Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 01/14/2026
(NEWARK, NJ) -- /PRNewswire/ -- The Newark School of Fashion & Design (NSFD) is now accepting applications for a Department Chairperson for Visual and Performing Arts, a key leadership position responsible for overseeing and advancing the school's Fashion & Design program and related creative disciplines.
This position offers an exceptional opportunity for an experienced educational leader with a strong background in visual and performing arts, fashion, or design education to guide curriculum, mentor staff, and strengthen industry-aligned learning experiences for students.
"The Newark School of Fashion & Design exemplifies our vision for what public education can be when creativity, rigor, and real-world relevance intersect," said Superintendent León. "Our first graduating class achieved a 100 percent graduation rate, with students earning acceptance to the prestigious Parsons School of Design. The Department Chairperson for Visual and Performing Arts will play a critical role in sustaining and expanding that success."
Students at NSFD regularly gain professional exposure through partnerships and high-profile opportunities, including collaborations with the New York Jets, Rutgers University – Newark, and participation in Atlantic City Fashion Week. Student work is also showcased through Parsons School of Design-aligned Open Studios Gallery presentations, as well as a culminating end-of-the-year themed school-wide fashion show featuring professionally modeled, student-designed capsule collections.
A defining feature of the school is its curriculum that is powered by Parsons School of Design, which helps ensure that students are exposed to industry-standard practices and emerging trends. The school also maintains a variety of partnerships that enhance students' exposure to the fashion industry, such as with the Look Good Feel Good program that provides experiences for students at the industry's luxury fashion houses.
NSFD's innovative approach to fashion education has also been highlighted through the reality series, "Newark Fashion Forward," which is now streaming on the In The Black Network. The show documents student design challenges and creative development.
"Our students are creating, designing, and performing at levels that rival collegiate programs, because they are supported by educators who believe deeply in their potential," said Principal Sakina Pitts. "We are seeking a Department Chairperson who will not only provide strong instructional leadership, but who will also champion our students' voices, creativity, and professional aspirations in the visual and performing arts."
"NSFD students are excelling on national and professional stages because they are supported by strong instructional leadership and high expectations," said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. "This Department Chairperson role calls for a leader who understands the power of the visual and performing arts to unlock talent, confidence, and opportunity for our students."
The Department Chairperson for Visual and Performing Arts will oversee curriculum development, support and evaluate instructional staff, collaborate with higher-education and industry partners, and ensure that students are gaining both artistic and professional competencies aligned with postsecondary success.
School traditions such as the Black Lab Coat Ceremony further reflect NSFD's culture of excellence, celebrating student achievement and milestones in their artistic and academic journeys.
Interested candidates can review the full job description and apply online through Newark Public Schools' employment portal.
EVENT PREVIEWS
37th Annual Manayunk Arts Festival to Take Place June 27-28, 2026
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Manayunk Development Corporation is excited to celebrate the 37th Annual Manayunk Arts Festival on Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 11:00am to 7:00pm and Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 11:00am to 5:00pm. The tradition of being the tri-state area's largest outdoor juried art festival - and the largest in Pennsylvania - will continue as Main Street hosts approximately 300 different local and nationally known artists and crafters.
Carteret's Independence Day Festival to feature country star Walker Hayes
(CARTERET, NJ) -- One of New Jersey's most popular Independence Day Festivals will take place in Carteret's Civic Center Park (100 Cooke Avenue) from 6:00pm to midnight on Friday, July 3, 2026 in celebration of America's 250th birthday.
Bergen County presents 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular
(RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ) -- County Executive Jim Tedesco, the County Board of Commissioners, and the Bergen 250 Initiative are excited to announce that Bergen County's 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular will return July 4, 2026 at Overpeck County Park. All are invited to attend this patriotic afternoon of family fun which will include live music, children's activities, over 20 food trucks, a beer and wine garden, carnival attractions, and stunning fireworks to conclude the evening over Overpeck Creek.
Washington Crossing Historic Park Launches Community-Wide Call to Support Expanded Independence Day Celebration in America's 250th Anniversary Year
(WASHINGTON CROSSING, PA) -- Washington Crossing Historic Park (WCHP) in Pennsylvania plans to host an expanded Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 4:00pm to 9:30pm featuring immersive living history experiences, family-friendly activities, live music, and the return of fireworks over the Delaware River. Designed as a community-wide celebration of America250, the event is intended to create a meaningful space for residents and visitors to commemorate this historic milestone year. Please note: Admission is required; registration is recommended only for the 4:00pm ‐ 8:00pm Living History Program. The evening concert and fireworks are free and open to the public; no registration is required to attend those portions of the event.
Passage Theatre Company presents 3rd Annual Word on Front festival
(TRENTON, NJ) -- Passage Theatre Company's third annual Word on Front event is set to be its biggest yet. In celebration of the United States of America's 250th Anniversary, the company is presenting Word on Front 250, three consecutive weekends of a variety of live arts from June 26 to July 12, 2026. This festival of spoken word, music, and solo performance will celebrate the untold and underrepresented stories of America.
Centenary Stage Company Announces Lineup for SUMMERFEST 2026
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's SUMMERFEST 2026 is set to take center stage in the Lackland Performing Arts Center with four productions running through the summer months. SUMMERFEST will feature, A Taste of Ireland presented by Pace Live, The Wedding Singer, Four Sticks: The Music of Led Zeppelin, and Maltby & Shire's Closer Than Ever.
Hallmark Stars Take the Stage at The Carteret PAC on July 22nd during First-Time Multi-City Tour Experience Hallmark Stars Live
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Hallmark and Gershwin Entertainment are proud to announce Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, a new live tour kicking off at URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 7:30pm where some of the network's most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling.
Hallmark Stars Live comes to MPAC on July 26th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, is a new live tour kicking off this summer where some of the network's most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling. The tour comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
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