President's Message - Patrick O'Keefe

president’s message 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 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

just the first step and tip of the potential iceberg, but I encourage you to read more about this effort later in the issue.

Each year, a delegation from each state MEA travels to Washington D.C. as a part of NAfME’s National Assembly, where we meet with congressional offices to advocate on behalf of music education. Unfortunately, this could not take place last summer as a result of the pandemic, and while we will still may be unable to come together in person this year, members of our NJMEA Board participated in a series of meetings throughout March as a part of NAfME’s Virtual Hill Day. Thank you to Lisa Vartanian for helping to organize and lead these efforts. We were able to thank many of our New Jersey Senators and Congresspeople for their support on Covid relief and its support of education, as well as advocate for budget appropriations when it comes to the Every Student Succeeds Act. As you know, many of these budgetary considerations are more crucial now than ever, impacting Title I funding and professional development support. Thanks to all board members that represented us in these conversations.

Congratulations to Bill McDevitt, who was approved to succeed Debbie Sfraga with the title of Executive Director. After conducting a lengthy search, Bill was approved by the Executive Board and I believe we are fortunate to have someone with his experience, commitment and knowledge help be a part of the team to continue leading us forward. Along with Lisa Vartanian, who will be stepping in as President, we are in good hands.

Our profession has endured and adapted to significant change over the past year and a half. This change was constant and required the utmost flexibility. Many of our classrooms may not ever look the same, as we integrate new tools and technologies, strategies and best practices around engagement and creation. As the immediate future continues to present many questions, take advantage of this wonderful network of educators and leaders and continue to advocate for yourselves, your programs, and your students. After being put in a position to connect with so many of you over the past several years, I am eager to continue those conversations as Past President and work on your behalf. Enjoy the summer, take much deserved time to rest and regroup, and thanks again.

February 1961

A general trend toward rising salaries in many New Jersey schools is leaving some teachers behind. A new survey of school salaries by the New Jersey Education Association shows over 11,000 teachers – one-fourth of all those in the state – who are paid less than $5,000 a year. It also shows, however, a rising number of teachers who earn $8,000 or more a year.

The typical New Jersey teacher, after 14 years of teaching experience, is earning $5,930 a year.