About TAAS
We believe our most powerful tool against racism, bias, and exclusion is education.
Our mission is to support each of New Jersey’s 600 individual school districts to realize the promise of law S4021 for all of the state’s one million public school students—in every school, in every classroom, and for every student. We are working to ensure dedicated educators have access to the highest-quality resources and training available to incorporate AAPI history and contributions into everyday lesson plans.
Teach Asian American Stories (TAAS) directly supports teachers and schools by understanding each school’s needs and matching them with appropriate resources that meet them where they are, including:
- Connecting educators with professional development opportunities they need to integrate AAPI history and contributions into their classrooms
- Financial assistance for at-need schools and teachers to pay for curriculum, professional development, and books for classrooms and school libraries
- Empowering “educator and district leader champions” in individual school districts
- Building relationships with educators working on ensuring mandates in African American history, Holocaust education and LGBTQ history
TAAS is an initiative led by AAPI Montclair, Inc., a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit.
The power of visibility can never be underestimated.
— Margaret Cho, comedian and actress
Leadership
Teach Asian American Stories (TAAS) is led by Roslyne Shiao, Director of Strategic Initiatives for AAPI Montclair. Roslyne is a second generation Chinese American with over 20 years of brand strategy, digital marketing, and ecommerce experience. A mother of two, she has made Montclair, New Jersey her home for 14+ years. Roslyne served as the Principal of Livingston Chinese School from 2019-2021 and is a founding Board Member of AAPI Montclair.