NJEA Convention Highlights Sean Spiller’s Campaign for Governor, Drag Queens, and “Queering the Curriculum”

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The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) hosted its annual conference this week, drawing attention for its lineup of speakers and workshops centered around themes of inclusivity, equity, and education. The conference, themed “Learning. Equity. Justice,” showcased influential voices in education and LGBTQIA+ rights, and NJEA President Sean Spiller’s keynote focused on preparing students for a future shaped by diversity and equitable access.

The NJEA conference engaged heavily in the philosophy of “Queering the curriculum,”

This is what the NJEA progressives in New Jersey schools are more worried about at their convention, all while graduation rates, math and reading scores are in the toilet If you're through with this ideological push, then it's time for a change in NJ, let's fix it… https://t.co/TiBrhccQH1 pic.twitter.com/0mUHCPJqSy

— ☕ Wαƙҽ Uρ NJ 🇺🇸 (@wakeupnj) November 8, 2024

Queering the curriculum is a teaching method that uses queer theory to challenge heteronormativity in education and to create a more inclusive curriculum.

One of the conference’s headline speakers was Chasten Buttigieg, an author, teacher, and LGBTQIA+ rights advocate. Known for his engaging social media presence and advocacy work, Buttigieg leveraged his platform to discuss the importance of mental health, public education, and arts access. As the spouse of Pete Buttigieg, former Democratic presidential candidate and current Secretary of Transportation, Chasten has become a prominent figure in education and LGBTQIA+ advocacy. His session emphasized the need to support students of all backgrounds, an approach in line with NJEA’s goals of fostering a diverse and supportive educational environment.

Academy Award-winning filmmaker Spike Lee was also a featured speaker, sharing insights on social justice and creative expression. His work in film, which frequently tackles themes of race, inequality, and activism, provided a powerful perspective on the intersection of education and social issues.