NJEA President Steve Beatty, Vice President Petal Robertson, and Secretary-Treasurer Tina Dare were officially inducted as officers of the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) during a ceremony held at the NJEA Delegate Assembly on September 6. The event was officiated by National Education Association (NEA) President Becky Pringle, following remarks from Maryam Sarhan of the Pleasantville Education Association.
Tina Dare spoke about her journey from her early teaching years to active union involvement. “I discovered my union and the power of membership. And suddenly, all the ‘my firsts’ became ‘our firsts.’ And that, to me, is what’s so beautiful about being part of a union. It is no longer what I care about. It is what we care about.”
Petal Robertson recounted a personal story from her childhood graduation. She shared advice given by her mother: “‘You are put on this earth to shine, never to blend in.’” Addressing NJEA members, she said, “At a time when people ask for your silence and would prefer that you be complacent, it is the time when you stand loud, it is the time that you stand up, it is the time that you wear the brightest dress in the room and you make sure that you are heard, that you are seen, that your power is visible.”
Becky Pringle was warmly received by attendees who lined up to greet her after officiating the induction.
Steve Beatty reflected on his motivation as president. “I move every day with that simple question, ‘Is this good for our members, or is this bad for our members?’ Being part of a union means none of us stand alone. We lift each other up. We fight for what we deserve and what our students deserve and what our communities deserve. When educators have a strong union, and stand in solidarity, we can protect and strengthen our public schools for everyone.” He concluded his address by leading delegates in singing Pete Seeger’s “Solidarity Forever.”
The newly inducted officers celebrated their formal entry into office with friends and family.
