My Letter to Governor Murphy

Dear Governor Murphy,

My name is Mark Kowalski and I am an educator in New Jersey. I am 26 years old and I have been living in New Jersey my entire life. I am a proud registered member of the Democratic party and I enthusiastically voted for your governorship twice.

I am writing to you today because I am an alternate-route educator in a teacher preparation program about to take the EdTPA. As you are aware, the state Senate and Assembly have voted to eliminate the EdTPA in New Jersey and it now sits on your desk. This fall, I will begin the process of the EdTPA which will cost me approximately $1,402 which includes the test administered by Pearson and the preparation course at my college.

I am imploring you to sign the bill that is on your desk. I love my job, the students that I teach, and the school that I work at. As an alternate-route educator, the burden of the EdTPA and the associated costs of college have been mounting beyond my financial abilities. It is my hope that you will sign this bill that is on your desk before the new school year begins.

Respectfully yours,

Mr. Mark A. Kowalski

5th Grade Teacher