Skip to main content

NBOE Teacher Talk - 4/27/2026

View this email in your browser
APRIL 27, 2026 EDITION

Message from the Office of Teaching & Learning

Dear Teachers and Instructional Staff, 

I am thrilled to connect with you as we continue this exciting journey of learning and growth together. Your dedication lights the way for our students every day, and as we look ahead to National Teacher’s Day on May 5, 2026, I want to take a moment to celebrate the extraordinary impact you make in our community.

Teaching is truly one of the most powerful forces shaping our students’ futures. Research, including John Hattie’s influential work, highlights that effective teaching is among the top contributors to student success. But beyond the data, it is your passion, creativity, and unwavering dedication that transform classrooms into vibrant spaces of growth and discovery.

Your resilience, especially in these ever-changing times, continues to inspire not only our students but also your colleagues and the entire community. Please remember that your efforts are valued far beyond just one day of recognition. Every lesson you plan, every challenge you overcome, and every moment you invest in your students’ growth is deeply appreciated.

As we approach National Teacher’s Day, let us celebrate not only the profession but the extraordinary people behind it, you. Together, let us keep fostering curiosity, kindness, and a lifelong love of learning in our students and in each other.

Thank you for all that you do. Here is to finishing the school year strong and continuing this incredible journey together!

With sincere appreciation and warmest wishes,

Sylvia Esteves
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning

 
Elementary School Teachers
NEW ITEMS

Recognize the NBOE Science Fair Winners (New)

Contact: Kathleen Tierney, Office of Science
Email: ktierney@nps.k12.nj.us

The winners of this year's science fair have been selected. The complete list of projects can be accessed via the link here:

These projects demonstrated the scientific process from start to finish and truly embodied this year's theme of Chemistry In Our Everyday Lives. The Office of Science would like to thank all schools for participating. We hope that this experience ignited the scientist that lives in all of us.

Excel Program Staff 2026-27 (New)

Contact: Julianne Bello, Extended Learning
Email: jbello@nps.k12.nj.us

Calling all teachers interested in providing academic and enrichment instruction after school! Please read the job roles and responsibilities here carefully prior to applying for: 

  • 2476 - Before and After-School Per-Diem Teacher - Co-Curricular
  • 2477 - Before and After-School Teacher - Co-Curricular
  • 2478 - Before and After-School Teacher Aide Co-Curricular
Elementary School Teachers
PREVIOUS ITEMS

Celebrate Financial Literacy Month With Students!

Contact: Michelina Thornton, Office of Federal Programs & Grants
Email: mthornton@nps.k12.nj.us

April is Financial Literacy Month — a perfect opportunity to build money skills in your classroom! EconEdLink offers free K–5 lessons and activities covering earning, saving, budgeting, and spending. Explore ready-to-use resources like Every Penny Counts, the Savings Match Game, and Personal Finance Printables.

**Kindergarten Teachers** Please remind families to sign their child up for the Newark Saves Account — a free savings account designed to set students up for future success.

Share this link with parents today: https://newarksaves.org/

Together, we can help Newark students build healthy financial habits that last a lifetime!

 
All Teachers
NEW ITEMS

Check Out the April Math Monthly Memo (New)

Contact: Amanda Grossi, Office of Mathematics
Email: agrossi@nps.k12.nj.us

Check out what is happening in mathematics from Kindergarten to Calculus across Newark Public Schools.

Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Training 2026 (New)

Contact: B. Helena Blackwell, Office of Health Services
Email: Bblackwell@nps.k12.nj.us

CPR Training
Pre-Registration Required

CPR Training is being offered by the University Hospital. All training dates will be held at the Dr. Marion A. Bolden Student Center, 230 Broadway, 07104. Limited onsite parking is available and accessible via Taylor Street.

Please select your first, second, and third preferred training dates. We will do our best to accommodate your first or second choice. Seats are limited, and classes fill quickly. Ensure you have approval from your Principal or supervisor before submitting your pre-registration. Click here to reserve your date. You will receive an email confirming your training date. Once your date is confirmed, it cannot be changed.

