Professional Development

NJEA Carol Watchler LGBTQIA+ Advocacy Conference
2025-05-10
Attendees will be provided with the tools needed to create, support, and defend inclusive curriculum, while creating a space for LGBTQIA+ advocates and their allies to interact and share their successes with members interested in learning more.
We especially encourage queer NJEA members who are struggling to be their authentic selves to attend and learn from some of New Jersey’s most accomplished social justice advocates.

Conference Agenda
8:30 a.m. Registration/ Breakfast
9:30 a.m. Opening/ Welcome speeches
10:30 a.m. Keynote 1: NJEA Queer Voices – Telling Our Stories
11:30 a.m. Breakout session 1
12:30 p.m. Lunch
2 p.m. Keynote 2: Advancing LGBTQIA+ Youth Equity & Inclusion in Schools
3 p.m. Breakout session 2
4:15 p.m. Keynote 3: Eric Marcus – Making Gay History
5:15 p.m. Closing

The Missing Stories: South Asian American History from the 1700s to Today
2025-05-12 16:30 - 18:30 (America/New_York)
SAADA ensures that South Asian Americans are recognized as an essential part of the American story. In “The Missing Stories,” SAADA’s Executive Director Samip Mallick will cover how communities come to be excluded from the archival record and how we can address these absences. Samip will provide an introduction to South Asian American history (1800s to present) and will also discuss how community-based archives can become sites for liberation by introducing the audience to SAADA’s archival collections, programs, and storytelling projects.

The Power of Balance: A Community of Practice
2025-05-15 16:30 - 17:30, 2025-06-05 16:30 - 17:30
The Power of Balance: A community of practice for educators to find joy, connect, reflect, and create songs together. Each workshop will be unique and build toward a final group creation. No prior musical knowledge is necessary, though all skills are welcomed. Some segments of these workshops will include exercises, but there will also be ample opportunity for discovery and entering a creative flow—a mindset characterized by imaginative play and restorative benefits. As the aim is to foster a community of practice, meeting others in a safe and collaborative environment will be encouraged, along with personal exploration.

NJEA Executive Committee Meeting
2025-05-16, 2025-06-06

NJEA Delegate Assembly Meeting
2025-05-17

2025 NJTESOL/NJBE Spring Conference
2025-05-20 - 2025-05-22
Intersectionality: Shaping Experiences & Creating Opportunities

In-person conference
The In-Person Conference will take place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Brunswick on May 20-22. You can register for one, two or all three days. The conference will feature three keynote speakers: Alisha De Lorenzo, Dr. Patriann Smith, and Missy Testerman (2024 National Teacher of the Year).
In addition, you’ll select from many presentations approved for the continuing education requirement, network with your colleagues, and obtain the latest information on state and national initiatives. You can also meet with representatives at the sponsors’ and exhibitors’ booths to find the latest and greatest teaching tools. You can earn professional development hours throughout the day.
Video library conference
The Video Library Conference is a select collection of library presentations you will have access to view starting on May 27 using the conference platform. There is no set schedule, and you will be able to view the workshops from May 27 to August 21. By using your unique login, your hours will be tracked so that you can earn professional development hours through August 21. Please note that the select collection of presentations will not include the keynotes or special invited guest speakers.
Topics
Presentation topics will include General Interest, Content Area Instruction, Bilingual/ESL Preschool through Grade 12, Higher Ed, Teacher Education, Adult Education, K-12 Administrators, and Dual Language/Biliteracy.
Registration and more information
Register early for a discounted rate. Registration includes one free year of membership.
For other conference questions email Caia Schlessinger, Conference Coordinator.

Timeline of Suffrage
2025-05-20 16:30 - 18:30
This interactive workshop immerses educators in the historical and ongoing fight for voting rights, from the nation’s founding to today’s battles against voter suppression. Participants take on the perspective of avatars, experiencing the struggles, sacrifices, and triumphs of marginalized groups as they fought for suffrage. Educators will hear these stories through the voices of youth from affected communities, highlighting the emotional and social impact of these efforts.
The workshop equips educators with tools to bring this rich history into the classroom, fostering a deeper understanding among students of how past struggles inform present-day challenges. Participants will leave with strategies to empower their students to become active advocates for civic engagement and voter rights in their communities.

The Mindfulness Connection
2025-05-29 19:00 - 21:00
Take a journey to heighten your emotional intelligence while gathering mindfulness strategies to enhance your social interactions. We will discover how our thoughts and emotions are integral components of self-awareness.

