Member Voices: An NJEA Podcast

Are you an educator, parent or advocate interested in the stories of the people who make New Jersey’s public schools among the best in the nation? Join NJEA Vice President Sean M. Spiller and New Jersey educator Jeff Bradbury as they interview fellow educators to learn about the innovations taking place in schools and classrooms across the Garden State. For more information, please visit www.NJEA.org/Podcast.

Investing in students is a lesson in listening and caring: Featuring Aida Wahbah 06/30/2021

Your school's librarian can help source Social Justice content. Featuring Jennifer Jamison 06/15/2021

Your school's librarian can help source Social Justice content. Featuring Jennifer Jamison Jennifer Jamison is a certified school library media specialist with a Masters in Library Science from Rowan University, professional librarian and elementary education certificates that allow her to make connections while providing high quality support to her colleagues and school community. Mrs. Jamison is employed by the Atlantic City School District establishing five unique library spaces throughout her tenure. Her expertise has been recognized locally and nationally, earning the 2013 American Association of School Librarian's National School Library Program of the Year for the exemplary program at Pennsylvania Avenue elementary school, the recipient of the 2013 “I Love my Librarian” national award by ALA/New York Times/Carnegie, the 2014 NJ Center of the Book “Miss Rumphius Award” and Pennsylvania avenue Teacher of the Year. Jamison currently works at the Atlantic City High School navigating the new digital landscape shaped in part of COVID19 promoting equitable access to resources for her students and faculty. Jamison is a proud member of the Atlantic County Education Association, New Jersey Association of School Librarians, American Association of School Librarians, and American Library Association. Jamison’s other passions are Sean, Mary Grace, Michael, gardening, spin and yoga. Follow our Hosts Sean M. Spiller | @SpillerForNJEA Jeff Bradbury | Subscribe to Member Voices We are proud to be listed in the . Please take a moment and subscribe to this show on your favorite podcast player today! Show Hosts Sean Spiller Sean Spiller, a high school science teacher in the Wayne public schools, is vice president of the New Jersey Education Association. Spiller was elected as NJEA vice president beginning Sept. 1, 2017. At NJEA, Spiller has served as chair of the Congressional Contact Committee, as a member of the Urban Education Committee and as an ethnic minority-at large representative to the Delegate Assembly. He was also a member of the National Council of Urban Education Associations (NCUEA). Jeffrey Bradbury Jeffrey Bradbury, author of Kidblog: An Introduction to Blogging With Your Students, is the creator of , , and , is an ASCD Emerging Leader, Google Certified Teacher, Google Education Trainer, PBS Learning Media Digital Innovator, speaker, writer, broadcaster, consultant and educational media specialist. He is currently the Coordinator for Technology Integration for the Westwood Regional School District in New Jersey. In 2012, Jeff was recognized as one of Top 50 educators using social media at the first-ever Bammy Awards and has been nominated three times in the category of Innovator of the Year. Jeff has Keynoted for the Pearson Authentic Learning Conference, EdTechNJ and most recently at Columbia University’s Teacher College and Podcast Mid-Atlantic. /episode/index/show/njeapodcast/id/19209983

Building equity and resiliency with ESL students and families. Featuring Joyce Farr 06/05/2021