Virtual Creating Generational Wealth Seminar (New)

Contact: Barbara Evans, Office of Federal Programs & Grants
Email: bevans@nps.k12.nj.us

Ready to Boost Your Financial Confidence?

Invest one hour in yourself and your future. Join a free, virtual Creating Generational Wealth Seminar on Tuesday, May 12, from 6–7 p.m., hosted by financial education innovator Prudential Pathways.

This engaging financial wellness seminar will cover:

  • Building a wealth mindset
  • Smart strategies for saving, managing debt, and investing
  • Creating a comprehensive, personalized financial strategy

Prudential Pathways is dedicated to making financial planning simple, practical, and empowering through easy-to-understand programs.

Registration is required.
Deadline to register: Friday, May 8, 2026

Escrow Program (Open Enrollment and Refund Dates) (New)

Contact: Maribel James, HRS - Office of Employee Services
Email: NPSCompensation@nps.k12.nj.us

Escrow Open Enrollment for current and newly hired employees is May 1st through September 15th of each year!

Employees who are 10-month and 11-month full-time employees can now self-enroll, discontinue, and switch options in the Escrow Program. PPD and 12-month employees are exempt from this deduction. 

For additional information, feel free to visit our NBOE HRS Portal at www.nboehrs.com.

All Teachers
PREVIOUS ITEMS

Cycle 3 25-26 Report Card Timeline and Requirements - Teachers

Contact: Esther Lewars, OPPET - Student Information Services
Email: elewars@nps.k12.nj.us

All Cycle 3 grades and comments must have been finalized in PowerTeacher Pro by the end of the school day on Tuesday, April 21st.

Use the Cycle 3 Report Card Timeline document to prepare for the storing of Cycle 3 grades. All subjects should have a grade and/or comment. For subjects not assessed this cycle, include a comment that the student is not in the class this grading period. Historical grade changes require a grade change form submission. If you have questions, please consult with your administrator(s).

Esports Super Cup 2026

Contact: Michael Padilla, Office of Instructional Technology
Email: m4padilla@nps.k12.nj.us

The second annual Esports Super Cup takes place on May 28th at 4:30 at Technology High School. Join us live or watch the stream to see our students in Data Science, East Side, and Technology compete in Rocket League and EA Sports FC 26! See if Data Science can maintain the Rocket League trophy they won in 2025! The livestream link will be shared closer to the date of the tournament.

Adult Education Summer Sessions

Contact: Andre Hollis, Adult Education
Email: a1holis@nps.k12.nj.us

In partnership with the Newark Public Library, the Newark Public Schools Adult Education department presents "Discover, Grow, and Thrive: Adult Education Summer Sessions - Enroll Now."

Dates: July 8, 2026 - August 8, 2026

  • Wednesdays 5:45pm - 7:45pm
  • Saturdays 11:00am - 1:00pm

Classes will be held at various library locations throughout the City of Newark.

  • Springfield Branch - 50 Hayes Street (GED)
  • Van Buren Branch - 140 Van Buren Street (ESL)
  • Weequahic Branch - 355 Osbourne Terrace (GED)
  • North End Branch - 722 Summer Avenue ( ESL)

Interested teachers should apply here and complete JobID: 2477

FREE Pride+/Family Connection

Contact: Olawunmi Ojoye, Office of Federal Programs and Grants
Email: OOjoye@nps.k12.nj.us

Thanks to CDC DASH grant funding, the Newark Board of Education (NBOE) has partnered with Family Connections to provide free, confidential, safe, and affirming supports and services for all school staff. Through the Family Connections – Pride+ initiative, a two-day professional development will be offered on April 29 and April 30, 2026. This training will support educators in deepening their understanding of how identity influences student experiences and will provide practical strategies to create inclusive classroom environments where all students feel safe, respected, and supported. Supplemental pay will be provided to all attendees.

For additional details, please review the attached flyer:

Questions may be directed to JP Pedoto at jpedoto@familyconnectionsnj.org.

Registration links:

Innovative and Creative Teachers - Hiring for New Media High!

Contact: Dr. Claire S. Emmanuel, HRS - Office of Recruitment
Email: cemmanuel@nps.k12.nj.us

We are excited to share that we have a couple of spots open for extraordinary teachers. Spanish, math, and biology teacher roles are still available for New Media High and we are actively hiring. Submit your application today or tell someone to submit their application!

