(L to R): AFTNJ President Donna M. Chiera with current Perth Amboy teachers Lynne Audet, Elizabeth Mazzeo, Cecilia Crespo, Rebecca McLelland-Crawley, and Stacy Lemongelli at National Board Certified Teacher certification and renewal recognition event *Photo Submitted

“Wouldn’t it be great to have classroom teachers across the state talking collaboratively about how to improve the culture and learning climate in their schools?” asks Perth Amboy High School language arts teacher Stacy Lemongelli.  Now the National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) is a step closer to that aspirational goal with her selection to a teacher leadership advisory board, newly created by state legislation.

Lemongelli has been mentoring other teachers for more than 20 years—helping them be more aware of what works by modeling effective practices. She is continuously engaged in training focused on self-reflection to review what is working with her students and looking for new and innovative ways to share lessons with kids and colleagues alike, according to Perth Amboy Federation-American Federation of Teachers president Pat Paradiso, who nominated Lemongelli for the board.

The 11-member board will make recommendations for training needed to earn a state “teacher leader” endorsement created by New Jersey legislation last year. The designation is intended for teachers who will formally play an educational leadership role within their schools without leaving the classroom to become part of school administration.

The training program will require a minimum of 12 graduate credits or 180 hours of study. Lemongelli said she and the rest of the advisory board—five teachers and six administrators—are discussing the requirement to be eligible to receive the endorsement. “We want to make sure the program will be aligned with teacher leader model standards,” she said.

Assemblywoman Mila Jasey, D-Essex, a bill sponsor, is quoted as saying, “We must encourage and support our most dedicated, innovative educators to expand their roles and become professional leaders in their field. Fellow educators, schools and students will benefit greatly from their expertise.”

AFTNJ president Donna M. Chiera said that state Department of Education thanked her for the quality of the teachers AFT nominated to the board. Lemongelli was selected from the group of other AFT teachers based on her excellent record Chiera said. Lemongelli originally achieved rigorous national board certification in 2004 then recertified in 2014. She participated in a teacher leadership program within the district then attended the AFT summer institute last year learning more about differentiated instruction, text selection and making sure special education and English language learner curriculum is consistent with the common core.

“I believe in my heart in professional development and that teachers should be trusted and empowered to contribute to our profession,” said Lemongelli. “My goal on the advisory board is to maintain the integrity of the endorsement so it will be effective.”

The board is charged with issuing recommendations this year.

Nat T. Bender

American Federation of Teachers New Jersey (AFTNJ)