Building equity and resiliency with ESL students and families. Featuring Joyce Farr Joyce Farr is a fervent advocate for all educators, students and in particular, language minority students. A multilingual ESL professional, teaching middle and high school students, she has been involved in various levels of the association at the county and state level, political canvassing for pro-education candidates and social justice activism. She currently serves on the NJEA Minority and Leadership Recruitment Committee and Women in Education Committee, and served on the NEA Resolutions Committee as an Alternate and the NJTESOL/NJBE Executive Board. She is also one of NJEA’s Equity Alliance cadre of trainers from the 2017 cohort and is involved with social justice and immigrant justice groups to promote diversity, equity and inclusion. Whilst leisure is a luxury, Joyce enjoys reading, traveling and learning about different cultures. Follow our Hosts Sean M. Spiller | @SpillerForNJEA Jeff Bradbury | Subscribe to Member Voices We are proud to be listed in the . Please take a moment and subscribe to this show on your favorite podcast player today! Show Hosts Sean Spiller Sean Spiller, a high school science teacher in the Wayne public schools, is vice president of the New Jersey Education Association. Spiller was elected as NJEA vice president beginning Sept. 1, 2017. At NJEA, Spiller has served as chair of the Congressional Contact Committee, as a member of the Urban Education Committee and as an ethnic minority-at large representative to the Delegate Assembly. He was also a member of the National Council of Urban Education Associations (NCUEA). Jeffrey Bradbury Jeffrey Bradbury, author of Kidblog: An Introduction to Blogging With Your Students, is the creator of , , and , is an ASCD Emerging Leader, Google Certified Teacher, Google Education Trainer, PBS Learning Media Digital Innovator, speaker, writer, broadcaster, consultant and educational media specialist. He is currently the Coordinator for Technology Integration for the Westwood Regional School District in New Jersey. In 2012, Jeff was recognized as one of Top 50 educators using social media at the first-ever Bammy Awards and has been nominated three times in the category of Innovator of the Year. Jeff has Keynoted for the Pearson Authentic Learning Conference, EdTechNJ and most recently at Columbia University’s Teacher College and Podcast Mid-Atlantic. /episode/index/show/njeapodcast/id/19363853

NJ State Teacher of the Year Angel Santiago promotes diversity in the profession 06/01/2021

NJ State Teacher of the Year Angel Santiago promotes diversity in the profession Angel Santiago is an elementary school teacher at Loring Flemming Elementary school in Blackwood, New Jersey. Santiago is the 2020-2021 New Jersey State Teacher of the Year. His passion for education is rooted in fostering strong relationships with his students, their families, his colleagues, and the communities in which he serves. Angel believes that if a diverse workforce and engaging students engage in community service, are instrumental in closing the equity gap in many communities. Follow our Hosts Sean M. Spiller | @SpillerForNJEA Jeff Bradbury | Subscribe to Member Voices We are proud to be listed in the . Please take a moment and subscribe to this show on your favorite podcast player today! Show Hosts Sean Spiller Sean Spiller, a high school science teacher in the Wayne public schools, is vice president of the New Jersey Education Association. Spiller was elected as NJEA vice president beginning Sept. 1, 2017. At NJEA, Spiller has served as chair of the Congressional Contact Committee, as a member of the Urban Education Committee and as an ethnic minority-at large representative to the Delegate Assembly. He was also a member of the National Council of Urban Education Associations (NCUEA). Jeffrey Bradbury Jeffrey Bradbury, author of Kidblog: An Introduction to Blogging With Your Students, is the creator of , , and , is an ASCD Emerging Leader, Google Certified Teacher, Google Education Trainer, PBS Learning Media Digital Innovator, speaker, writer, broadcaster, consultant and educational media specialist. He is currently the Coordinator for Technology Integration for the Westwood Regional School District in New Jersey. In 2012, Jeff was recognized as one of Top 50 educators using social media at the first-ever Bammy Awards and has been nominated three times in the category of Innovator of the Year. Jeff has Keynoted for the Pearson Authentic Learning Conference, EdTechNJ and most recently at Columbia University’s Teacher College and Podcast Mid-Atlantic. /episode/index/show/njeapodcast/id/19209980

NEA and NJEA Education Support Professional Kim Scott-Hayden promotes ESP worth and professional development 05/15/2021

A reading specialist's take on success in the virtual classroom - Featuring Kara Damminger 12/28/2020

