Message from the Office of Teaching & LearningDear Teachers and Instructional Staff, Happy New Year! As we welcome 2026, I want to begin with a powerful reminder: “Excellence is not an act, but a habit.” When we consistently apply best practices in our teaching, we pave the way for student success and lifelong learning. Your passion, creativity, and dedication are the habits that transform our classrooms into vibrant places of growth and discovery. I am truly inspired by the incredible work we will accomplish together this year. As we continue to pursue excellence in Teaching and Learning, I want to highlight three powerful strategies that research shows are essential to student success: utilizing Cornell Notes, building student work portfolios, and fostering independent reading through high interest grade level books and periodicals. First, Cornell Notes remain a proven method to help students organize information effectively and deepen their understanding. According to Jacobs (2008), this strategy not only improves retention but also encourages students to become active, reflective learners who take charge of their education. Second, student portfolios are invaluable tools for growth. Paulson and Meyer (1991) describe portfolios as dynamic collections that document student progress, celebrate achievements, and promote critical thinking and self-assessment. When students see their own growth over time, they develop a stronger sense of ownership and pride in their learning journey. Finally, I want to emphasize the growing importance of independent reading, especially through the use of high interest grade level books and periodicals (we have recently acquired). Current research highlights that regular engagement with diverse, high-interest texts like magazines and newspapers boosts vocabulary, background knowledge, and reading stamina (Guthrie & Humenick, 2004). Periodicals offer timely, relevant content that connects classroom learning to the real world, sparking curiosity and motivating students to read more deeply and independently. By weaving these three strategies into our daily instruction, we create a rich, student-centered learning environment where curiosity thrives, skills sharpen, and confidence soars. Let’s recommit to embedding Cornell Notes, portfolios, and independent reading with high interest grade level books and periodicals into our classrooms. Together, we will empower our students to become lifelong learners who are prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow with enthusiasm and resilience. Thank you for your continued dedication and hard work. Here’s to a year filled with growth, inspiration, and success! Warmly, 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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| Elementary School Teachers |
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G&T Digest - Fall 2025 Newsletter (New)Contact: Norma Ramos, Gifted & Talented
Email: nramos@nps.k12.nj.us The first edition of the G&T Digest highlights the growth and progress of Gifted & Talented programming across the District. This issue features snapshots from classrooms and reflections from teachers and school teams that illustrate how enrichment is being delivered districtwide. Click HERE to explore how schools are building strong foundations for gifted education and expanding advanced learning opportunities for students. Don't forget to join the G&T Schoology Resource Hub: Access Code J5NV-C7VX-DVBKK |
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American Young Voices Teacher Workshop - Grade 5 Vocal Teachers (New)Contact: Antonia Germanos, Office of Visual and Performing Arts
Email: agermanos@nps.k12.nj.us Dear Grade 5 Music Educators, American Young Voices Teacher's Manual is now available with your digital resources! This invaluable resource answers most of your program-related and logistics-related questions for the remainder of the year. It includes information regarding student choir count, your workshop (more below), and the final field trip. Remaining Lesson Plans are also available! Find them in your digital resources folder. Teacher’s Workshop dates for 2026! - Wednesday, February 25th - Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
Registration is now open! |
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| Elementary School Teachers |
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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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The Presidential 1776 Award (New)The U.S. Department of Education announced the launch of the Presidential 1776 Award, a nationwide competition recognizing exceptional student knowledge of the American founding. This award program establishes a national scholarship contest that evaluates students’ understanding of civics and the principles that shaped the United States. Additional information can be found below: |
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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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National Board Certification - Informational Session (New)Contact: Dr. Nicole Bethea, Office of Staff Development
Email: NBETHEA@NPS.K12.NJ.US National Board Certification (NBC) is a voluntary, advanced teaching credential that goes beyond state licensure. The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certifies teachers who successfully complete its rigorous certification process. The NBOE will pilot a program to help 20 eligible teachers become certified. The Office of Staff Development will be hosting a virtual informational session on January 13, 2026, at 4 PM.
