Message from the Office of Teaching & LearningDear Teachers and Instructional Staff, We are excited by the positive impact of implementing Cornell Notes and Everybody Writes across Newark Public Schools. These strategies help students engage deeply, think critically, and make their learning visible, encouraging us to continue and expand their use. Research shows that structured writing improves students’ ability to process and build knowledge (Graham & Perin, 2007). Cornell Notes promote metacognition by guiding students to record, summarize, and reflect (Flavell, 1979), while Everybody Writes encourages continuous writing and real-time insight into student understanding. Both strategies foster rich classroom discussions that develop academic vocabulary and critical thinking, supporting Vygotsky’s (1978) idea that learning grows through social interaction. Students then revise their work, strengthening reflection and knowledge construction. Since students can’t write well about what they don’t understand, observing their writing and conversations provides valuable insight into their thinking. These practices align with best instructional methods and help drive continuous growth and success. Thank you for your dedication to enhancing student learning through these effective writing strategies. Warm regards,
Sylvia Esteves
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning |
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Program Assessments - ECERS and TPOTContact: Victoria Dampare, Office of Early Childhood
Email: vdampare@nps.k12.nj.us The Office of Early Childhood would like to inform you that the Preschool Teacher Coach and PIRS assigned to your school will be conducting Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scales (ECERS) and Teaching Pyramid Observation Tool (TPOT) program quality and environmental assessments in your Pre-Kindergarten classrooms. These assessments began on Monday, October 20, 2025 and continue through Friday, March 13, 2026. If you have any questions, please reach out to the supervisor assigned to your location. |
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District ALL CITY YOUNG ARTISTS Accepting SubmissionsContact: Antonia Germanos, Office of Visual and Performing Arts
Email: agermanos@nps.k12.nj.us The Office of Visual and Performing Arts is NOW accepting artwork submissions for the District All City YOUNG ARTISTS Annual Visual Art Exhibition. NBOE Visual Art Educators, submit the strongest student visual artworks aligning with the theme "JOY" to proudly represent your school in this year's adjudicated District-Wide exhibition. Participation Guidelines Here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Qrtz-wv5_MrnO3EH66zFCn1_40QfUHfS?usp=sharing Submission Deadline January 28, 2026 |
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NBOE Science Fair 2026Contact: Kathleen Tierney, Office of Science
Email: ktierney@nps.k12.nj.us  We are excited to announce that the theme for NBOE's Science Fair 2026 is Chemistry in Our Every Day Lives.
All K-8 schools should hold their own science fairs the week of March 23rd and award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in the following grade bands: K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. Judges from Central Office will visit schools the week of March 30th to evaluate science fair projects for overall District winners. Please use this link to get more information about project requirements and rubrics: |
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District ALL CITY TEEN ARTS Accepting SubmissionsContact: Antonia Germanos, Office of Visual and Performing Arts
Email: agermanos@nps.k12.nj.us The Office of Visual and Performing Arts is NOW accepting artwork submissions for the District All City TEEN ARTS Annual Visual Art Exhibition. NBOE Visual Art Educators, submit the strongest student visual artworks aligning with the theme "JOY" to proudly represent your school in this year's adjudicated District-Wide exhibition.
Participation Guidelines Here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ru1cTTInYE0_Qq1BShKpv2FKk8KdZcNpRa5H459iPQ4/edit?usp=sharing Submission Deadline January 28, 2026 |
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NBOE HSC Professional Development at Bloomfield College at MSUContact: Vernon Pullins Jr., Office of Student Life
Email: vpullins@nps.k12.nj.us  The Office of Student Life will host its annual FAFSA workshop in collaboration with the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority on December 11, 2025.
This workshop will last all day and will be held at Bloomfield College at Montclair State University, 460 Franklin Street, Bloomfield, NJ.
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Launch into Learning: Embarking on an AI-Powered Journey with Khanmigo (New)Contact: Michael Padilla, Office of Instructional Technology
Email: m4padilla@nps.k12.nj.us  Learn more about Khanmigo AI during our virtual PD session on December 9th from 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM. Transform your teaching with Khanmigo! Learn how to set up your account, explore key tools, and launch AI-powered, personalized learning for your students.
Objectives: - Explore teacher tools that streamline planning and instruction.
- Model and teach students how to engage with Khanmigo.
- Use Khanmigo to personalize learning and boost student ownership.
- Assign and customize standards-based activities.
- Integrate Khanmigo into daily instruction to increase engagement.
All are welcome to join the session virtually via this link.
Please reach out to Michael Padilla with any questions: m4padilla@nps.k12.nj.us |
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Newsela Virtual Professional Development (New)Contact: Michael Padilla, Office of Instructional Technology
Email: m4padilla@nps.k12.nj.us  There will be a virtual Newsela PD workshop on December 10th from 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM for all interested in learning more about how to utilize the platform. Participants in this session will:
- Explore Newsela resources that enhance your lessons and support the needs of your content area.