Paying it Forward: Featuring Brian Ward 12/21/2020

Paying it Forward: Featuring Brian Ward Brian Ward, President of the Sussex County Vocational Technical Education Association (SCVTEA) and automotive teacher, as a high school student didn’t think he would graduate from high school but his teachers knew otherwise. Brian shares how they supported him in the beginning of his career and how he knew he wanted to repay the favor by taking on the responsibility of helping the students in his community. Hosted by NJEA Vice President Sean M. Spiller and New Jersey educator Jeffrey Bradbury. Follow our Hosts Sean M. Spiller | @SpillerForNJEA Jeff Bradbury | Subscribe to Member Voices We are proud to be listed in the . Please take a moment and subscribe to this show on your favorite podcast player today! Show Hosts Sean Spiller Sean Spiller, a high school science teacher in the Wayne public schools, is vice president of the New Jersey Education Association. Spiller was elected as NJEA vice president beginning Sept. 1, 2017. At NJEA, Spiller has served as chair of the Congressional Contact Committee, as a member of the Urban Education Committee and as an ethnic minority-at large representative to the Delegate Assembly. He was also a member of the National Council of Urban Education Associations (NCUEA). Jeffrey Bradbury Jeffrey Bradbury, author of Kidblog: An Introduction to Blogging With Your Students, is the creator of , , and , is an ASCD Emerging Leader, Google Certified Teacher, Google Education Trainer, PBS Learning Media Digital Innovator, speaker, writer, broadcaster, consultant and educational media specialist. He is currently the Coordinator for Technology Integration for the Westwood Regional School District in New Jersey. In 2012, Jeff was recognized as one of Top 50 educators using social media at the first-ever Bammy Awards and has been nominated three times in the category of Innovator of the Year. Jeff has Keynoted for the Pearson Authentic Learning Conference, EdTechNJ and most recently at Columbia University’s Teacher College and Podcast Mid-Atlantic. /episode/index/show/njeapodcast/id/16913615

Visual and Performing Arts in a Pandemic 12/14/2020

Visual and Performing Arts in a Pandemic New Jersey State Teacher of the Year 2016-2017, Argine Safari shares her year abroad in Finland as a Fulbright Scholar. Safari, a Music Educator from Pascack Valley High School, also shares about how educators in the Visual and Performing Arts fields are leading New Jersey schools during one of the most challenging times in education. Hosted by NJEA Vice President Sean M. Spiller and New Jersey educator Jeffrey Bradbury. Follow our Hosts Sean M. Spiller | @SpillerForNJEA Jeff Bradbury | Subscribe to Member Voices We are proud to be listed in the . Please take a moment and subscribe to this show on your favorite podcast player today! Show Hosts Sean Spiller Sean Spiller, a high school science teacher in the Wayne public schools, is vice president of the New Jersey Education Association. Spiller was elected as NJEA vice president beginning Sept. 1, 2017. At NJEA, Spiller has served as chair of the Congressional Contact Committee, as a member of the Urban Education Committee and as an ethnic minority-at large representative to the Delegate Assembly. He was also a member of the National Council of Urban Education Associations (NCUEA). Jeffrey Bradbury Jeffrey Bradbury, author of Kidblog: An Introduction to Blogging With Your Students, is the creator of , , and , is an ASCD Emerging Leader, Google Certified Teacher, Google Education Trainer, PBS Learning Media Digital Innovator, speaker, writer, broadcaster, consultant and educational media specialist. He is currently the Coordinator for Technology Integration for the Westwood Regional School District in New Jersey. In 2012, Jeff was recognized as one of Top 50 educators using social media at the first-ever Bammy Awards and has been nominated three times in the category of Innovator of the Year. Jeff has Keynoted for the Pearson Authentic Learning Conference, EdTechNJ and most recently at Columbia University’s Teacher College and Podcast Mid-Atlantic. /episode/index/show/njeapodcast/id/16913606

Engaging Higher Education Members 12/07/2020

Engaging Higher Education Members Assistant Professor of English and President of the Faculty Assoc. Of County College of Morris, James Capozzi, share his insights on engaging members at the Higher Education level and why the importance of belonging to the union is vital in times when student enrollment is down and funding has not caught up to the current needs of New Jersey’s community college system. Hosted by NJEA Vice President Sean M. Spiller and New Jersey educator Jeffrey Bradbury. Follow our Hosts Sean M. Spiller | @SpillerForNJEA Jeff Bradbury | Subscribe to Member Voices We are proud to be listed in the . Please take a moment and subscribe to this show on your favorite podcast player today! Show Hosts Sean Spiller Sean Spiller, a high school science teacher in the Wayne public schools, is vice president of the New Jersey Education Association. Spiller was elected as NJEA vice president beginning Sept. 1, 2017. At NJEA, Spiller has served as chair of the Congressional Contact Committee, as a member of the Urban Education Committee and as an ethnic minority-at large representative to the Delegate Assembly. He was also a member of the National Council of Urban Education Associations (NCUEA). Jeffrey Bradbury Jeffrey Bradbury, author of Kidblog: An Introduction to Blogging With Your Students, is the creator of , , and , is an ASCD Emerging Leader, Google Certified Teacher, Google Education Trainer, PBS Learning Media Digital Innovator, speaker, writer, broadcaster, consultant and educational media specialist. He is currently the Coordinator for Technology Integration for the Westwood Regional School District in New Jersey. In 2012, Jeff was recognized as one of Top 50 educators using social media at the first-ever Bammy Awards and has been nominated three times in the category of Innovator of the Year. Jeff has Keynoted for the Pearson Authentic Learning Conference, EdTechNJ and most recently at Columbia University’s Teacher College and Podcast Mid-Atlantic. /episode/index/show/njeapodcast/id/16913591

