The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) hosted its annual conference this week, drawing attention for its lineup of speakers and workshops centered around themes of inclusivity, equity, and education. The conference, themed “Learning. Equity. Justice,” showcased influential voices in education and LGBTQIA+ rights, and NJEA President Sean Spiller’s keynote focused on preparing students for a future shaped by diversity and equitable access.
The NJEA conference engaged heavily in the philosophy of “Queering the curriculum,”
Queering the curriculum is a teaching method that uses queer theory to challenge heteronormativity in education and to create a more inclusive curriculum.
One of the conference’s headline speakers was Chasten Buttigieg, an author, teacher, and LGBTQIA+ rights advocate. Known for his engaging social media presence and advocacy work, Buttigieg leveraged his platform to discuss the importance of mental health, public education, and arts access. As the spouse of Pete Buttigieg, former Democratic presidential candidate and current Secretary of Transportation, Chasten has become a prominent figure in education and LGBTQIA+ advocacy. His session emphasized the need to support students of all backgrounds, an approach in line with NJEA’s goals of fostering a diverse and supportive educational environment.
Academy Award-winning filmmaker Spike Lee was also a featured speaker, sharing insights on social justice and creative expression. His work in film, which frequently tackles themes of race, inequality, and activism, provided a powerful perspective on the intersection of education and social issues.
NJEA President Sean Spiller, who is also a candidate for New Jersey governor in 2025, used the event as a platform to discuss his vision for the future of the state’s education system. Spiller, an educator and coach, emphasized the importance of preparing New Jersey’s students to thrive in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.
“Because we proudly welcome every child who comes through our school doors, it is fitting that the theme of the NJEA Convention is ‘Learning. Equity. Justice,’” Spiller said in his speech. He highlighted the role educators play in shaping this inclusive environment and called for continued support to maintain quality education for New Jersey families.
As part of his campaign, Spiller’s allies within the NJEA promoted his candidacy to conference attendees, underscoring his commitment to funding pensions, supporting educators, and advocating for school resources. Flyers and information sessions encouraged attendees to support Spiller’s run for governor in 2025, appealing to educators’ interests in having a voice in policy decisions.
Friday’s events included a breakfast hosted by the NJEA’s Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Committee, followed by workshops on creating inclusive classrooms under New Jersey’s LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum mandate. These sessions aimed to equip educators with strategies for authentically incorporating diverse perspectives and histories into their teaching, from kindergarten through high school.
The conference’s focus on equity and diversity has stirred both praise and criticism, reflecting the broader national conversation on inclusivity in education. For Spiller, this event was not only an opportunity to address NJEA’s commitment to educational progress but also to present himself as a forward-thinking candidate dedicated to New Jersey’s students and teachers.
As Spiller’s campaign for governor gains momentum, the NJEA convention underscored his vision of a diverse and inclusive future for New Jersey education.
