In this episode of Member Voices from the New Jersey Education Association, Vice President Sean Spiller sits down with NJEA President Marie Blistan to discuss the NJEA Convention and the 2020 Presidental and Local Elections.

• Sean M. Spiller | @SpillerForNJEA
• Jeff Bradbury | @JeffBradbury

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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, author of Kidblog: An Introduction to Blogging With Your Students, is the creator of TeacherCast.net, TeacherCast University, and Educational Podcasting Today, 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.

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.

• Sean M. Spiller | @SpillerForNJEA
• Jeff Bradbury | @JeffBradbury

We are proud to be listed in the Apple Podcasts Directory. Please take a moment and subscribe to this show on your favorite podcast player today!

Laura Kirkwood is the administrator for the Academic Access Program. She previously worked as an instructional assistant in the Reading Center for 13 years. 

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, author of Kidblog: An Introduction to Blogging With Your Students, is the creator of TeacherCast.net, TeacherCast University, and Educational Podcasting Today, 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.

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.

• Sean M. Spiller | @SpillerForNJEA
• Jeff Bradbury | @JeffBradbury

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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.

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, author of Kidblog: An Introduction to Blogging With Your Students, is the creator of TeacherCast.net, TeacherCast University, and Educational Podcasting Today, 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.

Welcome to Member Voices, an NJEA Podcast.  In this episode, we welcome Tom Tamburello, a Mathematics teacher and Department Chair from Lenape High School in Medford New Jersey.

• Sean M. Spiller | @SpillerForNJEA
• Jeff Bradbury | @JeffBradbury

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Tom Tamburello lived in Maryland until moving to New Jersey in 1988. A product of public schools, Tom is a graduate of Cherokee High School in Marlton, NJ and earned his bachelor's degree in Mathematics from The College of New Jersey. In 2002 Tom earned his master's degree in Education from Nova Southeastern University. For the past 20 years, Tom has been a high school math teacher at Lenape High School in Burlington County. At the school he also serves as the advisor to the Gender Sexuality Alliance club, is the math department coordinator, and trains new staff in the Research for Better Teaching program. 

In 2006 Tom was awarded the  N.J. Center for Science, Technology & Mathematics Education Center from Kean University. Two years later he was the Lenape Regional High School District Teacher of the year. Tom has a passion for not only teaching math but understanding and implementing strategies and research about educational practices in his classroom.

During the past 20 years, Tom has served his local by being a building vice president, association representative, and is currently serving as a member at large on the executive board. Tom has also served as Secretary of the Burlington County Education Association, was a member of NJEA's Election Committee, and has been the chairperson of NJEA's Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Committee for over a decade.

In his free time, Tom enjoys the outdoors, traveling the world with his husband, and is an avid game show fan. Tom and his husband are active in their church, enjoy discussions about the intersection of religion and sexuality, and recently became licensed to be foster parents in the state of New Jersey.

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, author of Kidblog: An Introduction to Blogging With Your Students, is the creator of TeacherCast.net, TeacherCast University, and Educational Podcasting Today, 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.

Welcome to Member Voices, an NJEA Podcast.  In this episode, we welcome Amy Anderson.

Amy T. Andersen is a high school American Sign Language (ASL) teacher at Ocean City High School in Cape May County, has been named the 2018 New Jersey State Teacher of the Year.

• Sean M. Spiller | @SpillerForNJEA
• Jeff Bradbury | @JeffBradbury

We are proud to be listed in the iTunes Directory. Please take a moment and subscribe to this show on your favorite podcast player today!

Amy T. Andersen, a high school American Sign Language (ASL) teacher at Ocean City High School in Cape May County, has been named the 2018 New Jersey State Teacher of the Year.

Andersen, who was named the 2017-18 Cape May County Teacher of the Year in the spring, grew up in Cape May County. She earned a bachelor’s degree in flute performance from Indiana University and a mas- ter’s degree in deaf education from McDaniel College. Andersen also achieved national board certification in Exceptional Needs Specialist: Deaf/Hard of Hearing.

After nine years in Boston, Massachusetts as a teacher of the deaf, she returned to New Jersey in 2004 to raise a family. It was then, with 42 students, that Andersen began the ASL program at Ocean City High School. Community oriented activities, such as ASL socials at local coffee shops and evening performances that raise funds for scholarships immerse students in deaf culture helping them to build confidence. In the past three years alone, more than 85 percent of her students have achieved the NJ Seal of Biliteracy. Her popular and respected program has inspired a number of students to pursue ASL-related careers, including interpreting for Michelle Obama and Madonna.

Ocean City’s ASL program is unique, especially in the way Andersen connects her students to the deaf community nationwide. Ocean City has become a strong community that is now accessible to hearing and deaf visitors because of Andersen’s students.

