The New Jersey Education Association Delegate Assembly elected three members on March 21 to serve as representatives on the National Education Association Board of Directors. Theresa Fuller of Somerset County and Christine Hewitt of Burlington County were reelected, while Shronda Wise-Schimpf of Hudson County was elected for her first term. Each will begin a three-year term starting Sept. 1.
The NEA Board of Directors plays a key role in setting national policy, overseeing finances, working on committees, and advocating for legislative priorities at the federal level. The directors also serve as links between state affiliates and national leadership by sharing local perspectives with the board and communicating policies back to their home states.
As outlined in the announcement, “the directors function as critical links between NEA leadership and members by bringing state and local perspectives to national decision-making and communicating NEA policies and actions back to affiliates.” The directors are also responsible for interpreting NEA programs, supporting unified agendas across levels, strengthening collaboration among affiliates, and ensuring member voices inform strategic direction.
Based on its membership size, New Jersey is entitled to nine State Directors on the NEA board. Current directors include Brenda Brathwaite (Atlantic County), Theresa Fuller (Somerset County), Laurie Gibson-Parker (Camden County), Lauren Greenfield (Essex County), Christine Hewitt (Burlington County), Temika Langston-Myers (Cumberland County), Barbara Rheault (Atlantic County), Mark Richards (Essex County), Stacy Yanko (Sussex County) and Charles E. Wilson (Passaic County).
In addition to electing directors, the assembly selected six alternates: Shereen Ducasse of Gloucester County, John Senft of Camden County, Maryam Sarhan of Atlantic County, April Stevenson-Kinder of Cumberland County, Nicole Fuller of Passaic County and Sharon Ortiz of Essex County.
The New Jersey Education Association functions within the education sector as a union representing educators across the state. It advances equity and social justice in education through community efforts; champions public education; provides advocacy support services; engages in lobbying activities; offers professional development opportunities; legal aid; collective bargaining assistance; and focuses on educator rights—all according to its official website.
