Njea president who fought against parental rights seeks to be new jersey's next governor

Spiller supports drag queen story hour in public schools

Sean Spiller, a progressive figure in New Jersey politics and the current NJEA president, is voicing a strong message of inclusivity and reform as he campaigns for governor. Spiller, who began his career as a high school science teacher and a college hockey player, has been a notable political presence in the state, especially after being considered for the lieutenant governor position in 2013.

During his tenure as NJEA President, Spiller supported identity politics, reduction of parental rights in the classroom, bans against libraries removing inappropriate books and the attack on Dr. Seuess.

In a recent statement, Spiller emphasized, “Today, I say to all of New Jersey, we can do better. This is our chance, for all of us. It’s not just millionaires and Wall Street that should have a voice. It’s the rest of us.” His comments highlight his ongoing commitment to represent the broader public’s interests over those of the wealthy and powerful.

Elected mayor of Montclair in 2020, Spiller did not pursue a second term, choosing instead to focus on his gubernatorial campaign. He points to his achievements in Montclair, such as implementing rent control to assist hard-working families, as indicators of his dedication to improving quality of life for all citizens. Spiller’s platform includes significant investments in public education, support for small businesses, and economic reforms aimed at benefiting the state’s middle and working-class populations.

Test scores in New Jersey still trail pre-COVID-19 figures under Spiller

According to the Bergen Record, “Student performance on New Jersey’s statewide tests in math, English and science improved in 2023 from last year but the numbers remain below pre-pandemic levels, state officials said Wednesday during a presentation of results from standardized testing conducted in the spring.”

Spiller asserts that his policies will create an economically successful New Jersey that also enhances the lives of its residents, making it a place where they can afford to live and thrive. His campaign continues to gather momentum as he advocates for an inclusive approach to governance.

Drag Queen Story Hour

At the 2022 NJEA Convention Spiller and the NJEA called fo drag queen story hour in public schools

In “LGBTQ+ Issues and Content in the History Classroom,” Steve Koumoulis emphasized how critical it is for history students to understand that they are part of the story. Truly authentic learning happens in myriad ways, including through storytelling that centers intersectional perspectives about lived experiences. This allows students to understand there were and are people like them in this world, making history feel relevant and affirming for their identities.

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