Professional Development

Irrigating Books Deserts
2025-09-08 16:30 - 18:30 (America/New_York)
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, 2025-12-11 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, 2025-12-11 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, 2025-12-09 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
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.

Communities of Practice Connect: Lead & Learn: A Community for Educator Leaders
2025-10-14 16:00 - 17:30, 2025-11-11 16:00 - 17:30, 2025-12-09 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
Brenda Martin-Lee, Christine Candarella, Deidre Varga, Estefania Rios, Hillary Raszka, Jonathan Ayer, Johanna Amaro
Are you a teacher who inspires others and helps move education forward? Whether your role is formal or informal, if you’re someone who supports colleagues, shares expertise, and works to strengthen teaching and learning—this community is for you.
You might be an instructional coach, PLC facilitator, I&RS team member, mentor, cooperating teacher, or someone who simply steps up to lead from the classroom. Whatever your title, you’re playing a vital role in shaping practice and influencing positive change.
This community of practice is your space to connect with fellow educator-leaders, exchange ideas, celebrate wins, navigate challenges, and grow together. Join us to collaborate, reflect, and energize your work alongside others who share your passion for impact.
Learn more about the NJEA PDII Community of Practice here.

Turning Empathy into Social Action
2025-10-14 16:30 - 18:30
Join us for Turning Empathy into Social Action, a workshop exploring how empathy and social entrepreneurship can empower students to drive change. Learn strategies to cultivate global citizenship and guide students in creating innovative, impact-driven projects. Gain practical lessons, activities, and resources to inspire the next generation of changemakers.

NJEA Konscious Educators Virtual Training Series - Laying the Foundation for Transformational Teaching (Part 1)
2025-10-16 16:30 - 18:30
Join us for a six-part immersive experience designed to empower NJEA educators with mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and heart-centered leadership tools to reduce stress, deepen connections and enhance teaching impact. Each session included energizing activities, guided practices, community connection, and knowledge sharing—creating an engaging and supportive space for reflection, learning, and growth.
This session introduces Konscious Educators’ core philosophy — Embodiment, Transformation, and Awakening — and how this approach supports educator well-being and student engagement.

Educator Evaluation in 2025 and Beyond
2025-10-16 16:30 - 18:30
Curious about what’s on the horizon with educator evaluation in New Jersey? This webinar gives you the latest updates. We’ll cover recent developments and what may be different this year, what’s being talked about for the future (including 2027 revisions), and how local educators and associations can play a role in shaping the system. Join us for helpful, up-to-the-minute information that will help you feel more informed and prepared.

Broadening Horizons: Highlighting the Diversity of Scientific Discovery
2025-10-28 16:30 - 18:30
Science has always been a global pursuit, and reclaiming this legacy helps engage students from diverse backgrounds. This workshop offers lesson plans and strategies to integrate stories of ancient and modern scientists into middle and high school instruction. From early alchemists to innovators like Percy Lavon Julian and Katalin Karikó, these narratives help create a more inclusive and inspiring science classroom.

Who We Are & What We Bring: A Journey into Bias and Belonging
2025-11-10 16:30 - 18:30
In this foundational session of sensitivity training, participants will embark on a journey of self-discovery and awareness of their biases. Through interactive activities and thoughtful discussions, attendees will explore their multicultural identities, confront personal and societal biases, and learn strategies to promote inclusivity in their daily lives.

Reflective Listening: The key to productive conversation
2025-11-17 16:30 - 18:30
Many of us have had training in public speaking, but when was the last time you had formal training in listening? A necessary part of any conversation, listening is a complex activity that encompasses many components that come together to help us better understand others. In this highly interactive session, participants will learn key ways to listen, understand, and engage with each other to practice these skills. Because of the highly participative nature of this program, participants will need to be in a stable environment (not driving) and have their cameras on throughout this experience.

An Introduction to AI
2025-11-18 16:30 - 18:30
This two-hour workshop provides a basic overview of artificial intelligence and its practical applications. We will explore text, image, and presentation generators such as ChatGPT. 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.

NJEA Konscious Educators Virtual Training Series - The Power of Mindfulness & Emotional Intelligence in Teaching (Part 2)
2025-11-20 16:30 - 18:30
Join us for a six-part immersive experience designed to empower NJEA educators with mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and heart-centered leadership tools to reduce stress, deepen connections and enhance teaching impact. Each session included energizing activities, guided practices, community connection, and knowledge sharing—creating an engaging and supportive space for reflection, learning, and growth.
This session focuses on self-awareness and emotional regulation, helping educators cultivate calm, balance, and focus to create a thriving learning environment.

Road to Wellness
2025-11-24 16:30 - 18:30
The session presents strategies for personal wellness and teaches members how to take care of themselves during stressful times. Participants will have a chance to practice the eight dimensions of personal wellness and learn how to incorporate small, simple changes into their daily lives in order to promote general well-being. Promotional items to encourage healthy habits are provided.

Fostering a Sense of Belonging in Your Students
2025-12-02 16:30 - 18:30
A strong sense of belonging is essential to student success; however, helping all students feel a sense of belonging requires more than just good intentions. With diverse identities and needs in every school, how can we foster inclusive environments where everyone feels seen and valued? This interactive session explores the foundational role of belonging, the adult’s responsibility in shaping school climate, and the common barriers that hinder connection. Participants will leave with practical strategies and best practices to create a more inclusive and supportive learning community for all.

Using the Learning Forward Standards in the Classroom and Beyond
2025-12-04 16:30 - 18:30
This webinar explores how the Learning Forward Standards for Professional Learning can be used to strengthen teaching practice, support collaboration, and drive continuous improvement—not just during PD sessions, but in everyday classroom life. We’ll look at practical ways to apply the standards to lesson planning, team meetings, and schoolwide initiatives, helping educators connect professional learning to real-world impact. Whether you’re new to the standards or looking to go deeper, this session will offer ideas you can use right away

From Silence to Solidarity Confronting Microaggressions with Intention
2025-12-08 16:30 - 18:30
This second session delves into the nuanced yet profound realm of microaggressions and their profound impact on marginalized groups. Participants will develop a deeper understanding of various types of microaggressions, including racial, gender, LGBTQ+, religious, and intersectional examples. Through interactive discussions and real-world scenarios, attendees will learn to identify microaggressions in everyday situations and educational settings.

Meeting People Where They Are: Building Bridges Across Differences
2025-12-15 16:30 - 18:30
Advocating for social justice often means navigating tough conversations with those who disagree. This session introduces strategies to meet others where they are and foster productive dialogue. Participants will explore the Future of Sex Education (FoSE) collaborative’s new Sex Education Toolkit, featuring tools to answer challenging questions, develop messaging, and support policy recommendations in sex education

NJEA Konscious Educators Virtual Training Series - Managing Stress & Enhancing Emotional Well- Being (Part 3)
2025-12-18 16:30 - 18:30
Join us for a six-part immersive experience designed to empower NJEA educators with mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and heart-centered leadership tools to reduce stress, deepen connections and enhance teaching impact. Each session included energizing activities, guided practices, community connection, and knowledge sharing—creating an engaging and supportive space for reflection, learning, and growth.
This session explores breath and movement as powerful tools for regulating emotions, releasing stress, and fostering emotional resilience.

Violence in the Workplace
2026-01-06 16:30 - 18:30
Violence against school staff—particularly incidents involving students—is a growing concern. This workshop will empower your local Health & Safety Committee to respond effectively, advocate for safer working conditions, and ensure members understand their rights and protections. Learn how to strengthen your committee, support impacted staff, and push for policies that create a safer school environment.
