Engaging Students in Middle School Civics
2024-05-09 08:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Livington Campus Center, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 54 Joyce Kilmer Avenue Lucy Stone Hall, A352-354, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, United States
The Laura Wooten Civics Bill requires that every middle school provide a course of study in civics, with the goal of engaging them in the civic life of their community, state, and nation. This workshop will provide content, suggested curriculum guides, and strategies to help teachers meet the mandate in a way that motivates students to become informed and active citizens.

A Brief Overview of Asian American History - via Zoom
2024-05-15 16:00 - 17:30
Teach Asian American Stories presents a virtual webinar with scholar and TAAS Fellow Christy Lee. This 1.5 hour, virtual webinar will focus on providing middle school and high school teachers an overview of Asian American history from 1700-2000s and highlight Asian American contributions to immigration and citizenship laws that shape the United States. Teachers will leave with practical resources, tools, and ideas on how to weave AAPI contributions into their existing curriculum.
Free and open to all. Professional Development hours awarded.
This event is brought to you by Teach Asian American Stories and AAPI New Jersey.

Harnessing the Power of Graphic Novels
2024-05-21 16:00 - 17:30
Graphic novels (memoirs and nonfiction) and comic books are an integral tool in increasing literacy and engagement in the classroom. Through this webinar, educators will learn the scholarship and research behind the benefits of using comics and graphic novels in the classroom while also gaining access to learning activities and materials to support this work. Participants will learn about the current research on literacy in social studies and how graphic novels improve literacy, reading comprehension, and engagement. The workshop ends with a walk-through of various activities and books that educators can use in their classrooms. Participants will receive a workshop folder, handouts, and slides at the end of the session.
This program is suitable for middle school and high school social studies and ELA educators.
Professional Development Hours awarded.
This event is brought to you by Teach Asian American Stories and AAPI New Jersey.

Windows & Mirrors: Creating Spaces for Identity & Belonging
2024-05-21 16:30 - 18:30
This is an exploration of the stories that shape our identities and foster a sense of belonging, or lack thereof, and an examination of how intersectionality empowers or hinders growth, learning and identity formation. A broad view of how policies have shaped the experiences of various people groups and individual communities will be surveyed. The latter part of the session will be tailored to your community and the people/students you serve directly. You will consider the data and demographics of your community. You will learn best practices to tell a better and more inclusive story for all students where all their stories matter and where they all belong. The session will be presented through an intersectional lens, particularly considering the needs of marginalized students. Resources for lessons and/or best practices will be offered. “Lowest hanging fruit” changes can be explored together for immediate implementation.

Ctrl+Alt+Teach: The Computer Science Endorsement in New Jersey
2024-06-04 17:00 - 18:00
Join us for an insightful webinar designed to inform educators about the new Computer Science Endorsement in New Jersey. This webinar, intended for anyone interested in learning more about the endorsement, will delve into the historical context and advocacy efforts that led to the creation of this endorsement, providing an example of member advocacy in support of student learning and professional growth. Participants will also gain valuable insights into the various pathways available for earning the endorsement including testing requirements. Information shared during this session will also guide participants through the NJEdCert system, offering valuable support and resources to streamline the endorsement application process.

Teaching Bilingual Students Bilingually
2024-06-05 16:30 - 18:30
Participants will review the bilingual code and its relation to other aspects of multilingual learners, such as WIDA, the ELD framework, and Key Language in Bilingual Ed. The presentation will focus on asset-based language and forward language vs remedial language. Participants will also learn about support systems for current and former bilingual students, including those who may have learning disabilities or be SLIFE.

Developing Culturally Responsive Lesson Plans on AAPI History
2024-07-09 - 2024-07-10
This is a 2-day workshop for K-12 educators in New Jersey to engage in intensive lesson plan development on Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) histories. Participating educators will gain knowledge on AAPI histories, professional development on teaching AAPI histories and lesson plan design, resources catered to their classroom grade levels, and guided focus groups with support from curriculum experts and facilitators. By the end of the workshop, participating educators will have completed a draft at least one lesson plan for their classrooms, which will then be reviewed and edited. Finalized lesson plans will be returned to educators by August 31, 2024 to implement in the school year and then published online for free public access.
Eligibility Requirements

A K-12 educator currently teaching at a New Jersey school
Able to fully attend both days of the workshop (see below)
Able to arrange your own transportation to Day 2 of the workshop
(If middle or high school) A social studies or history teacher