- Learn the instructional benefits of Newsela features and how they support accessibility and engagement.
- Create a Newsela assignment and understand where to find student insights.
- Walkthrough and learn the highlights of Newsela ELA & Social Studies.
- Link to resources for the session.
- You may join the session via this link
Looking forward to seeing you there! |
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OSE Updates and Resources (New)Contact: LaPrice Weatherington, Office of Special Education
Email: lweatherington@nps.k12.nj.us Inclusive Schools Week is celebrated nationally from December 8-12, 2025. Please check out the NBOE website to see what is occurring across the District. Schools can still share their Inclusive Schools Week slide deck with OSE. See the attached for ideas you can implement to share with students to increase awareness of Inclusive Practices. While we celebrate your support during the week of December 8th, please note that Inclusive Practices are an everyday occurrence. SAVE the DATE for the Third Annual Special Education Conference. See attached in order to submit your workshop proposal. Also see attached for this month's Professional Development Opportunities by OSE. |
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New Teacher Induction Training Dates (New)Contact: Adalis Alvarez-Craft, HRS - Office of Educator Effectiveness
Email: evaluations@nps.k12.nj.us Our next New Teacher Induction training will be held virtually on Thursday, December 11th from 4:00-6:00 pm. The sessions focus on effective instructional practices, classroom management, and professional growth, while also building a collaborative network of peers to ensure long-term success. Session #2 will be held virtually on December 11, 2025, 4:00-6:00 pm. Please see the link below to access session registration forms, information, and virtual links. |
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America’s Field Trip Contest for Grades 3 - 12 (New) America’s Field Trip is a nationwide contest that invites students across the country in grades 3 - 12 to be part of our nation’s 250th anniversary by sharing their perspectives on what America means to them — with the chance to earn an unforgettable field trip experience at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.
Students are asked to submit writing or original artwork in response to the contest’s prompt: “What does America mean to you?” For more information, visit: https://america250.org/fieldtrip/
Note: the deadline is March 30, 2026. |
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CommonLit Professional DevelopmentContact: Michael Padilla, Office of Instructional Technology
Email: m4padilla@nps.k12.nj.us  All are welcome to join the CommonLit virtual PD session on Tuesday, December 2, from 3:15 - 4:15pm. In this session, teachers will learn how to navigate and utilize the CommonLit Text Library, Target Lessons, Assessment Series, and CommonLit 360. Participants will explore how to assign resources, administer assessments, and access student data to inform instruction. By the end, teachers will feel confident using CommonLit’s tools and ready to integrate them into instruction.
Below are links to resources for the session. You may join the presentation via this zoom link. Looking forward to seeing you there! |
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Newark & Suburban Architects: Student Art Contest (Grades 6-12)Contact: Devonne De Nose, Office of Visual and Performing Arts
Email: d1denose@nps.k12.nj.us  To celebrate “The Holidays” the American Institute of Architects (AIA) of the Newark & Suburban area would like to see what places you like and find interesting!
What: An art and drawing contest | Prizes totaling up to $500 Ages: From 6th through 12th grade | Prizes awarded to two age groups: 6-8 and 9-12 Requirements: - Create a drawing or a piece of art in any medium, or submit a design of your own (e.g. line drawing, paint, 3D, collage, montage)
- The work must feature or have as a main focus a building
- The submission must have a feeling, a setting, a group of buildings or a place defined by architecture, or be inspired by one of our upcoming holidays
- Submissions by individuals only
- Include a brief description (up to 100 words)
Submit Here: https://aians.starchapter.com/form.php?form_id=125&c=1 (Deadline is December 5, 2025) |
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McKinney-Vento MANDATORY Essential Staff Training: Due 12/12/25Contact: Stacy M Pelham-Hale, Office of Student Life
Email: s1hale@nps.k12.nj.us All essential staff are required to complete McKinney-Vento Homeless Education training to help identify and support students experiencing homelessness. The training is free, takes about 25 minutes, and includes role-specific content. Suggested staff to participate in this training includes: - McKinney-Vento Points of Contact
- School Counselors
- School Social Workers
- Main Office Clerks
- Individuals who register new incoming students
- Parent Liaisons
- SST Members
Staff assigned to complete this professional development can access the training by following the registration process below: Please be advised that this training needs to be completed and certificate uploaded by Friday, December 12, 2025.
