--- title: LMC helps Educational Assistants of Cherry Hill find a collective voice description: Educational Assistants of Cherry Hill find their collective voice through LMC, improving communication and trust, and gaining professional development opportunities. Learn about their journey and future plans. image: https://lmcpartnerships.org/hubfs/Casey.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/lmc-helps-educational-assistants-of-cherry-hill-find-a-collective-voice#main-content) [![NJLMC-Logo_Horiz](https://lmcpartnerships.org/hubfs/Artwork/NJLMC-Logo_Horiz.png "NJLMC-Logo_Horiz")](https://lmcpartnerships.org) - [About](https://lmcpartnerships.org/about) - [Events](https://lmcpartnerships.org/lmc-events) - [PreCon 2026](https://lmcpartnerships.org/precon2026) - [Well-Being Study Enrollment](https://lmcpartnerships.org/et-study) - [Stories](https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog) - [Resources](https://22126916.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/toolkit) Oct 2, 2025, 3:36:17 PM # LMC helps Educational Assistants of Cherry Hill find a collective voice ![Picture of Kimberly Crane](https://lmcpartnerships.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Headshot/Untitled%20design%20(5).png?width=50&name=Untitled%20design%20(5).png) [Kimberly Crane](https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/author/kim-crane) Share: [facebook-f icon](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/lmc-helps-educational-assistants-of-cherry-hill-find-a-collective-voice) [linkedin-in icon](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/lmc-helps-educational-assistants-of-cherry-hill-find-a-collective-voice) [envelope icon](mailto:?body=https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/lmc-helps-educational-assistants-of-cherry-hill-find-a-collective-voice) ### 2024 Camden County ESP of the Year shares her perspective *With Kimberly Crane* Rose Casey is the president of the Educational Assistants of Cherry Hill (EACH) and the 2024 Camden County ESP of the Year. With Cherry Hill Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kwame Morton, the district and local association are actively engaged in labor-management collaboration. ### How did EACH begin the LMC journey? The district started a year prior to EACH getting involved. When Dr. Morton became the interim superintendent, one of the first things he did was come looking for me and say, “I want you to be a part of this.” Knowing that I represent 300 people in 19 buildings meant a lot. That’s basically how we got started. It was a year this past September that we began. ### What were some of the first conversations like? For the first few district meetings, I sat on the steering committee and observed. Working with other ESPs in the county drove home the point that ESPs are often set aside from other staff. Our concerns are often not heard. When something came up in the meeting, I would say, “Well how about the educational assistants? That affects us too.” The group didn’t realize that so many issues include us. It started with making sure that my members’ voices were heard. Now, a year later, there is an educational assistant on every building’s LMC team. ### How are the opportunities created by the LMC being taken advantage of by members? Mike Ritzius came in to give an overview of what LMC work looks like and what to expect. Each school building is run differently, but little by little members are getting the hang of it. We held an overnighter for educational support staff, certificated staff and principals where we worked out some differences between buildings. It was a big step for our members. Also, our school calendar was reduced to 180 days for students but EACH members work 182 days. By working it out through the LMC we now get two professional development days and won’t lose any pay. ### Do you feel that there is more trust in the process now? Yes. The main conversation at the overnight was about planning a wellness day for the last day of school. Teachers leave later in the year than educational assistants. It was suggested that we could come back and join the teachers. I said we weren’t going to do a separate day. It was a hard conversation, but I think the members that were there now believe that they have a voice. They have a better understanding of how things are going now that they are organized. ### What plans does EACH have to expand LMC work? I’m planning to bring the members and reps at the building level together so everyone has a good understanding of the LMC process. We’d like to have Mike host another meeting to talk about trending issues. I would also like to encourage other ESPs across the state to participate in LMC work. I think it’s very important to have a network that understands what you are going through. They can reach out to me if they feel I can help in anyway. (Casey can be reached at [rosericcardo@yahoo.com](mailto:rosericcardo@yahoo.com).) [Empowered Participants](https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/tag/empowered-participants), [Educational Support Professionals](https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/tag/educational-support-professionals), [ESP](https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/tag/esp) ## Related posts [![](https://lmcpartnerships.org/hs-fs/hubfs/PXL_20250625_164848770.MP.jpg?height=200&name=PXL_20250625_164848770.MP.jpg)](https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/superintendents-perspectives-on-njlmc) [Stories](https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/tag/stories), [Empowered Participants](https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/tag/empowered-participants), [Superintendent](https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/tag/superintendent) ## [Superintendents’ perspectives on NJLMC](https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/superintendents-perspectives-on-njlmc) ![Picture of Kimberly Crane](https://lmcpartnerships.