July 7, 2022

NMUTR Graduate Rouxana Pellicier Participates in JerseyCan Fellowship Program

The 2021-22 New Jersey Teacher Leader Policy fellows graduating class, including Rouxana Pellicier (third from left). Photo credit: JerseyCAN

CEHS Urban Teacher Residency (NMUTR) graduate Rouxana Pellicier was recently recognized for participating in a year-long fellowship program through JerseyCan.

Rouxana was one of four teachers who were recognized for their efforts in partaking in the fellowship program, which is aimed to develop and positively influence educators’ understanding of state and local education policy.

JerseyCAN, a Cranford-based education advocacy organization, celebrated the graduation of the 2021-22 New Jersey Teacher Leader Policy Fellows. Along with Rouxana, who teaches at South Street School, this year’s graduating class included Newark teachers Sashai Roberts of Thrive Academy Charter School; Jasmine Seegers of Link Community Charter School District; and Cedric Thorbes of Achieve Clinton Hill Charter School.

“The New Jersey Teacher Leader Policy Fellowship is one of the most respected teacher development initiatives in the state,” JerseyCAN Executive Director Patricia Morgan said. “The application process is highly competitive and a great deal of work and investment has gone into developing the program… We are so happy that so many great Newark teachers participated in the fellowship and will start next fall with new skills that will allow her/him to advocate for the needs of her/his students and the community.”

The fellowship is a year-long course where participants come together to discuss the latest policy trends and issues in New Jersey education. Alongside gaining a more robust understanding of the state’s education policy landscape and expanding their knowledge of local, state, and national governance, the fellowship allows the selected teachers to network with elected leaders and influential educational stakeholders and build strong engagement and advocacy skills.

Additionally, each teacher develops a personal project representing a policy issue related to their passions and interests. Fellows also receive a $2,000 stipend for their commitment to this work.