to change. Visit njea.org/membership/careers-in-education/teacher-certification for the most up-to-date information.State statute prohibits individuals from teaching unless they hold and maintain appropriate New Jersey certification. Certificates are issued in three types: Instructional, Educational Services, and Administrative (School Leader).

To establish eligibility for employment, novice educators must meet the basic requirements for certification, including academic study and applicable test requirements. (Some career and technical education educators may qualify with specified experience in the career/technical field as outlined in state rules.) Those seeking an instructional license must apply for and obtain either a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) for those who have completed a traditional teacher preparation program, or a Certificate of Eligibility (CE) for those who are using an alternate licensing route. The CEAS and the CE authorize an individual to seek and accept offers of employment in New Jersey public schools in the grade level and/or content area in which he or she is seeking certification.

Once employed and in order to legalize employment, CEAS and CE holders must be enrolled by the school district into the Provisional Teacher Process (PTP). A provisional certificate will then be issued, which is valid for two years and expires on July 31st regardless of the date of issuance. All novice teachers, both alternate and traditional route, are supported, mentored, and supervised by experienced professionals in their schools while working under provisional certificates. Provisional teachers are evaluated according to AchieveNJ regulations and must receive two effective or highly effective final summative ratings within three consecutive years to qualify for a standard certificate.

Some educational services license seekers, such as school library media specialists, must also work under a provisional certificate before obtaining a standard certificate. Provisional certificates must be renewed if a standard certificate is not secured before the provisional expires. Renewals may be approved once for a total of four years and, in a few exceptional cases, twice for a total of six years.

✓ Go to the New Jersey Teacher Information System (TCIS) at https://www20.state.nj.us/DOE_TCIS_ONLINEED/login.jsp to review your teaching certificate to ensure you have the correct provisional, standard, or emergency certificate. Make sure your assignment corresponds to the grade level(s) and/or subject(s) that you are authorized to teach under your certificate. If you are not sure, seek assistance through your local association representative or contact NJEA headquarters.

✓ If you hold a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) or Certificate of Eligibility (CE), make sure your district has enrolled you in the Provisional Teacher Process (PTP). If you have not been enrolled or are unsure, seek assistance from your local association.

✓ Periodically check the NJ TCIS to update contact information and review certificates on file.

✓ Make and maintain a professional records file and keep it in a safe place at home.

Maintaining your certification

Get connected with @NJEA! Have you engaged in important conversations with others around issues that matter to you on social media? If so, be sure to reach out to NJEA members from around New Jersey!NJEA members use social media to magnify their voices and maximize their impact on educational issues in their communities. Social media offers the opportunity to share our opinions and experiences with likeminded individuals around us. Whether it’s posting a video to Facebook, tweeting an article to your legislators, or sharing a photo of your classroom on Instagram, you can make a difference. Harness the power of your union by working with fellow members in your community.

NJEA members are encouraged to follow NJEA’s official social media accounts to get up-to-the-minute information on events happening around the state. Be sure to follow our official social accounts:

Facebook Page: New Jersey Education Association

Twitter Username: @NJEA

Instagram Username: @insta_njea

Snapchat Username: TeamNJEA IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAS CONTENT WORTH

SHARING, TAG @NJEA OR SEND NJEA DIRECT MESSAGES ON YOUR PREFERRED SOCIAL

PLATFORMS, AND WE WILL SHARE YOUR CONTENT WITH

OUR FOLLOWERS.