The New Jersey Department of Education is seeking a representative of a public charter school or a teacher from a local educational agency, which includes a charter school or school district, to sit on the New Jersey State Special Education Advisory Council beginning in the fall of 2023, according to an advisory.

The purpose of the NJ-SSEAC is to provide guidance to the commissioner of education on special education and related services. Members are appointed by the New Jersey State Board of Education in accordance with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Act and state statute at N.J.S.A. 18A:46-2.

The council must consist of a minimum of seven and a maximum of 15 members. Additionally, half of the council members must be either a parent of a child with a disability or a person with a disability. Potential members must identify with one or more of the 15 categories outlined by the federal guidelines. More information on the 15 categories is included in the membership application. Regional representation is also a consideration.

Appointments are for a two-year term and are renewable for additional terms. Meetings are held from August to June on the third Thursday of the month from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monthly attendance is a requirement.

Members are volunteers and are not reimbursed for their services. Council meetings are open to the public. Interested candidates can find additional information on the NJDOE’s SSEAC webpage.

The application form should be completed via Microsoft Forms (2023-2024 SSEAC Application Form). In addition, the candidate’s resume should be sent via email. Questions can be sent via email, or you can call 609-376-9125.