Professional Development

Strangers in Their Own Land: Jewish Self-Awareness in Holocaust Memoirs -- Via Zoom
2024-04-03 16:30 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual – Zoom
In this interactive session, participants will discuss short excerpts describing the painful realization of what it means to be oppressed. Professor Dorian Stuber will consider texts by Sarah Kofman and Nechama Tec. Despite their differences in national origin and living situations, each writer grappled with what it meant to be a stranger in her own land. Using Michael Rothberg’s idea of “multidirectional memory,” the session will conclude by using the African American sociologist W. E. B. DuBois’s articulation of “double consciousness” as an accessible conceptual language for understanding the self-awareness of persecuted minorities and placing the Holocaust in relation to other histories of oppression.
For more information, please contact: Dr. Adara Goldberg at agoldber@kean.edu / (908) 737-
University 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ. 07083 www.kean.edu

Nazism in America: The Front of Youth Camps
2024-04-03 16:30 - 17:30 | Kean Skylands, 243 Mount Paul Road, Oak Ridge, NJ, 07438
During the 1930s, the German-American Bund, a revived organization emerging from the disbanded Friends of New Germany under the leadership of immigrant Fritz Kuhn, established more than twenty youth camps across the country. To most outsiders, these camps appeared to be summer camps to give German-American youth opportunities to engage with sports and the land. But in reality, they were fronts of the Nazi movement. One camp in particular, Camp Nordland, operated in Sussex County, New Jersey, from 1937 until early 1941.
Barbara Krasner, a historian and prize winning poet, has written about Camp Nordland and how it unraveled a friendship between two Newark teens, one Jewish and one German-American. Dr. Krasner will present the history of the Bund in America, the establishment of these camps with a special emphasis on Nordland, and read selections from her novel in verse, Facing the Enemy: How a Nazi Youth Camp in America Tested a Friendship (Calkins Creek, 2023). She’ll also discuss the importance of upstanding to protect human rights then and now.
This event is free and open to the public. Professional development hours provided.
For more information, please contact: Erica V. Colace, Director, Kean Skylands
keanskylands@kean.edu | (908) 737-1612

The Vel d’Hiv Round-Up: The Largest Mass Arrest in Wartime French History -- Via Zoom
2024-04-04 16:30 - 17:30 | Virtual – Zoom
On July 16-17, 1942 in Occupied Paris, more than 13,000 French Jews were arrested by French Police. The victims were held in deplorable conditions at the Vélodrome d’Hiver or Vel d’Hiv, an indoor cycling stadium until they were sent to detainment camps outside of Paris where they either died or were deported to concentration camps. Dr. Eileen Angelini’s presentation will discuss how the Vichy Government planned this round-up and how the French government and people have since dealt with the pain and shame of this traumatic event.
For more information, please contact: Dr. Adara Goldberg at agoldber@kean.edu / (908) 737- 4633
Kean University 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ. 07083 www.kean.edu

From Generation to Generation: Author Michelle Weinfeld Shares Her Grandfather's Holocaust Survival Story -- Via Zoom
2024-04-09 16:30 - 17:30 | Virtual – Zoom
Michelle Weinfeld, author of From Generation to Generation: A Memoir of Food, Family, and Identity in the Aftermath of the Shoah, will share her grandfather’s story of surviving the Holocaust, the life lessons he taught her, and how being the grandchild of a survivor has influenced her life.
For more information, please contact: Dr. Adara Goldberg at agoldber@kean.edu / (908) 737- 4633
Kean University 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ. 07083 www.kean.edu

An Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
2024-04-09 16:30 - 18:30, 2024-09-18 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.

Getting to Know the Sex Education Standards
2024-04-10 16:30 - 18:30
Tazmine Weisgerber from Answer (Rutgers) will address the updates to the sexual health-related standards and the rationale behind the additions, backed up by research and data. We will also cover the standards revision process and the opt-out guidelines and discuss resources for implementing the new standards.

