By Angel Boose
From colonial times into the 19th century, most educators were men. Many used their teaching experience as a stepping stone into a more desired profession, thus decreasing the number of well-educated men who were called upon to teach. As public education expanded in the 19th century, many communities turned to educated women.
With the domination of women in the teaching profession also came radical change in the expectations of educators—enforcing even greater restrictions than those already imposed on all women in that era. Job security often depended on political connections, and women were typically required to resign from teaching if they married. Consequently, the financial prospects for a female, unmarried lifelong teacher were dim. With low pay and no pension plan until the early 20th century, these women faced poverty in retirement.
NJEA Women in Education Committee
The role of women in education has been critical in fostering the transformation of the education system in this country. In NJEA, it has been critical to have women at the collective bargaining table to ensure policies and procedures are implemented to protect the rights of women. The NJEA Women in Education (WIE) committee honors these women and their work in the past and in the present.
“Often overlooked, a woman’s perspective, sensibilities, brilliance and insight are what will move education to the height of its full potential,” says Fatimah Hayes, WIE chairperson. “In the wake of the 2020 election and the election of our first woman and person of color vice president, Kamala Harris, women are finally being recognized for all that we bring to the table. From our schoolhouses to the White House, the critical role that women play in every space that we occupy is undeniable.”
“We work as a collective voice to highlight issues that are unique to women in the workplace, while keeping the focus on educating our youth,” says WIE Committee member Dana Lakins.
“We lend credibility and unity to women’s concerns,” says Aida Wahba, also a WIE committee member. “I believe women are critical to education, serving as role models to other women. They silently impact and encourage younger women to further their education and pursue a professional career, especially those who will be first-generation college students.”
The WIE committee works to prioritize gender equity and equal access in New Jersey schools.
“Although the field of education is a women-dominated profession, we still face barriers,”
says Hayes.
According to federal data and a survey conducted by the AASA, The School Superintendents Association, 76% of the nation’s K-12 educators are women, but only 24% of superintendents are women. Hayes’ goal in leading the committee is to break down barriers that cause these inequities and bring awareness to women’s issues in the workplace and in the communities that we serve. In the fight for racial, social and economic justice, women have historically been in the forefront of those fights but have not always reaped the benefits.
“I intend to live by the notion that empowered women, empower women,” says committee member Kerrian Palmieri. “Making a positive impact means helping individuals, giving support to women so that they can turn and lend a hand to the next person.”
The WIE Committee annually confers the Elizabeth A. Allen Women in Education Award. It honors Elizabeth A. Allen, who served as the first woman NJEA president from 1913-1914, and who was pivotal in creating both tenure and a pension for teachers. As the host of the 2021 Equity Alliance Gala, the WIE committee presented the award to Assemblywoman Linda Carter, a legislator and NJEA member.
The committee also works to disseminate information at the county level and engage members in initiatives throughout the state and nation through workshops, events, and partnerships. Many partnerships have been forged between the WIE committee and other organizations, such as N.J. Women Vote, the N.J. Historical Commission, William Patterson University and the Alice Paul Institute. The committee is open to forging relationships with other organizations to expand their work and reach.
The WIE committee is represented in each of the 21 counties and includes teachers, educational support professionals, retirees, and Preservice members. There is currently no representation from Higher Education, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Ocean, Sussex, or Warren Counties. If you are interested in representing one of those counties, contact your county association president. For higher education, contact NJEA Executive Committee member Peter Helff.
In honor of National Women’s History Month, let us remember the extraordinary achievements of the women of our past and use their fight as a catalyst to continue the work they started.
Angel Boose is a third-grade teacher at the Benjamin Banneker Academy in the East Orange School District. She is the vice president of the East Orange Education Association and an NJEA Communications Consultant. Boose represents Essex County on the NJEA Women in Education Committee.