On behalf of your Newark Teachers Union...WELCOME!
Welcome to the start of your career with the Newark Board of Education and a strong relationship with your union! To say that these are interesting times is an understatement. The start of a career in education is always the most exciting time; the start of your first year, your first group of students, your first lessons...all of it..and yes, your first pandemic. You would have remembered this year regardless, but now you will have the most amazing story to tell your families for years to come about how you started your career, during a pandemic. Do not let this stand in the way of your excellence, of your drive to succeed and of your mission to reach the children of Newark. Believe me, there will be many obstacles along the way, and for now, you are all "disaster proof" for some time!
I believe that a career with the Newark Board of Education is one of the rarest opportunities in life, in your life. You could have chosen many different career paths, some of you may have and then found your true calling. You chose this path, and that means something to me, to this union, to the City of Newark, and most importantly to the students that will be before you, albeit virtually, this year. You will end your days tired every day frustrated some, but you will still awaken the next day, shake off the struggles of the previous day, and rise to the challenge. I am proud of each one of you for this. For our part, we pledge to work to support you, guide you and fight for you if need be from day one and beyond.
The team at the Newark Teachers Union will be standing with you every step of the way. Be confident in your education, your training, your self, your support system and your Union.
On behalf of all of us at the NTU....CONGRATULATIONS! YOU HAVE ARRIVED!
John M. Abeigon, President NTU Local 481 AFL-CIO