For additional questions or concerns, contact Ana Osoria, NBOE McKinney-Vento Liaison, directly at a1osoria@nps.k12.nj.us. |
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Newark Enrolls & Children of NBOE StaffContact: Rochanda Jackson, OPPET
Email: rjackson@nps.k12.nj.us  Policy code 5111, previously approved by the Board, allows District staff who do not reside in Newark to enroll their children in our schools. The application launched on November 1, 2025 and will close on January 30, 2026.
Here is the link to the Newark Enrolls application: https://newarkenrolls.org/
If you have any questions, please reach out to Rochanda Jackson, Executive Director of the Office of Policy, Planning, Evaluation, and Testing at rjackson@NPS.K12.NJ.US. |
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Refer a Teacher, Get Rewarded with $1000 per Referral!Contact: Claire S. Emmanuel, HRS - Office of Recruitment
Email: cemmanuel@nps.k12.nj.us  Refer a talented teacher to our school community and help us build a team of exceptional educators?
$1,000 Referral Bonus Benefits of Referring: - Earn $1,000 for each referral
- Help us find passionate educators who share our values and mission
- Provide our students with the best possible educators and mentors
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Traditional Mentor Training #2Contact: Adalis Alvarez-Craft, HRS - Office of Educator Effectiveness
Email: evaluations@nps.k12.nj.us Be advised that the 2nd Mentor training will take place virtually on Wednesday, Dec 10, 2025, from 4:00pm - 6:00pm. Please note that this is a change from the originally established date. Register for this session by clicking HERE. Traditional Mentor Training Dates - 12/10/2025 (Note: Date change)
- 2/5/2026
- 4/16/2026
- 5/21/2026
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Art Contest: 2026 AKC - NYC Meet the BreedsContact: Antonia Germanos, Office of Visual and Performing Arts
Email: agermanos@nps.k12.nj.us  Calling all teachers and parents of young artists!
American Kennel Club Public Education is hosting an art contest for students in grades K-12 in the NYC area! Art is due December 23, 2025, for the 2026 NYC Meet the Breeds Art Contest! Visit the American Kennel Club Public Education Contest Website for more information on how to submit: https://www.akc.org/public-education/akc-meet-the-breeds-art-contest/?sc_src=email_2486832&sc_lid=153182121&sc_uid=yDydhPcUhl&sc_llid=588&sc_eh=0545434560f810381 - The theme for the art contest is "400 Years of Dogs in NYC," celebrating New York City's 400th anniversary.
- Open to students in grades K-12.
- A winner will be selected from each category and will receive a prize (Grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12)
- Winning art will be displayed at the AKC Museum of the Dog in NYC!
- All finalists will receive two free tickets to the MTB NYC event.
- Entries are due by December 23, 2025.
Contact publiced@akc.org for more details! |
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Certifications RemindersContact: Eboni Woolridge, HRS - Instructional Staffing and Certification
Email: ewoolridge@nps.k12.nj.us  Register for the Virtual Office Hours with the Certification Team by using the following link: https://forms.gle/J9EmbPxAgG3eiMNb6
Please check NJEdCert to ensure all Instructional, Educational Services, and/or Administrator certificates are accurate and up to date. Contact the Certifications team if you are awaiting the issuance of a Provisional or Standard license or if your license(s) have been issued. It is important that all certifications are reflected in your personnel record.
The Certifications Team can be reached via email at certifications@nps.k12.nj.us. |
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Title IX Student and Staff Trainings Due DateContact: Stacy M Pelham-Hale, Office of Student Life
Email: s1hale@nps.k12.nj.us  To: ALL HIB/Title IX Coordinators
Kindly adhere to the following deadline for uploading and submitting all required Title IX trainings and program artifacts. Please click the links below to access all Title IX Student/Parent Powerpoint Trainings and the Title IX Trainings Artifact Google Form. Title IX Parent and Student Trainings: |
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HIB/Title IX Documentation Forms: 2025-2026 SYContact: Stacy M Pelham-Hale, Student Support Services - Office of Student Life
Email: s1hale@nps.k12.nj.us 
Click the link below to access the 2025-2026 SY HIB/Title IX Complete Documentation File Packet: Please be sure to complete the entire investigation packet when submitting forms for all HIB and Title IX matters. These materials are designed to facilitate thorough, consistent, and compliant documentation throughout the investigative process. |
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NBOE in the News Press Releases |
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 | Teacher Talk is emailed every other Monday. The submission deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday. |
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Contact Us To support and encourage highly effective instruction, Teacher Talk synthesizes information and resources that will help NPS teachers meet the expectations of the framework for effective teaching. Please open the form with Firefox or Chrome in order to add attachments.
You may submit items for inclusion in the Teacher Talk newsletter via this form:
https://www.nps.k12.nj.us/departments/communications/teacher-talk-form/ The weekly submission deadline is Wednesday by 5:00 p.m. before Monday distribution. |
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