NEA-RA Statewide Caucus
2025-06-07

Primary Election Day
2025-06-10

Ship-to-Shore with Scientists at Sea!
2025-06-10 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-06-12 10:30 - 11:30
Join us for a live video call with scientists studying ocean chemistry aboard a research vessel in the North Atlantic Ocean (Labrador Sea). During the session, scientists will give a tour of the ship (showcasing labs, mess hall, and ongoing scientific operations) and discuss how real science is done on a research vessel. This will be followed by a Q&A session where students can ask any questions they have about ocean & environmental sciences, research methods, and life onboard the ship.

Educators' Ship-to-Shore Session with Scientists at Sea!
2025-06-16 10:30 - 11:30, 2025-06-18 13:00 - 14:00
Join us for a live video call with scientists studying ocean chemistry aboard a research vessel in the North Atlantic Ocean (Labrador Sea). During the session, scientists will give a tour of the ship, discuss how science is done on a research vessel, and share their science journeys. This will be followed by a Q&A session where teachers can ask any questions they have about science concepts, research methods, and how to support students who are interested in earth and environmental sciences.

NEA Annual Meeting and Representative Assembly
2025-07-03 - 2025-07-06
This year’s Representative Assembly will take place in Portland, Oregon from Thursday, July 3 through Sunday, July 6.
Learn more at ra.njea.org and nea.org.

NJEA PDII Impact Conference
2025-07-16 | Hyatt Regency Princeton, 102 Carnegie Center, Princeton, NJ, United States
Empowering Education Ecosystems: IMPACT on Tomorrow

Engage in restorative learning sessions, wellness activities and networking opportunities. Let’s explore strategies for creating inclusive classrooms and communities.
Featuring a keynote by Dr. Shelley Moore. Based in British Columbia, Dr. Moore is a highly sought-after inclusive education researcher, teacher, consultant and storyteller. She has worked with school districts and community organizations around the world. Her research explores how to support teachers to design for all learners in grade level academic classrooms that include students with intellectual disabilities using strength-based and responsive approaches. Shelley completed her undergraduate degree in special education at the University of Alberta, her master’s degree at Simon Fraser University and her Ph.D. at the University of British Columbia.
Cost
$95 for NJEA members.
Registration and refund deadline: July 8, 2025.
Fee includes program, breakfast and lunch.
Conference provides five hours of professional learning credit.
Make an IMPACT with us!

NJEA R.I.S.E. Conference
2025-07-23 | Rowan College at Burlington County, 900 College Cir., Mt Laurel Township, NJ, 08054, United States

NJEA Jack Bertolino Summer Leadership Conference (SLC)
2025-07-26 - 2025-07-30 | Harrah’s Atlantic City, 777 Harrah’s Boulevard, Atlantic City, 08401, United States
The 2025 NJEA Jack Bertolino Summer Leadership Conference will offer a broad menu of workshops that equip members to become stronger association advocates. Most workshops offer 7.5 hours of training. A longer workshop providing additional hours of training is available for newer presidents.
If you are an NJEA member, you are eligible and encouraged to attend. You will find topics among the 31 workshop offerings that will prepare you for your current or future roles, sharpen your leadership skills, and show you how your local can develop to its full-functioning capacity.
There are two sets of three-day programs:

Workshop I – July 26-28 (Saturday to Monday)
Workshop II – July 28-30 (Monday to Wednesday)

Not all of the 31 workshops are offered in each workshop period. The workshop descriptions indicate when any given program is scheduled. To accommodate educational support professional members (ESP) who may wish to limit use of vacation or personal time, Workshop Number 24 runs from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon.
For all other workshops, registration begins on Day One at 1 p.m. The opening session commences at 3 p.m. Day Three ends with a brunch, which is served at 10:30 a.m. following the final workshop session.
This year’s summer leadership conference will take place at Harrah’s Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. The conference is dedicated to developing association advocate representatives. Accordingly, no professional development credit is given for attendance in any seminar.
How do I register?
The purpose of this article is to alert members to this training opportunity and describe the workshop programs available this year, but to register you need to talk to your local and/or county association president.
Local and county association presidents will receive registration brochures with detailed information on the 2025 NJEA Jack Bertolino Summer Leadership Conference. You must contact your local president and consult that brochure to learn more about lodging, daily schedules, accommodations for members with special needs and registration.
Special needs
If you have a special physical or communication need or other disability that may require assistance or accommodations to permit or facilitate your attendance and participation, or if you have any questions or concerns about housing arrangements, please contact NJEA at 609-599-4594, ext. 2270 by June 1.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for first-time attendees. See your local and/or county president for more information.
Pricing and payment
Conference costs for all attendees include workshop materials, self-parking, organized meals and coffee breaks, entertainment, taxes and service fees. Pricing for members staying overnight also includes hotel accommodations and taxes.
The pricing for all workshops, except Workshop #1 is as follows:

