The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) is highlighting the work of its Consortium Design Team Ambassadors (DTAs), a group of educators dedicated to creating inclusive and representative classroom experiences across the state. The initiative aims to ensure that students in New Jersey’s public schools see themselves reflected in their curriculum.
According to the NJEA, DTAs are members with expertise in various subject areas who focus on professional development and field experiences. Their goal is to design performance tasks that promote equity and justice, while serving as examples for inclusive education practices. These educators collaborate to develop curriculum materials that authentically represent the diversity present in New Jersey’s schools and communities.
“DTAs are members with expertise in diverse content areas committed to deepening their skills through professional development and immersive field trips to design inclusive performance tasks, champion equity and justice, and serve as model classrooms for inclusive education. These dedicated individuals work collaboratively to curate impactful and intersectional curriculum, ensuring that the beautiful diversity of New Jersey’s public schools and communities is authentically represented in instructional resources,” according to an NJEA statement.
The NJEA also encourages recognition of both current and former ambassadors for their contributions. A full list of current ambassadors includes educators from districts such as Mount Laurel Public Schools, Passaic Public Schools, Englewood Public Schools, Montclair Public Schools, Delsea Regional School District, Teaneck Public Schools, Hazlet Township Public Schools, Middletown Township Public Schools, Pleasantville Public Schools, Irvington Public School District, Glen Ridge Public Schools and others.
Former ambassadors include representatives involved with organizations such as the New Jersey Advisory Commission on Advancing LGBTQIA+ Youth Equity and Inclusion in Schools / Make it Better 4 Youth; College Achieve Public Schools; Word Seed Inc.; Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at The College of New Jersey; and Irvington Public School District.
The NJEA invites those interested in learning more about its consortium or seeking additional information to visit learning.njea.org/consortium or contact consortium@njea.org.
“Join us in celebrating the impactful work of our current and former Design Team Ambassadors. Together, we can ensure that every classroom in New Jersey is a space where every student thrives,” said the association.
