The Office of Human Resource Services (HRS) implemented innovative recruitment and retention strategies to attract new teacher candidates and support current staff members as they continue in the career they desire with the Newark Board of Education (NBOE). From the new teacher salary negotiations with the Newark Teachers Union, to the new career advancement pipelines that support the continuous development of staff, the HRS team accomplished a herculean task of getting district schools fully staffed for this school year. Investments in “Grow Your Own” (GYO) programs, such as Pathways to Teaching, has assisted over 200 non-instructional employees (i.e. custodial workers, parent liaisons, clerks, and per diem teachers/aides) in obtaining their teacher certification. Several candidates completed the program and have been offered full-time teaching positions. This initiative was made possible through the district’s firm commitment to staff and with the incredible support from post-secondary partners such as Montclair State University and Rutgers-Newark.
The HRS Benefits Services team, in partnership with Aetna and insurance brokers, proudly launched the district’s wellness program, NBOEWell. NBOEWell provides a comprehensive benefits program where staff learn more about taking charge of their overall health, resulting in a robust workforce. Full-time staff receive outstanding health benefits to enhance their overall social, emotional, and physical well-being. Through the NBOEWell Program, staff receive access to Noom, Peerfit, Teledoc, and several other health programs that help bring a healthy work-life balance. All of these programs serve the NBOEWell mission: empowering the staff with the tools and resources they need to Know More. Choose Better. Live Well.