Andersen is a nationally recognized educator who began her career teaching deaf children to fall in love with reading. She now teaches hearing children to fall in love with ASL. Among her many recognitions, Andersen was named the 2014 ASL Teacher of the Year and was honored by the New Jersey Association for the Deaf and Atlantic County Society for the Deaf. In 2015, “Classroom Close-Up NJ” highlighted her program after her students’ ASL anti-bullying video went viral. As Ocean City’s Teacher of the Year, Andersen was featured in the NJ School Board Association’s School Leader and was recently honored by the National Liberty Museum with the Teacher as Hero: Exceptional Teacher Award.

Andersen has made a difference in the lives of her students, and she serves as a model for teachers throughout the country. She ignites her students’ passion for learning, gives them a voice and shows them their voice is valuable. Andersen’s students go out into the world as lifelong learners making bridges between cultures, embracing differences in those around them, and changing lives as they go. 

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, author of Kidblog: An Introduction to Blogging With Your Students, is the creator of TeacherCast.net, TeacherCast University, and Educational Podcasting Today, 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.

Join NJEA President Marie Blistan as she shares stories of NJEA members and all of the amazing things that are happening in remote classrooms across the state, from members making and packing lunches, to community colleges teaching remotely. Learn about the great resources that NJEA has available during the pandemic on njeatogether.org from curriculum to professional development to Covid-19 resources.

• Sean M. Spiller | @SpillerForNJEA
• Jeff Bradbury | @JeffBradbury

We are proud to be listed in the Apple Podcast Directory. Please take a moment and subscribe to this show on your favorite podcast player today!

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, author of Kidblog: An Introduction to Blogging With Your Students, is the creator of TeacherCast.net, TeacherCast University, and Educational Podcasting Today, 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.

James Frazier, a member involved in local, county, state and national association leadership, talks about the importance of every member getting involved in their association, but in particular how Educational Support Professionals can get involved. 

• Sean M. Spiller | @SpillerForNJEA
• Jeff Bradbury | @JeffBradbury

We are proud to be listed in the Apple Podcast Directory. Please take a moment and subscribe to this show on your favorite podcast player today!

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, author of Kidblog: An Introduction to Blogging With Your Students, is the creator of TeacherCast.net, TeacherCast University, and Educational Podcasting Today, 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.

High school English teacher and Freehold Regional HS Education Association President Sarah Reichenbach shares how the bus drivers and teachers from her high school days helped chart her a course to where she is now, and where she would like to see her classroom and association moving forward. She shows how our compassion for our association members resonates in the lives of our students.

• Sean M. Spiller | @SpillerForNJEA
• Jeff Bradbury | @JeffBradbury

Sarah Cardillo Reichenbecher is an educator, union leader, and mom who lives at the Jersey Shore with her husband, 11 year old daughters, and four year old son.  She cares deeply about the value of public education and unionism and is proud to be able to dedicate her professional life to these endeavors. Inspired by the struggles and successes of her own teachers, her colleagues, and educators across New Jersey, she seeks to be a balanced and informed advocate.  

We are proud to be listed in the Apple Podcast Directory. Please take a moment and subscribe to this show on your favorite podcast player today!

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, author of Kidblog: An Introduction to Blogging With Your Students, is the creator of TeacherCast.net, TeacherCast University, and Educational Podcasting Today, 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.

Kimberly Dickstein Hughes, the 2020 New Jersey State Teacher of the Year, is traveling from Mahwah to Cape May, learning from and sharing with each of the County Teachers of the Year, as she promotes a more global perspective on the quality of teaching happening in New Jersey.

• Sean M. Spiller | @SpillerForNJEA
• Jeff Bradbury | @JeffBradbury

We are proud to be listed in the Apple Podcast Directory. Please take a moment and subscribe to this show on your favorite podcast player today!

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, author of Kidblog: An Introduction to Blogging With Your Students, is the creator of TeacherCast.net, TeacherCast University, and Educational Podcasting Today, 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. 

New Brunswick Education Association President and ESL teacher at Roosevelt Elementary, LeShaun Arrington, reflects upon the importance of diversity, seeing oneself within the classroom or organization to which one belongs, and ultimately how much impact that has on one’s life going forward. This drive for representation demands stepping up, inviting others in, giving members space to be involved, and supporting each other along the way. 

LeShaun Arrington began her advocacy in education while serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Haiti, West Indies and in Mali, West Africa.  By living in countries where education was a luxury, not a right, she brings a unique prospective on education advocacy. She received her Masters in Education from NYU and has taught English as a Second Language from grades Kindergarten to the college level. She is a proud member of NJEA and is currently serving as the President of the New Brunswick Education Association.

• Sean M. Spiller | @SpillerForNJEA
• Jeff Bradbury | @JeffBradbury

We are proud to be listed in the Apple Podcast Directory. Please take a moment and subscribe to this show on your favorite podcast player today!

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, author of Kidblog: An Introduction to Blogging With Your Students, is the creator of TeacherCast.net, TeacherCast University, and Educational Podcasting Today, 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.