Communities of Practice Connect: Leaning into AI
2026-02-12 16:00 - 17:30, 2026-03-12 16:00 - 17:30, 2026-04-09 16:00 - 17:30 (America/New_York)
“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.

NJEA Konscious Educators Virtual Training Series - Rewiring the Brain for Optimism, Hope, & Purpose (Part 5)
2026-02-19 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.
When educators align with their “why”, they bring purpose, joy, and inspiration into the classroom. This session explores how to shift mindset and energy to create an engaged and transformative learning environment.

Neurodiversity + Queer Identity
2026-03-02 16:30 - 18:30
This talk explores the well-documented overlap between the Queer community and how neurodivergent individuals “queer” their lives—whether they identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, the neurodivergent community, or both. The discussion is grounded in understanding intersectionality, as defined by Kimberlé Crenshaw.
In this workshop, we will also explore the concept of minority stress, as defined by Virginia Brooks, and discuss the importance of creating space for “neuroqueering ” and the need for sex education that is more inclusive of neurodiverse experiences.

Communities of Practice Connect: The Anxious Generation Book Club
2026-03-10 16:00 - 17:30, 2026-04-14 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.

Communities of Practice Connect: Lead & Learn: A Community for Educator Leaders
2026-03-10 16:00 - 17:30, 2026-04-14 16:00 - 17:30, 2026-05-12 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.

Using AI in the Classroom – Teacher Tools and Strategies
2026-03-10 16:30 - 18:30
Educators will explore a variety of AI tools that support lesson planning, differentiation, data analysis, and engagement. Tools include ChatGPT, Gemini, Gamma, Questionwell, Diffit, Brisk, and others.

Communities of Practice Connect: Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Strategies for Educators During Challenging Times
2026-03-12 16:00 - 17:30, 2026-04-09 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.

Evaluation & Rebuttal Workshop for ESPs
2026-03-12 17:30 - 19:30 | NJEA Headquarters, 180 W. State Street, Trenton, New Jersey, 08608, United States
Gain a clear understanding of the evaluation process, reflect on feedback, and learn how to write a thoughtful rebuttal to ensure your perspective is included.

Teacher Leadership and The Teacher Leader Academy
2026-03-16 16:30 - 18:30
A teacher leader is someone who maintains their role as a teacher outside of a supervisory role and provides instructional leadership in their school community. Teacher leaders go by various titles and roles: instructional coach, professional development expert, school-community liaison, mentor, lead teacher, and many others. Teacher leadership is an evolving field, and so new roles and titles are established by different schools and districts all the time. Join us for an overview of the Teacher Leader Academy and the benefits of being a teacher leader.

Survivor Speaks and How to Bring them to your Classroom
2026-03-24 16:30 - 18:30
This workshop will provide an overview of the New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education and its ongoing commitment to genocide education. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of the Armenian Genocide, including its historical context, key events, and global significance. The session will then transition to a powerful firsthand account as Susan shares her family’s personal story of survival and resilience. This moving narrative highlights the lasting impact of genocide and underscores the importance of remembrance, education, and advocacy.

NJEA Konscious Educators Virtual Training Series - Applying Konscious Educator Principles for Long-Term Impact (Part 6)
2026-03-26 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 final session integrates all key concepts, providing educators with actionable strategies to sustain mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and conscious leadership in daily teaching.

Resources for Inclusive Curricula in Challenging Times: What the NJEA Consortium has to Offer
2026-04-09 16:30 - 18:30
This session, sponsored by the NJEA Consortium, will provide an overview of the NJEA Consortium and the NJ mandated curricula, while acknowledging the necessity of doing this work even with opposition. Participants will gain tools and techniques to approach this work in their classrooms and districts; they will also gain access to the NJEA Consortium repository of resources to deepen their content knowledge and pedagogical approaches across the NJ mandated curricula.

Effective Communication for ESPs
2026-04-13 17:30 - 19:30 | NJEA Headquarters, 180 W. State Street, Trenton, New Jersey, 08608, United States
Explore communication theory, barriers, and strategies to build connection and collaboration.

Words Matter: Navigating the Language of Diversity
2026-04-15 16:30 - 18:30
Bias incidents are rising in New Jersey, highlighting the urgent need to support marginalized communities and openly discuss identity. Yet many people feel overwhelmed or afraid to speak up. This training explores the power of inclusive language as a tool to reduce bias and foster understanding. Participants will examine the impact of stigmatizing language and engage in interactive activities to unpack key diversity, equity, and inclusion terms. The session offers practical strategies for using language that promotes connection rather than division.

