For the first time in 158 years, the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) Annual Convention has been cancelled due to the devastation caused by Super Storm Sandy. The convention traditionally held in Atlantic City, New Jersey every November has drawn as many as 50,000 members to participate in lectures, discussions and professional development programs. It also provided visitors opportunity to network with fellow educators as well as to meet representatives from textbook companies and other education supply vendors. With much of coastal New Jersey in tatters, it was the appropriate thing to do. People are without power. Many have lost their homes and all of their possessions. The storm has caused over 100 fatalities to date. It is also unfortunate that there will be a lot of lost revenue to hotels, restaurants, taxis and such.
The executives of NJEA have asked its members to assist on the cleanup efforts and to volunteer their time if they can. Donations are desperately needed for affected families not just in New Jersey but elsewhere up and down the east coast. Teachers and their students can help other teachers and students in a region that has been devastated. Contributions can be made to the American Red Cross. To donate, visit RedCross.org, call 1-800-HELPNOW or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Other institutions are also pitching in. The faculty and students of Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey have initiated clothing drives and requests for donations. Teaching has been known as one of the “helping” professions. This would be a great time to pitch in and help your peers in need and to provide comfort to students and their families.
Our prayers and thoughts go out to our colleagues in need.
Copyright- J. Margolis 2012
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