Summer Hiring Ends May 15, 2026

Contact: Dr. Claire S. Emmanuel, HRS - Office of Recruitment
Email: cemmanuel@nps.k12.nj.us

The deadline for summer applications is May 15, 2026. Have you already applied, received, and accepted an offer? If not, you are not hired.

Failure to submit your application in Frontline and accept the offer emailed through SummerJobs@nps.k12.nj.us may delay your summer pay.

NBOE Office of Benefit Services - Spring 2026 Newsletter

Contact: Jennifer Medina, Benefit Services
Email: j1medina@nps.k12.nj.us

The NBOE Benefits Team wants to remind you what is available this spring season! 

We are excited to announce the release of the Benefit Services Newsletter Spring Edition!

The purpose of this newsletter is to share important information, including the following and much more:

  •  Everyday Wellbeing
  •  Spotlight on Benefit Program
  •  Spring Benefits Open Enrollment: Wednesday, May 13 - Wednesday, May 27
  •  NY Yankees – Teacher Appreciation Special Offer

Save the date: Saturday, May 16, 2026 - NBOE Well Vibrant Living Health and Wellness Spring Fair 2026.

Remember to visit the HRS Informational Portal at www.NBOEHRS.com
Know More. Choose Better. Live Well.

The NBOE Vibrant Living Health & Wellness Fair Spring 2026

Contact: Jennifer Medina, Benefit Services
Email: j1medina@nps.k12.nj.us

Join us for the NBOE Vibrant Living Health & Wellness Fair, hosted by the NBOE Well Benefits Team, for opportunities to receive health and wellness consultations, massages, win exciting prizes and gift cards, and discover the valuable benefits available to Newark BOE employees! 

  • When: Saturday, May 16th, 2026 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
  • Where: Quitman Street Elementary School (70 Montgomery St. Newark, NJ 07103)
  • Who: All benefit eligible NBOE employees and their families are invited to participate in this event.

Register now and secure your spot here: Spring 2026 NBOE Vibrant Living Health & Wellness Fair Registration Form

Past is Prologue Essay Contest

Contact: Jazleen Othman, Office of English Language Arts
Email: jothman@nps.k12.nj.us

The Past is Prologue Essay Contest offers students an opportunity to strengthen analytical writing while connecting history to their own lives.

Students select a time period and respond to two guiding questions, developing claims, using evidence, and explaining relevance. This is a strong opportunity to build writing, text-based analysis, and real-world connections.

We are asking all teachers in grades 6-12 to encourage student participation. Please use this link for more details and submission information.

Classroom Microgrants for Language Educators

Contact: Brian Temple, Office of Bilingual Education
Email: btemple@nps.k12.nj.us

This microgrant opportunity program is open to all K-12 language educators. Eligible individuals may apply for grants of $300 to fund a variety of projects. 

Interested teachers should review the criteria and submit their proposal no later than April 29, 2026.

April Culture & Climate Activities

Contact: Rania Sawaged, Office of Student Life
Email: rsawaged@nps.k12.nj.us

Check out the April Suggested Activities document to promote awareness for: 

  • World Autism Awareness Day (April 2)
  • Month of the Military Child
  • NJ High School Voter Registration 

Additional Military Family Resources

Contact: Rania Sawaged, Office of Student Life
Email: rsawaged@nps.k12.nj.us

To better support our military-connected students, please review the resources and documentation below:

Additional resources are always available on the NPS website:

2026-2027 SY Social Worker II Internship Inquiry Form: NOW AVAILABLE

Contact: Stacy M Pelham-Hale, Office of Student Life
Email: s1hale@nps.k12.nj.us

The Office of Student Life is now accepting applications for School Social Worker 2 Internships for the 2026-2027 school year. If you are a School Social Worker II and you are interested in hosting an intern, please read the following requirements:

  • Principal/Administrator must authorize permission to host intern(s).
  • NBOE schools must have a SW2 who is in good standing and is highly qualified to supervise intern(s).
  • The SW2 must complete the Social Worker II Internship Inquiry Google Request form by 5/22/26. Please click  to access form: https://forms.gle/vPVWcoMyHKdM3wYH6

Note: If a college/university contacts you regarding internship placement, please direct all inquiries to Mrs. Stacy Pelham-Hale, Supervisor at s1hale@nps.k12.nj.us.