Commuter – $275 per session
Double Occupancy – $325 per session
Single Occupancy – $450 per session

Since an additional training occurs in September for Workshop No. 1, Now That I’m President, What Do I Do?, the costs are higher for it. Pricing for Workshop #1 is Commuter: $425; Double Occupancy: $475; Single Occupancy: $600.
Registrations will only be accepted online this year. Members will have to register themselves for the conference – there is no group registration using this online system. When registering, members will need to know their NJEA PIN and have all necessary conference information, including workshop choice, accommodation needs, and roommate selection if a double room is chosen. Members can either pay with a credit card or indicate that the payment will be made by check. All registrations are pending until payment has been received. Credit card payments will be processed within three business days and confirmations will be emailed at that time. Check payments take approximately two weeks to be processed from when they are mailed. Pending registrations, whether paid by check or with credit card, are not guaranteed and are subject to hotel and workshop space availability. Final confirmations will be emailed once the payment has been received and processed by the conference registrar.
Most associations pay for members to attend SLC. Each association will determine the best way for them to either reimburse their members or pay NJEA directly. Once a member completes their registration, they can print a registration receipt and will also receive a pending confirmation email. If a member pays with a credit card or personal check, they can submit their confirmation email/registration receipt and proof of payment for reimbursement. If the association is paying for its members to NJEA directly, members should forward the confirmation email/registration receipt to the association designee who will collect and print them, and then mail copies, along with a check made payable to “NJEA Summer Leadership Conference” to the address listed below. Please note that credit cards can only be used for individual registrations and group payments must be made using a check. It is strongly recommended that check payments be mailed within three business days after the registration process has been completed.
Checks must be made payable to “NJEA Summer Leadership Conference” and returned with registration material to:
NJEA Summer Leadership Conferencec/o WSFS BankPO Box 13661Philadelphia, PA 19101-3661
Please note that registrations and payments are mailed to the bank first where checks are deposited. Afterwards, registration materials are sent to NJEA for processing. Therefore, deposited checks should not be viewed as confirmation that a registration has been accepted and processed. If the conference is sold out, a refund will be issued.
Which workshop(s) should I take?
NJEA offers many advocacy conferences with a large array of workshops. Selecting which to take can be a daunting task. Whether you are currently serving in a leadership position or you aspire to become involved in some capacity within your local association, there are trainings that can help develop and hone your skills. To guide you, positions within the association are listed on this page, followed by workshops that would be beneficial to you.
You will discover that being an officer is not the only position within your association, and there are opportunities to get involved in other ways. Additionally, we have included a track for those exploring future leadership. Please note that not all of these workshops are offered at the Summer Leadership Conference and may be offered at other conferences throughout the year. These courses are not listed in any particular order and are not mandatory to serve in any position. Not all of the workshops offered at the Summer Leadership Conference are listed on the next page, so please review the entire booklet before making your selection.

Safer Science Summit
2025-07-28 - 2025-08-01 | Harvard University, Boston
In career settings, scientists are expected to design experiments with hazard analyses and safety protocols built into the system. The Safer Science Summit helps teachers design science lessons that equip students to graduate safety-conscious and career ready.
This conference is for educators from grade 6 through higher education.
The Safer Science Summit ensures students become scientifically literate individuals who can effectively:

Apply scientific thinking, skills, and understanding to real-world phenomena and problems in a safe manner that anticipates hazards and risks.
Engage in systems thinking and modeling that integrates safety considerations in every step.

Irrigating Books Deserts
2025-09-08 16:30 - 18:30
BookSmiles (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit) promotes literacy and the joy of reading by giving books to children throughout Philadelphia and NJ. They provide students and younger siblings with high-quality new or gently used books, laying the groundwork for academic success. Educators – especially those who represent Title I schools – receive books for classroom libraries, students to keep at home, and pop-up book fairs. Their motto is: “We irrigate book deserts!”