We welcome educators of any racial/ethnic identity, with any level of experience learning and teaching AAPI histories, to apply.
Workshop Day 1 [VIRTUAL]:
Option #1: Tuesday, July 9th, 2024 at 10AM-12PM ET
Option #2: Tuesday, July 9th, 2024 at 2PM-4PM ET
Workshop Day 2 [IN-PERSON]:
Date: Wednesday, July 10th, 2024 at 10AM-4PM ET
Location: Montclair State University
Stipend
Participating educators will receive a $250 stipend for full attendance of both days of the workshop and completion of at least one lesson plan by the end of the workshop. An additional $75 (flat fee) is offered for further lesson plans submitted by Sunday, July 21st at 11:59PM ET.
Lesson Plans
All lesson plans submitted by participating educators will be reviewed and edited by AAPI New Jersey’s curriculum team. Finalized lesson plans will be returned to educators by Saturday, August 31st and published on our website for free public access, with credit given to the educators.
Timing
Please note: We are accepting applications now through May 31. Applications will be reviewed and approved on a rolling basis, so we recommend applying early.
If you are interested in participating in this workshop, please fill out the application form linked below. Please contact roslyne.shiao@aapinewjersey.org with any questions.

*Teachers must apply; accepted participants will receive stipends of up to $325. More info in the link

Knowles Teacher Initiative summer courses for math and science teachers
2024-07-22 08:00 - 2024-07-24 17:00
All academy courses are designed and facilitated by experienced teachers who understand the complexities of teaching in today’s world.

Through these Knowles Academy three-day courses, math and science teachers will build their own capacity for planning and implementing projects that powerfully situate complex content and practice standards within real-world contexts.

PBL: Project-Based Learning for Rigorous Math and Science Instruction

Engineering for Student and Community Empowerment

Designing Instructional Tasks to Increase Student Engagement and Learning in Math and Science Classrooms

Location: Philadelphia

Price: $25 each course (3-day courses)

Course descriptions and registration: Visit knowlesteachers.org click the tab for Knowles Academy, select In-Person Courses to register for the course you are interested in.

Optional graduate course credit is available ($375 for 3 credit hours).

Please note that courses are subject to cancellation if minimum enrollment is not met.

Irrigating Book Deserts
2024-08-27 14:00 - 16:00
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!”

An Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
2024-09-18 16:30 - 18:30, 2025-01-15 16:30 - 18:30
This two-hour workshop is 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.

Survivors’ perspectives on Human Trafficking and Its Impact on Our Schools
2024-09-24 16:30 - 18:30
This survivor-led presentation will cover the realities of sex and labor trafficking in our state and the risks to school-age children. Online exploitation and the myths of trafficking will be explored, with real-life scenarios provided to illustrate what teachers might encounter in the classroom. The session will also include guidance on how teachers can raise awareness among their students using free online lesson plans offered by the NJ Coalition Against Human Trafficking, which conform to NJ Learning Standards.

The Underground Railroad in New Jersey
2024-09-30 16:30 - 18:30
For educators seeking to have an immersive experience with New Jersey’s role in slavery and how African Americans emancipated themselves from the cruel institution via the Underground Railroad.
Educators will leave this workshop with clear directions on how they can support their teaching toward the Amistad Mandate through the extensive history of the Underground Railroad in New Jersey.

Neurodiversity in a Singularly Focused World
2024-10-01 16:30 - 18:30
As a neurodivergent person myself, someone diagnosed with ADHD at five, it became critical for me, for my survival to continually translate myself for the world around me. I had to hold onto who I am/was while learning how the other 80% of the people of the world thought and how it differed drastically from my own patterns of thinking. I wanted to and needed to be able to show up as myself in my personal life, work life, networking, building a business and a speaking/consulting practice. I realized along the way how many companies would benefit from learning how we neurodivergent people see the world and how it would transform culture and profitability when done intentionally and with support for all involved. Diversity empowers curiosity, which drives innovation and ignites profitability.

Educator Evaluation in 2025 and Beyond
2024-10-08 16:30 - 18:30
Join us for an informative webinar on educator evaluation, featuring updates from the Governor’s Evaluation Task Force. Learn about the latest developments in assessing educator performance and discover how you can actively participate and contribute to shaping the future of evaluation processes in education.

Convention Connections-Between Breaths: Beginning a Reflective Songwriting Practice
2024-10-15 16:30 - 18:30
When I became an adult, I asked my father how he switched modes between a high-stress job and the very different demands of family life. He told me he stood at each door, to work and home, and took several deep breaths. As an arts and health teaching artist and researcher, I recognize this strategy as an emotional technology. Transitioning through moments, places, people, work, and relationships takes subtle energy changes.
Working internationally with health workers, educators, and families of neurodivergent children, I’ve learned how vital a song can be between breaths. If I wrote this song with my father, perhaps we’d call it “Before the Door” and explore this theme together. In our workshop, we’ll explore our own themes and begin your song. Leave this session energized, tuned in, full of ideas, and creatively confident, either with the beginnings of a song or inspired by each other’s feedback and collaboration.
This is a prelude to the conference, where I’ll be joined by a team of my favorite teaching artists for a collective co-write, a series of musical activities, a workshop, and a culminating performance of this year’s original song.

