I wanted to take the time to reach out and introduce myself to those that I don’t already know. My name is Jay DeFuria and I’ve been a Biology teacher at East for the last 8 years. Cherry Hill was not my first teaching job, I taught Biology in Massachusetts for 3 years prior to moving here. I grew up on a farm in Massachusetts, attended the University of Massachusetts, and was active in the UMass Minuteman Marching Band.
I became active in CHEA due to the significant opportunities for improvement I saw in how the district interacts with us. First and foremost, I believe that we should be treated with respect as professionals, and that isn’t always the case.
After attending a NJEA Winter Leadership Conference, I was struck by the differences in how other local associations operate. Many other unions are more outspoken on behalf of their members. The experience made me realize how important it is to have a vocal union and is partially the reason why I’ve decided to run this year for the role of the CHEA president.
I am running for CHEA president to stand up for what is right. We have been silenced and ignored, and our perspective has been disregarded for too long. Let’s change that together on May 27th.
Please, if you have any questions whatsoever, I urge you to contact me via email (jdefuria@gmail.com), or via text at (856) 427-5394. Voting will take place on Friday, May 27th. You will be receiving a full Q&A via normal distribution methods later today/early tomorrow as well, but here is a direct link to my one pager if you would like to view it now.
Sincerely,
Jay DeFuria
P.S. You will receive emails from me this week, but this email service will be shut down after the election on Friday, May 27, 2022.