OSE Updates and Highlights

Contact: LaPrice Weatherington, Office of Special Education
Email: lweatherington@nps.k12.nj.us

The Office of Special Education (OSE) is proud to launch the 8th Annual Autism Acceptance Month on World Autism Day, Thursday April 2, 2026. This year’s theme, Leveling Up Our Friendships invites our entire District to deepen understanding, strengthen connections, and celebrate neurodiversity through everyday actions rooted in kindness, empathy, and belonging. See attached for additional resources to support Autism Awareness. The monthly OSE professional development workshops are also included. 

Annual IEP Meeting Notices: NJDOE Requirements Begin July 1, 2026

Contact: Candice Wells, Office of Special Education
Email: c1wells@nps.k12.nj.us

Beginning July 1, 2026, NJ school districts must notify parents at minimum two days in advance of information regarding the upcoming Annual IEP meeting. The notice must include the following:

  • A statement of what will be discussed 
  • The student’s current levels of academic and functional performance
  • A list of required IEP members to attend
    • Any excused member’s input regarding progress must be included
  • An invitation for the parent to provide feedback on the proposed programs and services

The Office of Special Education will host Office Hours on April 21st and 28th and May 19th from 3:15 pm to 4:15 pm. Teachers will learn about embedded resources within EdPlan. 

Virtual Meeting: https://nboe.webex.com/meet/c1wells

See attached guidance document from NJDOE.

Co-Curricular & Before/After School Program - Timeline / New Job Codes

Contact: Justine Carter, HRS- Office of Staffing
Email: j1carter@nps.k12.nj.us

Interested in Co-Curricular Opportunities for SY26-27?

Applications are LIVE!

26-27 SY Co-Curricular Submission Timeline

NEW Job Codes:

  1. 2476 - Before and After-School Per-Diem Teacher - Co-Curricular
  2. 2477 - Before and After-School Teacher - Co-Curricular
  3. 2478 - Before and After-School Teacher Aide Co-Curricular
  4. 2479 - Before and After-School Tutoring Coordinator- Co-Curricular
  5. 2480 - Coach Co-Curricular - Sports Activities
  6. 2481 - Co-Curricular Advisor and Coordinator
  7. 2482 - Directors - Co-Curricular for Band Related Activities
  8. 2483 - Treasurer- After School Activities

2025-2026 Discretionary Funds

Contact: Maribel James, Human Resource Services
Email: mjames@nps.k12.nj.us

Dear Teachers, Nurses, Academic Interventionists:

As per District policy, in order to be reimbursed in the amount of $150.00 for items that supplement and affect your work with pupils this school year, you will be providing your receipts to your location treasurer.
Please be guided by the Discretionary Fund Memo attached:

If you should have any questions, please speak with your school administrator.

HIB/Title IX Documentation Forms: 2025-2026 SY

Contact: 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. 

 

NBOE in the News

Press Releases

Apr 23, 2026: Newark Public Schools Honored with Khan Academy Award for Excellence and Innovation
Apr 23, 2026: Newark Public Schools Scholar-Athlete Earns Full Scholarship To Princeton University
Apr 21, 2026: Newark Public Schools Student Debaters Reach New Heights On National Stage
Apr 20, 2026: Newark Public Schools Students Explore Future Careers During Architecture Week Design Event
Apr 17, 2026: Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Ceremony Honors Students In Newark Public Schools
Apr 17, 2026: Newark Public Schools Honors Mothers of Children with Autism
Apr 14, 2026: Science Park Student Lives Out Dream of Becoming a Doctor Through Make-A-Wish Experience
Apr 13, 2026: Newark Public Schools Student Named Winner of Prestigious NCWIT Award
Apr 13, 2026: Newark Public Schools Students Advance to National Fintech Competition

Teacher Talk is emailed every other Monday.

The submission deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

 

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.

Share This