Sean M. Spiller, Steve Beatty and Petal Robertson have been elected president, vice president and secretary-treasurer of NJEA for two-year terms beginning Sept. 1, 2021. Spiller, a science teacher in Wayne, previously served as secretary-treasurer from 2013-2017 and is currently completing his second two-year term as vice president. Beatty, a social studies teacher in Bridgewater-Raritan, has served as secretary-treasurer since 2017. Robertson, an English teacher in Montclair, currently serves as president of the Montclair Education Association.
NJEA officers are elected by a popular vote of NJEA’s 200,000 members. Spiller and Beatty ran unopposed for their offices, while Robertson received the most votes from a field of three candidates. NJEA officers are elected to two-year terms that begin on Sept. 1. NJEA President Marie Blistan, along with Spiller and Beatty, will continue in their current roles until Aug. 31, 2021.
Blistan congratulated the incoming team of officers.
“NJEA members made a great choice in this election,” said Blistan. “I’ve known and worked with Sean, Steve and Petal for many years and I know they will continue to be outstanding leaders in their new roles. I look forward to working with them for the rest of my term to ensure a smooth transition on Sept. 1. We have built up a lot of momentum together and we are not going to slow down one bit!”
Spiller, who will become the first Black man to serve as NJEA president, said he looks forward to the challenge.
“It’s been a great honor to spend the last eight years advocating alongside NJEA members for our shared values,” Spiller said. “Marie, Steve and I have worked hard to build NJEA into a justice-centered union that makes a difference beyond the walls of our schools. I look forward to working with Steve and Petal to continue that growth and transformation and I thank NJEA members for entrusting me with that responsibility.”
Beatty also thanked NJEA members for their continued support.
“I’m proud of the work we have done over the last four years to make our union more a more powerful and effective advocate for racial, social and economic justice,” Beatty said. “Sean, Petal and I share a vision that includes continuing that work and ensuring that NJEA members have the opportunities and resources they need to fully participate in that mission. I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving in this new role.”
Robertson echoed that enthusiasm for the opportunities ahead.
“I ran for this office because I believe our association is strongest when all members take ownership to lead and provide voice,” Robertson said. “I have watched Marie, Sean and Steve guide NJEA to unprecedented opportunities for educators statewide because of their unwavering commitment to ensuring power and voice for our membership. As president of the Montclair Education Association, I shared that belief and I look forward to continuing that as NJEA secretary-treasurer. I am honored and humbled to be given this opportunity, and I pledge to lead with passion and purpose to continue to ensure that our association remains the inclusive voice of its membership.”
In addition to electing new NJEA officers, NJEA members also elected members to hundreds of other positions at the state and county levels. Full election results can be found at njea.org/njea-elections.