The Learning Community Charter School in Jersey City is one of two charters in the state to receive a Lighthouse Award from the New Jersey Department of Education.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
This award recognizes district and charter schools that have demonstrated measurable progress towards equitable outcomes in areas such as increasing post-secondary enrollment, diversity in the teacher workforce, course enrollment and disciplinary outcomes.
Learning Community Charter School was recognized for increasing diversity in the teacher workforce, while the Barack Obama Green Charter High School in Plainfield was awarded for increasing equity in course enrollment.
“New Jersey charter schools offer educators the flexibility and autonomy to develop policies and coursework that best meet the needs of their students,” New Jersey Public Charter School Association President/CEO Harry Lee said in a statement.
“Having two of our schools be recognized as Lighthouse districts is an incredible achievement that reflects the work our teachers and school leaders are doing every day to provide students with a quality education.”
LCCS serves 638 students in grades Pre-K through 8. To increase diversity in the teacher workforce, LCCS offers paid internships for aspiring teachers enrolled at New Jersey City University, provides support for faculty members of color through the BIPOC Leadership Committee, and conducts extensive outreach to all families and policy makers.
For the 2021-22 school year, BIPOC employees make up 41 percent of the LCCS staff and are represented in the school’s leadership team and STEM, English, health and safety departments. Roughly 34 percent of students are Black or Latin.
“When the educators in our classrooms are reflective of the communities they serve, our students become even more empowered and motivated to achieve academic success,” noted Head of LCCS Colin Hogan.
“We are incredibly proud to be a leader for New Jersey schools in diversifying the classroom and look forward to continuing to identify new ways to support our teaching staff.”