Infusing Civics Into K-5 Curriculum
2024-04-16 08:30 - 15:00 | Livington Campus Center, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 54 Joyce Kilmer Avenue Lucy Stone Hall, A352-354, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, United States
Presented by Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences New Jersey Center for Civic Education.
The primary purpose of social studies is to help students become the citizens our democracy requires, and the foundation for effective citizenship is laid in elementary school. Young students can grasp many of the essential concepts of civic education if presented in an age-appropriate manner. This workshop will provide teachers with content and strategies that will help them provide essential civic literacy knowledge, skills, and dispositions in grades K-5.

Short Hair Detention: Channy Chhi Laux, survival of the Cambodian Genocide -- via Zoom
2024-04-17 11:00 - 12:30 | Virtual – Zoom
When the Khmer Rouge seized Cambodia in 1975, Channy Chhi Laux was thirteen years old. For the next four years she endured starvation, forced labor, disease, and tremendous loss. In June 1979, she arrived in Lincoln, Nebraska as a Cambodian refugee and enrolled at Lincoln High School. Despite speaking no English and having not attended school for four years, she managed to achieve academic success, thanks in part to the kindness and support of her teachers. She went on to earn a Master of Science in Applied Mathematics from Santa Clara University and undergraduate degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She then spent 30 years working in Silicon Valley as an engineer in the Aerospace and Biotech industries. She is now an award-winning author and chef. Join us for an intimate talk with Channy to learn more about surviving genocide and the importance of compassion.
For more information, please contact: Dr. Adara Goldberg at agoldber@kean.edu / (908) 737- 4633
Kean University 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ. 07083 www.kean.edu

Teaching the Cambodian Genocide Through Testimony -- Via Zoom
2024-04-17 16:30 - 17:30 | Virtual – Zoom
Short Hair Detention: A Memoir of a Thirteen-Year-Old-Girl Surviving the Cambodian Genocide offers an intimate view of the Cambodian Genocide (1975-1979) as experienced by survivor Channy Chhi Laux. Channy originally wrote her memoir to help communicate her experiences of genocide and survival to her children. Having completed her manuscript, however, she saw the value in sharing it more widely. Please join us for an intimate workshop with Dr.Alexis Herr, a comparative genocide scholar, to learn how to use survivor testimony to educate about genocide and human rights.
For more information, please contact: Zoey Guarino / zguarino@kean.edu / 908-737-4660
Kean University 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ. 07083 www.kean.edu

Asian American History IS United States History
2024-04-30 16:30 - 18:30
Often thought of as “forever foreigners,” Asian Americans, in fact, have played key roles at pivotal moments throughout U.S. history. Asian American stories illuminate the history of inclusion and exclusion in America on issues such as civil rights, immigration and citizenship. The presentation will give participants a better understanding of history (1700s to present), race relations today, and how they affect Asian American students and families. Educators will receive a curated list of resources (scholarly books and articles, podcasts and videos) and materials that can be incorporated into lesson and unit plans.

Exploring Asian American Literature - via Zoom
2024-05-01 16:30 - 17:30
This workshop will focus on providing K-5 teachers an overview of Asian American children literature including poetry and short stories. Several AAPI authors will be highlighted, and ways to introduce these authors and their work in an age-appropriate way will be presented. Points of consideration on how to choose appropriate literature with respectful AAPI representation will be offered. Educators will leave with lesson activities based on these AAPI literature that they can use for their own classrooms and a list of AAPI authors.

Free and open to all. Professional Development hours awarded.
This event is brought to you by Teach Asian American Stories and AAPI New Jersey.

Using Artificial Intelligence in your Classroom
2024-05-01 16:30 - 18:30, 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 Colorful Roots of Labor Unions: How Black, Brown, & People of Color Became the Conscience of Labor Unions
2024-05-08 16:30 - 18:30
Do you know that the American Teachers Association (ATA) saved NEA? The ATA represented Black educators in segregated schools until its merger with NEA in 1966. Do you also know that contributions to the labor movement from Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, Jewish people, Hispanic/Latin American people, LGBTQIA+ people, and the disabled have been erased? During this session, there will be no more erasure. We will center the unheralded and marginalized voices of the labor movement.

Engaging Students in Middle School Civics
2024-05-09 08:30 - 15:00 | 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!”

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.