AI in Action: Enhancing Student Learning Through Artificial Intelligence
2025-09-09 16:30 - 18:30
This session explores how students can use AI tools responsibly, with a focus on academic integrity, safety, and critical thinking. Participants will examine real classroom examples and discuss ethical concerns around equity and misuse.

Certification 101: A Panel for Novice Educators
2025-09-25 16:30 - 18:30
If you’re just starting out as a teacher in New Jersey, figuring out the certification process can feel overwhelming. Featuring a panel of experts, this webinar will break it all down! We’ll walk you through the different types of certificates and endorsements, how to apply through NJEdCert, and how to move from provisional to standard certification. You’ll also get tips on timelines, avoiding common mistakes, and where to find support.

ESPAN Fall Technology Night
2025-09-25 17:30 - 19:30 | NJEA Headquarters, 180 W. State Street, Trenton, New Jersey, 08608, United States
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools for ESPs
This session is designed for ESPs and provides an entry point to AI by exploring ChatGPT and other tools that are relevant to their roles. Throughout the workshop, participants will have
the opportunity to ask questions, collaborate with their peers, and engage in hands-on activities to deepen their understanding of AI.
Google Open Forum
Google Open Forum is an opportunity for participants to ask and answer all their burning questions about using google tools in the classroom. This session is designed so NJEA Google experts can walk participants through the steps to answer questions as well as facilitate conversations between members. Google open forum is a unique experience every time.
It is highly recommended that participants bring a laptop or Chromebook. Mobile devices will result in a diminished experience.
Pre-registration is required by Sept. 22.

Teaching English Literacy Skills to SLIFE Students
2025-09-29 16:30 - 18:30
Many Multilingual Learners come to U.S. schools with gaps in formal education, making literacy development especially challenging. This workshop offers practical strategies to support these students in building foundational literacy skills while learning English. Educators will explore tools for scaffolding instruction, creating inclusive environments, and addressing the unique needs of students with limited or interrupted education.

Black Boys: A Journey into Identity, Opportunity & Hope
2025-10-04 10:00 - 12:30
Join us for a screening of Black Boys, a powerful documentary by Executive Producer, Malcolm Jenkins, exploring the intersection of race, education, and identity in America through the lens of Black men and boys. This poignant film challenges stereotypes and celebrates the beauty, vulnerability, and resilience of Black identity. Following the screening, engage in a thought-provoking conversation about the film’s themes and their implications for social justice, equity, and systemic change. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn and inspire change.

Communities of Practice Connect: Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Strategies for Educators During Challenging Times
2025-10-09 16:00 - 17:30
“Communities of Practice are groups of people who share a common concern, set of problems, or passion about a topic, and deepen their knowledge and expertise in this area by interacting on an ongoing basis.”
– Etienne Wenger
Katherine Burke and Pamela Koharchik
The education landscape is constantly evolving, and navigating challenging times can be exhausting. This highly interactive community provides educators with practical tools and strategies to build resilience, manage stress, and create a positive classroom environment even in the face of obstacles.
Learn more about the NJEA PDII Community of Practice here.

Communities of Practice Connect: Leaning into AI
2025-10-09 16:00 - 17:30
“Communities of Practice are groups of people who share a common concern, set of problems, or passion about a topic, and deepen their knowledge and expertise in this area by interacting on an ongoing basis.”
– Etienne Wenger
Michael Mason and Brian Janik
This interactive conversation dives into the transformative potential of AI in education. Explore ethics & impact, discover powerful learning tools & strategies, and gain the confidence to integrate AI effectively. Share your own favorite AI tools, strategies, and questions to foster a collaborative learning environment!
Learn more about the NJEA PDII Community of Practice here.

Communities of Practice Connect: The Anxious Generation Book Club
2025-10-14 16:00 - 17:30
“Communities of Practice are groups of people who share a common concern, set of problems, or passion about a topic, and deepen their knowledge and expertise in this area by interacting on an ongoing basis.”
– Etienne Wenger
Deanne Martini and Brenda Martin-Lee
Description: Join us for a thought-provoking book club exploring The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. This powerful read unpacks how today’s digital world is reshaping childhood—and what that means for the students we teach. Together, we’ll discuss the rise in youth anxiety, the impact of screen time, and what educators can do to foster connection, resilience, and well-being in and beyond the classroom. Whether you’re new to the topic or already deep in the conversation, this is a chance to reflect, share, and grow with fellow educators. Let’s explore how we can better support this generation—together.
Learn more about the NJEA PDII Community of Practice here.
