Jerell Blakeley’s journey from the halls of Trenton Central High School to the forefront of education policy and unionism is a testament to the transformative power of education. Growing up in Trenton, New Jersey, Blakeley witnessed firsthand the profound inequities that plagued his community. It was an experience that would shape his worldview and ignite a passion for social justice and advocacy.
“For me, education was always about more than just learning facts and figures,” Blakeley reflects. “It was about empowerment, about giving students the tools they need to succeed in life.”
After graduating from Trenton Central High School, Blakeley returned to his alma mater as a social studies teacher. It was a decision driven by a desire to give back to the community that had shaped him and to make a difference in the lives of the next generation.
“As a teacher, I saw the potential in every student,” Blakeley explains. “But I also saw the barriers they faced – the lack of resources, the systemic inequities that held them back.”
It was this firsthand experience in the classroom that inspired Blakeley to take on a larger role in education policy and advocacy. Recognizing the need for systemic change, he transitioned into roles at the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) and now at the Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA), where he leads efforts to address educational inequity and advocate for policies that would benefit students and educators across the state.
“At NJEA and now at ISTA, I have the opportunity to amplify the voices of educators and students,” Blakeley says. “We fought for fair wages, for adequate resources, and for policies that would create a more equitable education system for all.”
For Blakeley, his journey from teacher to advocate is rooted in a deep commitment to social justice and equity – a commitment that was born in the classrooms of Trenton Central High School.
“Teaching at my alma mater was a humbling experience,” Blakeley reflects. “It reminded me of the importance of education, of the power it has to change lives and communities.”
As Blakeley continues to advocate for change on behalf of educators and students across the country, he carries with him the lessons he learned in Trenton – lessons of resilience, of perseverance, and of the belief that every child deserves a chance to succeed.