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Headshot/Untitled%20design%20(5).png?width=50&name=Untitled%20design%20(5).png) [Kimberly Crane](https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/author/kim-crane) Sep 29, 2025, 11:35:40 AM Interviews by Kimberly Crane [Read more](https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/superintendents-perspectives-on-njlmc) [![](https://lmcpartnerships.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_6803-1024x768.webp?height=200&name=IMG_6803-1024x768.webp)](https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/labor-management-collaborative-plays-key-role-in-driving-results-for-clifton-schools) [Stories](https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/tag/stories), [Empowered Participants](https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/tag/empowered-participants), [Partnering with the Community](https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/tag/partnering-with-the-community), [Initiatives](https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/tag/initiatives), [Results](https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/tag/results) ## [Labor Management Collaborative Plays Key Role in Driving Results for Clifton Schools](https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/labor-management-collaborative-plays-key-role-in-driving-results-for-clifton-schools) ![Picture of Kimberly Crane](https://lmcpartnerships.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Headshot/Untitled%20design%20(5).png?width=50&name=Untitled%20design%20(5).png) [Kimberly Crane](https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/author/kim-crane) Sep 29, 2025, 11:28:33 AM One of the first things Dr. Danny Robertozzi was asked during his interview with the Clifton Board... [Read more](https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/labor-management-collaborative-plays-key-role-in-driving-results-for-clifton-schools) [![](https://lmcpartnerships.org/hs-fs/hubfs/clifton2-1.png?height=200&name=clifton2-1.png)](https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/a-superintendent-shares-lmc-journey-and-results) [Stories](https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/tag/stories), [Shared Purpose](https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/tag/shared-purpose), [Empowered Participants](https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/tag/empowered-participants), [Organizing Structures](https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/tag/organizing-structures), [Union](https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/tag/union), [Superintendent](https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/tag/superintendent) ## [A superintendent shares LMC journey and results](https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/a-superintendent-shares-lmc-journey-and-results) ![Picture of Kimberly Crane](https://lmcpartnerships.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Headshot/Untitled%20design%20(5).png?width=50&name=Untitled%20design%20(5).png) [Kimberly Crane](https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/author/kim-crane) Oct 2, 2025, 3:41:50 PM By Danny Robertozzi with Kimberly Crane [Read more](https://lmcpartnerships.org/blog/a-superintendent-shares-lmc-journey-and-results)   ![NJLMC-Icon](https://lmcpartnerships.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Artwork/NJLMC-Icon.png?width=150&name=NJLMC-Icon.png "NJLMC-Icon") ## Our Support The New Jersey Labor Management Collaborative, an initiative dedicated to fostering productive relationships between labor and management in New Jersey’s educational system, thrives through the robust support of the National Education Association (NEA). This partnership exemplifies NEA’s commitment to enhancing educational environments not only in New Jersey but across the nation.  The NEA, as part of the National Labor Management Partnership (NLMP), a coalition of the national organizations of the nation’s educators, is cultivating a dynamic ecosystem of support that empowers districts to implement collaborative strategies effectively. Through providing crucial resources, expertise and ongoing consultation, the NLMP nurtures a sense of collective efficacy between labor and management, driving improvements in teaching conditions and student outcomes.  This collaborative approach has shown tangible benefits, leading to more cohesive school communities and a better educational experience for all stakeholders. By backing initiatives like the New Jersey Labor Management Collaborative, NEA demonstrates its dedication to fostering a culture of cooperation and mutual respect within the education sector, paving the way for sustained success and innovation.  For more information about NEA’s role in labor management collaboration, visit *[nea.org/collaboration](http://nea.org/collaboration?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--a-CPUORCZmYNlfJr6IpE0I6PEKpkZhY8CGgoIise9UFZFz9whESs4JsWV1Zx7htCChMvz).  *   The New Jersey Labor Management Collaborative 172 W. 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