It also offers teachers workshops on how to facilitate hands-on learning. The Share Your Day Program, sponsored by Northeast Delta Dental, enables teachers to visit outstanding classrooms or programs in other districts by helping fund substitute teachers, transportation, meals, and other costs. New Jersey Statewide. The New Jersey Education Association worked with Gov. Christine Todd Whitman's administration to develop the new state Continuing Education Program for Teachers, which will require teachers to complete 100 hours of approved professional development every five years, beginning in January 2000. The new program will be governed by a state professional standards board made up of practicing teachers, school administrators, and school board members, all appointed by the state commissioner of education.
Teachers represent a majority on the board.
Local boards of district teaching staff, principals, administrators, and school board members will direct professional development activities tailored to local needs. The Montclair Education Association, the Dumont Education Association, the two school districts, and Montclair State University are shaping the way student teachers are trained by turning Montclair and Dumont High Schools into professional development schools. The university sends students to the schools to observe professional practice in action. In turn, teachers give the university feedback on how to structure its teacher education program. The Association is also able to provide ongoing inservice training to teachers using university resources and staff.