Arts Integration Foundations--Part 1
2024-10-22 16:30 - 18:30
Arts integration is an effective strategy for cultivating a positive climate and culture and deepening student engagement. Part 1 will immerse participants in the fundamental components of high-quality arts integration. Knowledge and skills needed to move confidently from planning to implementation will be explored. Drawing upon New Jersey’s Arts Integration Think and Do Workbook, participants will identify realistic goals and develop concrete action steps to guide their arts integration work.

Using Artificial Intelligence in your Classroom
2024-10-23 16:30 - 18:30
This workshop is designed to provide teachers with a basic understanding of AI and how it can be integrated into their teaching practices to benefit both themselves and their students. We’ll explore text, image, and even assessment generators and ways to use AI to help differentiate instruction. The workshop will also include a discussion of plagiarism detection, the potential future applications of AI in education, and the role of teachers in preparing students for a world increasingly shaped by AI.

The Student as the Teacher - Lessons We Can Learn from Elementary Students
2024-10-25 16:00 - 17:00
Join NJEA Secretary-Treasurer Petal Robertson and Master Educator and star of the World Peace – and Other 4th-Grade Achievements documentary, John Hunter, as they explore how empowering and listening to student voices fosters inclusive, collaborative spaces for real-world problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking. You won’t want to miss this conversation and preview of what’s to come from our NJEA Convention 2024 closing keynote speaker, John Hunter. Are you joining us on Friday? You can be the Petal Plus One for John Hunter’s keynote when you attend the virtual session!

AI Tools for the Classroom
2024-11-13 16:30 - 18:30
Overview: This session is designed to provide you with a review of some of the best AI tools available to educators. We will look beyond the popular programs such as ChatGPT to explore tools specifically for educators that generate leveled resources, assessments, lessons, and more. Join us for this informative and engaging session to see the many ways you can use AI in your role as an educator and safely with your students.

Road to Wellness
2024-11-25 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.

Using SEL to See and Connect Beyond Disruptive Behaviors
2024-12-03 16:30 - 18:30
Years following the return to the classroom after the Covid-19 shutdowns, educators across the country are still struggling with the aftermath of the pandemic. One of the major concerns facing teachers, counselors and administrators alike is student behavior. SEL continues to be one of the most powerful tools to effectively address behavioral challenges and prepare students for life inside and outside of the classroom. The question for many is “With so many different aspects of SEL, where should my focus be in order to reduce disruptive behaviors within the school community?”
This interactive session will provide insight and understanding into disruptive behaviors; identify three specific SEL areas to promote positive behavior; and highlight best practices to develop the skills and climate for students to regulate themselves.

Community of Practice Power Hour
2024-12-10 16:00 - 17:30, 2025-01-14 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
Title: Educator-Centric Social-Emotional Learning Community of Practice (SEL COP)
Description: In the modern educational landscape, educators play a pivotal role in fostering students’ social-emotional development. This Educator-Centric Social-Emotional Learning Community of Practice will provide a dedicated platform for educators to collaborate, share insights, and enhance their practices in social-emotional learning (SEL).
Learn more about the NJEA PDII Community of Practice here

Community of Practice Power Hour
2024-12-11 16:00 - 17:30, 2025-01-08 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
Title: Leaning into AI
Description: 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

Community of Practice Power Hour
2024-12-12 16:00 - 17:30, 2025-01-09 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
Title: Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Strategies for Educators During Challenging Times
Description: The education landscape is ever-changing, and navigating difficult times can be draining. This highly interactive community equips educators with practical tools and strategies to foster resilience, manage stress, and cultivate a positive classroom environment even amidst challenges.
Learn more about the NJEA PDII Community of Practice here

Incorporating Census Data in Classrooms to Teach Community Diversity and Foster Culturally Responsive Pedagogy
2024-12-16 16:30 - 18:30
New Jersey has the second-highest percentage of foreign-born residents in the U.S. and is the fifth most diverse state. Nearly half of its youth live in multilingual households, enriching our classrooms.
This workshop helps teachers use census data to create culturally responsive teaching strategies. Participants will learn to integrate demographic data into lessons, making education more relevant and inclusive. It includes examples for elementary and middle school students and introduces K-12 tools and lesson plans to address systemic issues and create engaging lessons.

Structures & Systems: Unpacking Power, Privilege, and Systemic Inequity
2025-01-12 16:30 - 18:30
This third and final sensitivity training session will have participants delving into the complex layers of injustice and their impact on educational environments. They will explore individual biases, institutional inequities, and structural racism to develop a comprehensive understanding of how these factors intersect and influence educational outcomes.
