Former educators who now serve in the State Legislature – Assemblywomen Joan Voss and Connie Wagner – will briefly return to the classroom this week to celebrate National Legislator Back to School Week. Both assemblywomen will speak to students about becoming actively engaged in their communities and the role of New Jersey State Government in the everyday lives of Bergen County families.

“Because everything we do in Trenton affects our future generations, it’s important to engage students early on so they understand how to get involved and have their voices heard,” said Voss (D-Fort Lee) who serves as the vice-chairwoman of the Assembly Education Committee. “Some of these students will be in the workforce full-time, have families, or own homes in a few short years. It’s important that they fully understand how their state representatives work for them and what their role is in becoming active, engaged members of their communities.”

Voss taught in Fort Lee High School for 40 years and chaired several departments including English and Social Studies. She was honored as Fort Lee District Teacher of the Year and given the WWOR A+ for Teachers Award. Assemblywoman Voss will return to her “alma mater” – Fort Lee High School – on Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 11:30 a.m to speak with the (AP) U.S. and World History Class.

“Students were a large part of my daily life for years, and I look forward to opportunities to talk with them about our work in Trenton and how they can take part in shaping our communities for their future,” said Wagner (D-Paramus). “Schools are where our children get most of their information about local, national and world events. It’s important that this includes the role that their representatives play in shaping their hometowns. We are both looking forward to going Back-to-School.”

Wagner worked as a guidance counselor in both Paramus and Bogota High Schools for a combined 37 years. While at Paramus High School, she was honored as Bergen County Counselor of the Year.

Both legislators have been endorsed by the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) in their re-election efforts to continue representing the 38th Legislative District which includes parts of Bergen County.