The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) has begun a strategic planning process to review and align its mission and vision with specific organizational goals. NJEA President Steve Beatty told the Executive Committee at its September 5 meeting that it has been a long time since the organization formally evaluated its mission and vision.
“Not in my memory have we developed and implemented a strategic plan with specific goals that would lead to the alignment of our work and purpose of action to our strategies and tactics,” Beatty said.
Beatty began exploring the idea of a new strategic plan last February, as he prepared to take on his role as president. He consulted Lisa Nentl-Bloom, the now-retired executive director of the National Council of State Education Associations (NCSEA), asking her to help guide NJEA through the process.
A steering committee was formed and has met several times, both virtually and in person, to advance this initiative. “The group has been phenomenal, engaging in thoughtful conversation throughout the process,” Beatty said.
The effort soon involved more participants beyond the steering committee. During the NJEA Jack Bertolino Summer Leadership Conference in August, Nentl-Bloom led a session that included members of the Executive Committee, county association presidents, representatives from NJREA and NJAEA, as well as directors, managers, and staff union representatives from within NJEA.
In September, local association presidents representing much of NJEA’s membership joined in-person meetings at headquarters in Trenton for further discussion about strategic planning and leadership development. According to Beatty, “Those conversations resulted in rich dialogue and valuable information to bring back to the steering committee.”
Steering committee members have also been updating their respective groups about progress made during these sessions while seeking feedback from members. “This is an integral part of ensuring authentic member voice and establishing the legitimacy of the process and results toward a more perfect union,” Beatty stated.
The planning follows a defined timeline aimed at producing concrete outcomes. The steering committee will eventually share its findings with association leadership, committees, staff, managers—and then collaborate with constituents statewide so each group can align their activities with NJEA’s overarching strategy.
“Of course, the work is never done,” Beatty added. “We will continually reflect on the implementation of our strategic plan and be ready to adjust accordingly.”
