NJ Charter School Parents Train To Become Advocates At Newark Event

NEWARK, NJ — The New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association (NJPCSA) recently kicked off another year of its Parent Ambassador Program at an event in Newark.

Saturday’s event brought together parents, educators, public charter school supporters and alumni to mark the third year of the program, which “supports families as advocates for their children's education and engaging elected officials in all levels of government.”

This year the program is expanding with two alumni ambassadors and a parent cohort in Newark, the largest public charter school community in the state of New Jersey, according to the NJPCSA.

Dozens of public charter school parents and alumni took part in advocacy training at last weekend’s event, which included a meeting with New Jersey Assemblywoman Shanique Speight, who represents Newark residents in the 29th Legislative District.

“I commend NJPCSA’s commitment to empowering parents and students in this city,” Speight said. “A mother’s power is the driving force behind her children's success and I look forward to supporting their work to strengthen quality education for all Newark students.”

When parents are engaged, it makes a significant difference in shaping educational policies and opportunities for all students, NJPCSA senior director of grassroots advocacy Galen Johnson said.

“Our parents are the most powerful voices for their children's education and the Parent Ambassador Program is part of our commitment to equip them with the tools and knowledge to be effective advocates,” Johnson said.

NJPCSA president and CEO Harry Lee said the program will help public charter school parents across New Jersey to take their message straight to their elected leaders.

Lee got a vote of agreement from one of the participating parents, Michelle Sanchez, whose children attend Robert Treat Academy Charter School in Newark.

“As a public charter school parent, I wanted to learn how to make a bigger impact in my community and beyond,” Sanchez said. “This training event was eye-opening and empowering and I now feel more confident about advocating for my child's education and for all students in New Jersey.”

There are currently 86 public charter schools in New Jersey serving more than 63,000 students, according to the NJPCSA.

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