Dan Staples : 2nd Annual Cynthia Hammond Award Winner

After careful consideration, the committee voted to nominate Dan Staples, the president of the Manchester Township Education Association in Ocean County for the NEA Democratic Caucus Cynthia Hammond Award.

Staples has served as a math teacher in Manchester Township for more than 15 years. Prior to becoming the association president, Staples served as 1st vice president, and head association representative. In addition, he has been very active at the county level, serving as a DA alternate and serving on the OCCEA executive committee and rep council. He is an NJEA consultant with Region 7, a planning board member of the NJEA Patriots Alliance, and has previously worked as an organizer with the Educator Action network.  

A graduate of Stockton University with a B.A. in Mathematics, Staples earned a certification in negotiations, arbitration and conflict resolution from Rutgers University School of Management and Labor Relations. From 1998-2002, Staples served in the U.S. Marine Corps.  

“Dan's dedication to ESPs is evident in his tireless efforts to improve their working conditions, job security, and economic well-being. He has been instrumental in negotiating fair contracts, advocating for increased compensation, and ensuring ESPs have access to the resources and support they need to succeed,”

wrote Keith Eckert, 1st vice president of the MTEA.   

In Manchester, Staples worked to increase ESP membership in the union and provide greater representation of their interests with a guaranteed seat of the executive board. He successfully advocated for the creation of an ESP Committee to select a yearly award for ESP members. As 1st vice president of the Ocean County Education Association, Staples is advocating for a county level award for ESP members.   

“Dan has also demonstrated a remarkable ability to think creatively and innovate in order to make a difference for ESPs,”

Eckert continued. “He has been at the forefront of efforts to utilize technology to improve communication and engagement among members; from emails, flyers, and social media to creating digital bulletin boards for each building. I remember after becoming president one of Dan's first actions was to bring in innovative training programs to help ESPs enhance their skills and professional development. Dan's ability to think outside the box and find new ways to address the challenges facing ESPs is a testament to his leadership and commitment to our profession.”   

“Over the years, I have watched him actively lift up ESPs in our district,” wrote Lisa Sidorick-Wise, special education teacher in Manchester Township, “

Dan created the Excellence in Education Award Ceremony. This event was held in a banquet hall each year where numerous staff were honored, including ESPs. For the first time in our community all ESPs were honored alongside teachers. Community leaders, such as our mayor and town council members were invited and often spoke about the dedication of our members. Under his leadership our union became an all-inclusive union and a part of the entire Manchester community.”   

Manchester paraprofessional Kimberly Payton wrote,

“I believe Dan Staples is a truly deserving candidate for the NJEA Friend of ESP Award. His unwavering commitment to our profession, his tireless advocacy for our rights, and his dedication to his colleagues make him an exceptional leader.”   

Congratulations Dan and thank you for your tireless work on behalf of NEA members!