Troops to Teachers Featuring Al Jackson and Melissa Petaccio 11/30/2020

Troops to Teachers Featuring Al Jackson and Melissa Petaccio Al Jackson, an NJEA member in Burlington City joins Melissa Petaccio, the state contact for the national program Troops to Teachers. Jackson shares his experiences in the military and his transition to the classroom. Petaccio shares how the program works and why it’s a great career path, especially during a teacher shortage, for many military service members transitioning to careers outside of the military. Hosted by NJEA Vice President Sean M. Spiller and New Jersey educator Jeffrey Bradbury. Follow our Hosts Sean M. Spiller | @SpillerForNJEA Jeff Bradbury | Subscribe to Member Voices We are proud to be listed in the . Please take a moment and subscribe to this show on your favorite podcast player today! Show Hosts Sean Spiller Sean Spiller, a high school science teacher in the Wayne public schools, is vice president of the New Jersey Education Association. Spiller was elected as NJEA vice president beginning Sept. 1, 2017. At NJEA, Spiller has served as chair of the Congressional Contact Committee, as a member of the Urban Education Committee and as an ethnic minority-at large representative to the Delegate Assembly. He was also a member of the National Council of Urban Education Associations (NCUEA). Jeffrey Bradbury Jeffrey Bradbury, author of Kidblog: An Introduction to Blogging With Your Students, is the creator of , , and , is an ASCD Emerging Leader, Google Certified Teacher, Google Education Trainer, PBS Learning Media Digital Innovator, speaker, writer, broadcaster, consultant and educational media specialist. He is currently the Coordinator for Technology Integration for the Westwood Regional School District in New Jersey. In 2012, Jeff was recognized as one of Top 50 educators using social media at the first-ever Bammy Awards and has been nominated three times in the category of Innovator of the Year. Jeff has Keynoted for the Pearson Authentic Learning Conference, EdTechNJ and most recently at Columbia University’s Teacher College and Podcast Mid-Atlantic. /episode/index/show/njeapodcast/id/16913492

NJEA Convention 2020 and Election Update with Marie Blistan and Sean Spiller 11/05/2020

A Higher Ed Perspective 09/01/2020

A Higher Ed Perspective Higher Education member, Laura Kirkwood, an Academic Access administrator from Brookdale Community College and former president of the Brookdale Community College Professional Staff Association, shares her perspectives on current happenings in the world of community colleges in New Jersey, especially the reopening of the 2020 Fall Semester and how the value of being an NJEA member. Hosted by NJEA Vice President Sean M. Spiller and New Jersey educator Jeffrey Bradbury. Follow our Hosts Sean M. Spiller | @SpillerForNJEA Jeff Bradbury | Subscribe to Member Voices We are proud to be listed in the . Please take a moment and subscribe to this show on your favorite podcast player today! About Our Guest: Laura Kirkwood Laura Kirkwood is the administrator for the Academic Access Program. She previously worked as an instructional assistant in the Reading Center for 13 years. Show Hosts Sean Spiller Sean Spiller, a high school science teacher in the Wayne public schools, is vice president of the New Jersey Education Association. Spiller was elected as NJEA vice president beginning Sept. 1, 2017. At NJEA, Spiller has served as chair of the Congressional Contact Committee, as a member of the Urban Education Committee and as an ethnic minority-at large representative to the Delegate Assembly. He was also a member of the National Council of Urban Education Associations (NCUEA). Jeffrey Bradbury Jeffrey Bradbury, author of Kidblog: An Introduction to Blogging With Your Students, is the creator of , , and , is an ASCD Emerging Leader, Google Certified Teacher, Google Education Trainer, PBS Learning Media Digital Innovator, speaker, writer, broadcaster, consultant and educational media specialist. He is currently the Coordinator for Technology Integration for the Westwood Regional School District in New Jersey. In 2012, Jeff was recognized as one of Top 50 educators using social media at the first-ever Bammy Awards and has been nominated three times in the category of Innovator of the Year. Jeff has Keynoted for the Pearson Authentic Learning Conference, EdTechNJ and most recently at Columbia University’s Teacher College and Podcast Mid-Atlantic. /episode/index/show/njeapodcast/id/15725792