For more information on becoming a National Board Certified Teacher and to register for the session, please view the flyer linked here. |
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National School Day of Non-Violence and Peace (New)Contact: Rania Sawaged, Office of Student Life
Email: rsawaged@nps.k12.nj.us In celebration of the National School Day of Non-Violence and Peace on Friday, January 30, 2026, please use the link below for activities you can use in your classroom or school to help promote awareness. All students are encouraged to join in reciting the Peace Pledge during morning announcements that day. Peace Pledge: “On this National School Day of Non-Violence and Peace, we pledge to work towards a more peaceful world for all. We pledge to promote non-violence, respect for human rights, and understanding of different cultures and perspectives. We will combat hate, discrimination, and violence. We pledge to be active citizens in our City of Newark, and to use our voices and actions to promote peace and create a more just and equitable society. I also pledge to address the underlying issues that contribute to gun violence, such as poverty, racism, and a lack of access to mental health resources. We pledge to stand with survivors of gun violence and to honor the memory of those who have been lost. Together, we can create a future of peace and harmony for all people.”
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OSE Updates and Professional Development Opportunities (New)Contact: Candice Wells, Office of Special Education
Email: c1wells@nps.k12.nj.us The AMIRAH next assessment is scheduled for January. Select students with an IEP may be eligible to participate in the Paper-Based Alternate AMIRAH assessment. Students grades K to 3rd must participate. OPPET is hosting a PD session on Friday, January 9th. Please see your building principal to see if you should join the morning or afternoon session. Only students who have an IEP and are non-verbal, blind, or deaf/HH are eligible. See additional information and resources regarding April's Autism Acceptance. NJDOE is hosting "Autism Acceptance 3rd Annual Virtual Art Expo". Support participation by identifying individual students or classroom projects whose original artwork reflects creativity, engagement, and inclusion aligned with the theme “Autism in Action.” See attached for additional OSE PD. |
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Arts Ed Newark Networking & Wellness Event (New)Contact: Devonne De Nose, Office of Visual and Performing Arts
Email: d1denose@nps.k12.nj.us Join Arts Ed Newark and Healing Schools Project on Thursday, January 8th from 4–7 PM at the Newark Public Library (Centennial Hall) for What Makes You Happy: Networking & Wellness Event, a healing-centered evening to connect and create joy together. Experience creative art stations, wellness activities, light food and beverages, and meaningful connection with fellow leaders, educators, school staff, and community partners. This is a space for you. A space to recharge, reflect, and reconnect with what brings you happiness and sustains you in your work. Questions or accessibility needs: amanda@healingschoolsproject.com |
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Important Information about District All City Theatre (New)Contact: Antonia Germanos, Office of Visual and Performing Arts
Email: agermanos@nps.k12.nj.us Attention All NBOE Theatre Educators! Deadlines for All City Theatre are quickly approaching. Ensure your school's Theatre program is represented, your students are prepared, and all your documents are submitted in a timely manner. Review the All City Theatre Teacher Guidelines here: |
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Allstate Long-Term Care with Whole Life (New)Contact: Jennifer Medina, Office of Benefit Services
Email: j1medina@nps.k12.nj.us Allstate Long Term Care with Whole Life is a voluntary benefit that provides assistance to individuals with a chronic illness or disability over an extended period of time. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to apply for coverage with guaranteed issue (no health questions to qualify) during this enrollment only! This new option is voluntary. If you do not waive coverage or take no action, you will not be enrolled automatically. Only employees who take action to enroll in the Long Term Care benefit will be enrolled and receive the coverage. Visit Allstate LTC Information to get more information, schedule a call with a LTC Specialist, and instructions on how to enroll. |
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New Teacher Induction Training #4 (New)Contact: Jennifer Rodriguez, HRS - Office of Educator Effectiveness
Email: Evaluations@nps.k12.nj.us The next New Teacher Induction training will be held virtually on Thursday, January 15th, 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 #4 will be held virtually on January 15, 2026, 4:00-6:00 pm. Please see the link below to access session registration forms, information, and virtual links. |
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Cycle 2 Progress Reports - Tuesday, Jan 6, 2026Contact: Esther Lewars, OPPET - Student Information Services
Email: elewars@nps.k12.nj.us The Q2 progress reports will be delivered on Tuesday, January 6. In PowerTeacher Pro, update each student’s Q2 final grade with a comment. Comments should include the student’s current level of achievement, and the teacher should have data to support the statement. Comments are limited to 1000 characters due to space limitations.
