Also called for increase in teacher mentoring, promoting N.J. colleges Watch video
NJEA President Barbara Keshishian stands in the doorway of the Governor's Office at the Statehouse in an April 2010 photo.TRENTON — The New Jersey Education Association today released what the union called its recommendations for education reform, including streamlining the process for dismissing tenured teachers.
The NJEA, the state's largest teacher's union, also took a swipe at Gov. Chris Christie — who union President Barbara Keshishian said earlier this year ignored union reform proposals — and at politicians with "bumper-sticker slogans to make their case."
"It's time to set the record straight," Keshishian said at a press conference at NJEA headquarters in Trenton. "Our members ... are seasoned educators, who understand how students learn, and what it takes to help them succeed."
The proposal includes streamlining the tenure charge process by having cases heard by arbitrators instead of Administrative Law Judges. The NJEA also called for programs to increase teacher mentoring; promote New Jersey colleges and universities; and for legislation to expand the scope of collective bargaining for teacher contracts, to include items such as class size and professional development.
The proposal did not include lengthening the probationary period before teachers get tenure, merit pay for individual teachers, or a proposal to link teacher evaluations to student achievement.
Previous coverage:
• NJEA to unveil reformed proposals on tenure, failing schools
• N.J. education chief promotes teacher tenure changes, 'merit pay' reforms
• N.J. education chief proposes sweeping school reform, urges NJEA cooperation
• States increasingly take aim at teachers' tenure as legal fees mount to fire some
• NJEA president praises teachers during address, ignores Christie administration snub
• A first for NJEA: Acting N.J. education commissioner declines to speak at convention
• Complete Star-Ledger coverage of the continuing dispute between N.J. Gov. Chris Christie, NJEA