The Teaneck School District is committed to ensuring that all of our schools are safe, inclusive  and welcoming environments for all learners regardless of race or ethnicity, sexual and gender identities, mental and physical abilities and/or religious beliefs. 

Our work is guided by The New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) which have been designed to highlight the contributions, experiences, stories and voices of individuals with diverse abilities, cultures, identities and perspectives. 

We believe and affirm that all students deserve equitable access (N.J.A.C. 6A:7) to a high-quality education that is inclusive and reflective of the rich diversity of our state and the Teaneck community.  This is achieved through consideration of diverse histories, experiences and perspectives that promote the dignity and respect of all individuals.

• Each school district shall incorporate instruction on diversity and inclusion in an appropriate place in the curriculum of students in grades kindergarten through 12 as part of the district’s implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. For additional information, please visit the following:  The New Jersey Department of Education: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

A board of education shall include instruction on:

A board of education shall have policies and procedures in place pertaining to:

• The selection of instructional materials to implement the requirements of section a. of this section.  
• When adopting instructional materials for use in the school district, a board of education shall adopt inclusive instructional materials that portray the cultural and economic diversity of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

• The Asian American Education Project: The Asian American Education Project is a non-profit organization committed to advancing justice for Asian Americans. This website provides tools, lesson plans and critical history about the contributions, stories and perspectives of Asian Americans as part of understanding American history.

• Make Us Visible: Empowers local communities and school districts to create curriculum for the integration of Asian American contributions, experiences and histories. 

A board of education shall:

• Incorporate the information regarding the history and contributions of African Americans to our country in an appropriate place in the curriculum of elementary and secondary school students. This law was updated via N.J.S.A. 18A:35-4.43 to include: Every board of education shall include, in the curriculum of all elementary and secondary school students, instruction that infuses into all courses on the United States, the centuries of accomplishments by African Americans in the building and development of America including, but not limited to, the areas of industry, military, government, and the professions; local communities; math, science, medicine, and space; architecture and the arts; social institutions and culture; and other aspects of life in America.

Learn More:

• The New Jersey Department of Education - Amistad Commission: The state's website for providing district's with web-based resources to assist districts with ensuring that African-American history, contributions and experiences are adequately and accurately taught in the state’s classrooms.

• The New Jersey Interactive Amistad Curriculum: On August 27, 2002, the Governor of New Jersey signed into law the “Amistad Bill” (A1301), sponsored by Assemblymen William D. Payne and Craig A. Stanley. The bill created an “Amistad Commission” in honor of the enslaved Africans who gained their freedom after overthrowing the crew of the slave ship Amistad in 1839. The Commission’s mandate was to promote a wider implementation of educational awareness programs regarding the African slave trade, slavery in America, and the many contributions Africans have made to American society. This website provides lessons and curricular resources to schools and communities in support of this legislation.

• Include instruction on the Holocaust and genocides in an appropriate place in the curriculum of all elementary and secondary school pupils. The instruction shall further emphasize the personal responsibility that each citizen bears to fight racism and hatred whenever and wherever it happens.

Learn More:

• NJDOE Commission on Holocaust Education: The core mission of the New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education is to promote Holocaust education in the State of New Jersey. The mission includes providing assistance and advice to all schools in New Jersey as a means to promote the study of the Holocaust and other genocides. 

• The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum: A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires citizens and leaders worldwide to confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity. Federal support guarantees the Museum’s permanent place on the National Mall, and its far-reaching educational programs and global impact are made possible by generous donors.

Every Board of Education shall: 

• Include instruction on the political, economic, and social contributions of persons with disabilities and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, in an appropriate place in the curriculum of middle school and high school students as part of the district’s implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (N.J.S.A.18A:35-4.36) A board of education shall have policies and procedures in place pertaining to the selection of instructional materials to implement the requirements of N.J.S.A. 18A:35-4.35.

• The Smithsonian Institute provides the stories, events, and contributions of disabled individuals throughout the history of the United States.
• Disability History Museum provides a history of disabled individuals and their contributions.
• National Archives Educator Resources website provides primary sources and teaching activities that explore the concept of breaking barriers through the lens of LGBTQ accomplishments.
• Library of Congress provides a variety of primary and secondary source materials containing books, posters, sound recordings, manuscripts and other material reflecting the contributions of the LGBTQ community.