To view all comments entered, select: Reports → Final Grade Report → Select classes → Select Comments → Run Report |
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Getting Started with Pear AssessmentContact: Michael Padilla, Office of Instructional Technology
Email: m4padilla@nps.k12.nj.us Interested in learning how to utilize Pear Assessment to easily administer quick, high-quality assessments? Join us on Thursday, January 8th for virtual PD from 3:15 - 4:15 PM. This session is designed for anyone new to Pear Assessment. This training provides users with comprehensive knowledge to effectively navigate and utilize the platform. Email Michael Padilla (m4padilla@nps.k12.nj.us) with any questions. |
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Using Read&Write as a Literacy Support ToolContact: Michael Padilla, Office of Instructional Technology
Email: m4padilla@nps.k12.nj.us  Read&Write is a literacy support tool that helps with reading, writing, and studying by offering features like text-to-speech, word prediction, dictionaries, and research tools. All students and teachers in our District have access to this useful tool.
Please join us on Tuesday, January 13th for virtual PD from 3:15 - 4:15 PM. Email Michael Padilla (m4padilla@nps.k12.nj.us) with any questions. |
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Teach STEM in a Nonpublic SchoolContact: Kathleen Tierney, Office of Science
Email: ktierney@nps.k12.nj.us Teachers that are interested in teaching Science, Technology, Engineering and/or Math classes in nonpublic schools (outside of their NBOE contractual duties) and who meet eligibility requirements are encouraged to complete the survey linked below. Interested teachers should submit their contact information via this survey no later than January 15, 2026. |
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Attend the Newark/MSU Pipeline Information SessionContact: Dr. Nicole Bethea, Staff Development
Email: NBethea@nps.k12.nj.us Aspiring school/district leaders are encouraged to attend the Newark/Montclair Leadership Pipeline Program Information Session on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. At this session, participants will learn about this Master's in Educational Leadership program and the process to apply to be a member of Cohort 7 which will begin study in the fall of 2026. Registration is required via the QR Code on the attached flyer: |
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Afterschool Assessments for Child Study Team MembersContact: Candice Wells, Office of Special Education
Email: c1wells@nps.k12.nj.us Child Study Team members are eligible to conduct evaluations/re-evaluations and IEPs at a rate of $350.00 per evaluation/IEP. The Office of Special Education will provide additional guidance regarding selection of staff in a subsequent memorandum. |
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Virus Season Fall/Winter 2025-2026Contact: Samuel G Carruth MD., Office of Health Services
Email: scarruth@nps.k12.nj.us  Help prevent the spread of seasonal viruses and other seasonal infective agents.
Handwashing: - Teach and encourage proper handwashing.
- Hand washing before entering the cafeteria and frequently during the day.
- Hand sanitizers are less effective against certain viruses.
- Handwashing with soapy, warm running water for twenty (20) seconds remains an effective technique to reduce the spread of viruses.
Virus-Season-Guidelines-for-Suspected-Outbreaks.docx |
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Holiday Pay Periods - Pay Dates ReminderContact: Dimple Patel, HRS - Office of Payroll
Email: payrollcs@nps.k12.nj.us The Payroll Team would like to remind you of the upcoming December 2025 and January 2026 pay dates, as posted on the district pay calendar on https://nboehrs.com/payroll/: - January 16, 2026
- January 30, 2026
Wishing you a great holiday season from the Newark Board of Education Payroll Team! |
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Newark Accelerated Pathways Program (NAPP) Enhances Support!Contact: Eboni Woolridge, HRS - Office of Staffing
Email: ewoolridge@nps.k12.nj.us Newark Accelerated Pathways Program (NAPP) continues to enhance support by hosting On-Site Staff Development and Premium Pop-Up Test Events through the Engage2Learn (E2L) partnership. Important Dates On-Site Staff Development - Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 3:45PM. 2026 Premium Pop-Up Test Events: - Saturday - February 21st
- Saturday - April 25rd
- Saturday - May 30th
Pathways teachers must complete the following link to register for testing events: All Career Pathways and NAPP teachers must upload their certification progress via the following link: |
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America’s Field Trip Contest for Grades 3 - 12 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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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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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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