Learning Ally recently had the privilege of honoring two remarkable New Jersey state legislators whose tireless work continues to transform educational opportunities for students across the Garden State.
Senator Teresa Ruiz Receives 2024 Legislator of the Year Award
Senator Ruiz receiving her award. She is joined by Tim Wilson and Patrick Brennan from Learning Ally.
Majority Leader Senator Teresa Ruiz accepted Learning Ally’s 2024 Legislator of the Year Award in recognition of her outstanding leadership in advancing literacy initiatives throughout New Jersey.
In 2024, Senator Ruiz demonstrated her commitment to addressing literacy challenges by introducing a transformative package of four bills specifically designed to enhance student literacy performance and address learning loss. This comprehensive legislation takes direct aim at closing the achievement gap in New Jersey schools.
The Senator’s legislative package enables schools to implement monitored reading intervention programs for K-3 students, with a focus on building critical skills such as phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Under the new legislation, schools will assess K-3 students three times annually and screen 4th-12th graders to identify reading deficiencies early. Additionally, K-3 teachers will receive annual training to support these crucial interventions.
Throughout her career, Senator Ruiz has been a powerful voice for education reform, consistently championing policies that ensure equitable educational opportunities for all students. Her accomplishments include securing $25 million in the 2018 state budget to expand Pre-K access and working diligently to make higher education more affordable for New Jersey students, including advocating for in-state tuition for undocumented students.
Senator Shirley Turner Honored with Legislative Hard Worker Award
Senator Turner (second from left) is joined by Assemblywoman Shanique Speight (third from the left) and Learning Ally representatives.
The Learning Ally Legislative Hard Worker Award was presented to Senate President Pro Tempore Shirley Turner, celebrating her long-standing commitment to improving education for all students.
Since joining the New Jersey Senate in 1998, Senator Turner has been a consistent force for positive change in the state’s education system. Her impressive legislative record includes sponsoring numerous bills to make education more accessible, including efforts to expand free and reduced-cost lunch programs and create school-based breakfast initiatives.
Senator Turner’s advocacy has also ensured that students in grades K-5 receive daily recess, promoting both physical well-being and academic success. Her support for inter-district school choice has opened doors for countless students seeking better educational opportunities.
Beyond her legislative work, Senator Turner demonstrates her commitment to literacy through direct community engagement. Each year, she hosts an annual book fair during which she collects thousands of donated books to provide to young learners in and around the Trenton area, putting literacy resources directly into the hands of children who need them most.
A Shared Vision for Education in New Jersey
The efforts of both Senator Ruiz and Senator Turner reflect a shared commitment to ensuring every child in New Jersey has access to high-quality education. Their work aligns perfectly with Learning Ally’s mission to equip educators with proven solutions that help struggling readers reach their potential.
“Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz’s and Senator Shirley Turner’s endless commitment to education is what drives positive change in the state of New Jersey,” said Tim Wilson, Interim CEO at Learning Ally. “Their leadership ensures that students who struggle with reading, including those with dyslexia, receive the support and resources they need to succeed academically.”
Learning Ally is proud to recognize these two outstanding legislators and looks forward to continuing our partnership in building a stronger, more inclusive educational environment for all New Jersey students.
Feeling inspired? You, too, can help transform the lives of more struggling readers. Get Involved!