NJ Charter Schools Association empowers educators and parents for third year
| The New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association (NJPCSA) relaunched its highly successful Charter School Ambassador Program over the past weekend, a series of trainings dedicated to equipping public charter school parents and alumni with the knowledge and skills to become effective advocates for charter school students. The kickoff event featured training in lawmaker outreach, using social media for advocacy, and the importance of getting involved in the political process. |
| The event, held at Link Community Charter School in Newark, brought together more than two dozen parents, charter school alumni, educators, and public charter school supporters who are passionate about ensuring the best education for every New Jersey student. The training was designed to empower parents to be informed advocates for their children’s education and to strengthen their ability to engage with elected officials at all levels of government. |
| Galen Johnson, Senior Director of Parent Advocacy at NJPCSA, emphasized the importance of parent voices in the public charter school community stating, “Our parents and alumni are the most powerful advocates and this training event is part of our commitment to equipping them with the tools and knowledge to be even more effective. When school community members are engaged, it makes a significant difference in shaping educational policies and opportunities for all students.” One of the participating charter school alumni, Khaliq Foster, who graduated from North Star Academy in Newark, said about his experience, “As a public charter school student, I wanted to learn how to make an impact for other students in my community and across New Jersey. This training event was eye-opening and empowering and I now feel more confident advocating for quality public education for all students.” |
| Eshia Allen, whose children attend BelovED Community Charter School in Jersey City, said about the program, “Whether it’s safe schools or recreational opportunities for students, parents know best what they want in their child’s education. There is no better advocate than a parent and I was excited to learn how to use my voice for kids in our community and state.” The program provides parents and alumni with practical skills and strategies for advocating for charter schools, including: Lawmaker Engagement: Parents learn how to effectively communicate with elected officials, share their stories, and express their support for public charter schools. Social Media Advocacy: Training covers how to harness the power of social media to raise awareness about public charter schools, connect with like-minded individuals, and engage with policymakers and influencers online. Networking Opportunities: The program fosters connections among parents, educators, and charter school advocates, encouraging collaboration and collective action. |
| The NJPCSA is committed to continuing its advocacy training efforts, empowering parents to be informed and effective champions for public charter schools. These efforts align with the association’s mission to ensure that all New Jersey students have access to high-quality, public schools. |