Organizing for Job Justice and Student Safety 07/30/2020

Organizing for Job Justice and Student Safety Vice President of Washington Township Schools Supportive Services Personnel Association Christine Kosar has earned a reputation as a progressive fighter for her members and the rights of Educational Support Professionals throughout the state. In this episode, Christine reflects on the fight for Job Justice and on organizing members to share their stories to pass the anti-privatization and due process legislation. Christine also shares her concerns for students, colleagues, and families as the state grapples with the best way to ensure students keep learning in the midst of a global pandemic during the 2020-21 school year. Hosted by NJEA Vice President Sean M. Spiller and New Jersey educator Jeffrey Bradbury. Follow our Hosts Sean M. Spiller | @SpillerForNJEA Jeff Bradbury | Subscribe to Member Voices We are proud to be listed in the . Please take a moment and subscribe to this show on your favorite podcast player today! About Our Guest: Chrissy Kosar Christine Kosar has worked for over 14 years in the Washington Township School District as a bus driver and continues to demonstrate a long history of public and community service. It’s is a job she loves, allowing her to improve the lives of others through public service. As the President of the Washington Township Schools Supportive Services Personnel Association, Christine Kosar worked tirelessly to ensure equity in the workplace and other quality of life issues for Education Support Professionals (ESPs), including advocating for fair wages and labor practices. Christine helped organize numerous campaigns around standardized testing, pension reform, and privatization, among many others. Christine Kosar has worked with Save Our Schools NJ, NJ Working Families, DivestNJ, Greenpeace, League of Women Voters, and ACLU. During her work, Christine formed a network of allies that include Governor Phil Murphy, who personally extended an invitation for her to attend the 2019 Budget Address, due to Christine’s efforts to gain job protections for Education Support Professionals (ESPs). Throughout Christine Kosar’s career as a bus driver, elected union leader, and community activist, she has earned a reputation as a progressive fighter, bringing a proven philosophy of leadership and respect for the people! Her core beliefs include working for greater racial, social, and economic justice in NJ. She believes that decisions should be made by ethics and not money; it is time to return the decision-making to the communities they impact. Her involvement with NJ21 United has seen Christine elevate the voice of ESP’s to the front of the teams’ work within Public Education and community issues. Christine has given testimony at various State committees, worked to divest Public Employee pensions from fossil fuels and continues her work with the D.A.W.A. team towards enhanced employee rights. During the current Covid pandemic Christine worked closely with the NJEA to utilize vital PRIDE funding for food challenged students and families. Her professional relationship with her district and superintendent allowed her to secure the purchasing of perishable food items, through her district. This ensured local food banks were being supplied continuously up until the end of the summer. Show Hosts Sean Spiller Sean Spiller, a high school science teacher in the Wayne public schools, is vice president of the New Jersey Education Association. Spiller was elected as NJEA vice president beginning Sept. 1, 2017. At NJEA, Spiller has served as chair of the Congressional Contact Committee, as a member of the Urban Education Committee and as an ethnic minority-at large representative to the Delegate Assembly. He was also a member of the National Council of Urban Education Associations (NCUEA). Jeffrey Bradbury Jeffrey Bradbury, author of Kidblog: An Introduction to Blogging With Your Students, is the creator of , , and , is an ASCD Emerging Leader, Google Certified Teacher, Google Education Trainer, PBS Learning Media Digital Innovator, speaker, writer, broadcaster, consultant and educational media specialist. He is currently the Coordinator for Technology Integration for the Westwood Regional School District in New Jersey. In 2012, Jeff was recognized as one of Top 50 educators using social media at the first-ever Bammy Awards and has been nominated three times in the category of Innovator of the Year. Jeff has Keynoted for the Pearson Authentic Learning Conference, EdTechNJ and most recently at Columbia University’s Teacher College and Podcast Mid-Atlantic. /episode/index/show/njeapodcast/id/15419162