TRENTON, NJ — The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) has announced the allocation of nearly $2 million in grants aimed at improving teacher work environments and reducing burnout. The Teacher Climate and Culture Innovation Grants, part of Governor Phil Murphy’s initiative to address public school staff shortages, will support 18 school districts in their efforts to minimize administrative tasks and enhance classroom engagement.
Governor Murphy emphasized the significance of supporting educators to benefit student learning and teacher retention. “Allowing educators to focus their time and attention on what matters most – educating and inspiring the next generation,” he stated.
Acting Commissioner of Education, Kevin Dehmer, highlighted the program’s objectives, which include streamlining the teacher-evaluation process, utilizing Artificial Intelligence in school functions, and providing shared instructional resources to reduce preparation time. This initiative represents a step towards fostering a positive work environment that attracts and retains high-quality teachers.