About Us

NJER is dedicated to fact-based journalism and commentary on the state of education in New Jersey, with a commitment to voicing the concerns of parents, students, teachers and school leaders.

Our goal is to elevate the conversation about the urgency of educational equity, access and opportunity in order to drive meaningful, evidence-based reforms in New Jersey schools, particularly for families and students who are too often failed by our current system. We strive to ensure consistent checks and balances for the Governor’s Office, the State Department of Education, state legislators, district leaders, teacher unions, and school boards.

Initially founded by Laura Waters as NJ Left Behind, this platform has expanded to respond to the growing need for accurate and timely news and analysis on schools and education politics in the state. 

Mission Statement

The New Jersey Education Report (NJER) is a non-partisan, nonprofit platform dedicated to providing insight into education news, policy and politics on a local and statewide level.

Our Values and Guiding Principles

Commitment to Education

NJER is the only news platform in New Jersey completely dedicated to education news in the state.

Independence

Trust with our readers is our highest priority. As an independent news organization, NJER’s reporting is not dictated by a larger media entity’s agenda.

Collaborative Spirit

As part of the brightbeam network of platforms and education activists, NJER is born out of a collaborative spirit and commitment to work together to help share voices and tell powerful stories that unite communities. If you wish to share your story or join us in this effort, reach out to us.

Curiosity

NJER believes in the importance of asking questions, finding new and diverse perspectives, and challenging the status quo.

Diversity

NJER is committed to ensuring that our news coverage reflects all communities throughout the state and ensuring the education news, events, policy and debates at the local level have the strongest possible voice. Our focus is on amplifying the voices of people underrepresented in mainstream news.