Author & Teacher Tara F. Mozee at NJEA 2019 Authors' Alley!

There's something for every member at NJEA 2019, and local author and teacher Tara F. Mozee is proud to be attending the Convention for the third consecutive year as part of NJEA's Authors' Alley. She'll be on hand to share tips and her experience writing, publishing, and marketing children's books. Tara will also be signing copies of her first book, "Don't Wash My Hair!" and previewing her second children's book.

"The NJEA Annual Conventions truly are a valuable part of the teaching experience," Tara says. "Each year I look forward to meeting fellow educators and increasing my professional knowledge. I'm excited to share with would-be authors again this year at Authors' Alley."

Authors’ Alley is an area on the NJEA Convention exhibit floor that provides preservice, active and retired NJEA members a chance to showcase materials they have published that enhance and add value to the teaching profession or can serve as useful educational resources for teachers and parents. Find out more ...

What I am Reading

Currently, I am reading If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin. The book was made into a motion picture movie at the end of 2018. It's the story of two African-American teenagers who fall in love and deal with life’s challenges as a young couple.

I wanted to read the book for several reasons. I wanted the full story, and often times the movie does not show everything that was actually written in the book. The previews, trailers and character interviews for the movie portray it be a great story, which I found to be true. And, I am a fan of Regina King. I have enjoyed watching her evolve as an actress. Ultimately, though, I am a “shoe-in” for a good love story, and the inimitable James Baldwin completely delivers!

Seen the movie or read the book? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

It’s that time of year again! It starts with the Christmas movies on the Hallmark channel. Then, the commercials, the invites to holiday parties, the Christmas specials, putting up the tree, the decorations—inside and outside, the cooking, the shopping, the holiday wrapping, etc., etc. Before you know it, in a twinkle of winter snow, Christmas has come and gone.

This holiday season, I am “slowing down.” Slowing down to stroll in the mall and watch all the people, sit and watch a holiday movie with hot tea and cookies, listen to the church choir sing songs of peace and Christ, spend time talking with family and friends and sharing a funny story. I’ll take extra time watching the lights shine and glow on the Christmas tree, hugging my children just a little bit longer, thanking my husband for his love and support. I’m slowing down to enjoy this space that I am in right now, at this very moment. And most importantly of all, I’m taking time to give extra thanks for all that the Lord has given, taken, and shown to me this year.

I hope that you, too, would take time during this holiday season, to “slow down.” You just might see something you never saw before.

Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy and love-filled holiday season!