president’s message Patrick O’Keefe
patrickaokeefe@gmail.com Website: http://www.njmea.org
As we enter the final stages of this school year, and I write what is my last message as President, I find myself extremely grateful to have been a part of your leadership team. The past two years in this role have afforded me many opportunities, and while in this case it seems to have lasted much longer than just two years, I will undoubtedly miss serving in this position and working with so many inspiring educators, students and colleagues. To say we have had challenges over this period would be an understatement, but I am proud of the work of this Board and the direction in which we are headed. Before I mention some upcoming projects, I would be remiss if I did not thank the many people for their support and contributions over the course of my term. Thank you first to Jeff Santoro for your guidance and patience. I have great respect for your leadership and feel very fortunate to have worked alongside you and learned so much over this time. Thank you to Debbie Sfraga not only for the aid you have given to me, but the years of commitment you have offered our organization and profession. There are not many people who possess a resume of service like you do, so on behalf of all of us, thank you and congratulations on your NJMEA retirement. I would like to thank my Board of Directors for their work, especially in facing many challenges head on. We successfully reimagined and brought the February Conference to Atlantic City, and then reimagined once more to offer a virtual experience this year. We have diversified PD opportunities and led round table discussions in attempts to bring our members together remotely. We strengthened partnerships TEMPO
with many affiliates like the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra in the development of masterclasses, and the National Federation of High School Associations and Arts Ed NJ to present our membership with the most up-to-date guidance on remote, hybrid, and inperson learning and return-to-classroom safety precautions. Even in these final months, we have put many new projects in place to take us into the next school year. While there were several events that had to be cancelled in their traditional form, you kept working for our members, and I thank you. I am so excited to be able to speak to a couple new initiatives as well. By now, I’m hoping you have seen announcements about our new Mentorship Program. Originally conceived through our strategic plan, it is finally coming to fruition. This program will be a great way to support first and second year teachers and strengthen our network of educators, pairing veteran members with those new to the profession. If you are interested in being a part of this endeavor, please look for the communications on our website or social media, or feel free to send me an email so I can send you to the right place. The Crescendo Foundation was formed by a team of my predecessors in 2014 intending to provide financial assistance to music education efforts in our state. Driven again by our strategic plan and our action steps related to the committee work on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access, the NJMEA Executive Board has named a new Board of Directors for the Foundation and made a leadership gift with plans to alleviate the monetary obstacles for qualified students wishing to participate in All-State ensembles. This is 2
MAY 2021
