New Jersey's Union-Centered Healthy Schools Work

Abstract

Healthy schools work is taking place on the state level throughout the United States. Perhaps more than in other states, New Jersey healthy schools work has been union-centered. The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) collaborated with the New Jersey Work Environment Council (WEC) to produce educational materials and training sessions, provide technical assistance to local education associations, and pursue policy objectives. Pressure from members, personal connections among individuals with experience in health and safety coalitions, progressive union leadership, financial commitment, and a change in focus from regulatory compliance to member organizing contributed to the genesis and success of the work. Others doing healthy schools work may discover new possibilities from the New Jersey experience.