NJ Association for Gifted Children Annual Conference
2026-04-17 | The Palace at Somerset Park, 333 Davidson Ave., Somerset, NJ, 08873 , United States
The theme of the conference is Pursuing Excellence: The Art & Science of Gifted Teaching.

The purpose of the NJAGC 2026 conference is to celebrate the balance between creativity and evidence-based practice that defines our gifted education community.

Participants will attend a keynote session and one breakout session in the morning, lunch (compliments of NJAGC) and three breakout sessions in the afternoon. Each participant will receive six professional development hours, if applicable.
Cost

Regular member: $239
Regular nonmember: $299

Regular nonmember + membership: $289

Learn more and register at njagc.org.

Advocacy in Action: Supporting Multilingual Learners and their Families
2026-04-20 16:30 - 18:30
Multilingual learners and their families enrich school communities with diverse languages and cultures. This session equips educators with practical strategies to advocate for Multilingual Learners (MLs) through collaboration, cultural responsiveness, and equity-driven support. Participants will explore ways to build inclusive partnerships and take informed, action-oriented steps to support student success.

NJEA Consortium Endorses PINE Summit 2026
2026-04-23
About PINE
New York University’s Program for Inclusion and Neurodiversity Education (PINE) partners with schools and communities to build inclusive, accessible, and neurodiversity-affirming learning environments.
Through training, coaching, and practical resources, PINE equips teachers, educational leaders, related service providers, community organizations, camps, and caregivers with the knowledge and tools to implement neuro-affirming practices and build inclusive, accessible spaces wherever children learn and grow.
About the Summit
The PINE Summit is a dynamic virtual conference that brings together educators, administrators, clinicians, community programs, caregivers, and self-advocates who are committed to creating neuro-affirming environments where every child can learn and grow.
The 2026 PINE Summit, Inclusion in Action, goes beyond ideas to spotlight what meaningful inclusion looks like in practice. Across four engaging sessions, participants will gain fresh insights, real-world examples, and actionable tools designed to help translate inclusive values into everyday decisions, fostering more consistent, supportive experiences for neurodivergent children across the settings they move through each day.
Key Information
Organization: Program for Inclusion and Neurodiversity Education (PINE)
Affiliation: An initiative of New York University (NYU)
Event Name: 2026 PINE Summit: Inclusion in Action
Date: April 23, 2026
Location: Virtual
Event Page: pineprogram.org/summit
Hashtags: #2026PineSummit #PinePromise
Registration Questions: info@pineprogram.org

The History of the Indo-Caribbean Community for K-12 Classroom Teachers
2026-04-30 16:30 - 18:30
This sessions provides a basic overview of Indo-Caribbean history and culture, specifically geared towards K-12 teachers. The goal is to provide classroom teachers with an understanding of this unique cultural group as well as to open up possible curricular points of entry for teachers so that students can see representation of Indo-Caribbean stories in their curriculum.
Presenters: Antika Singh and Dakashna Lang, EdD

Untold Histories: Double Diaspora: Indo-Caribbeans Past and Present
2026-04-30 16:30 - 18:30
“Untold Histories: Double Diaspora: Indo-Caribbeans Past and Present.” webinar is cosponsored by NJEA and Empowered Voices. This session provides a basic overview of Indo-Caribbean history and culture, specifically geared towards K-12 teachers. The goal is to provide classroom teachers with an understanding of this unique cultural group as well as to open up possible curricular points of entry for teachers so that students can see representation of Indo-Caribbean stories in their curriculum.
Indo-Caribbean people are descendants of the laborers from the Indian subcontinent who were brought to the Caribbean as indentured servants during the colonial era. They are people of a double diaspora as many of them have now moved out of the Caribbean into other areas like Canada, the US, and the UK. They are often mistaken as immigrants directly from India, but are culturally different. They are a mixture of Indian, Caribbean, British Colonial, and Native cultures.
Presenters: Antika Singh, MSEd and Dakashna Lang, EdD
PD Certificates will be provided by NJEA. We are grateful to Dr. Noreen Naseem Rodriguez for funding this webinar.
Register for the webinar using this link.

Trauma-Informed Sex Education
2026-05-04 16:30 - 18:30
Understanding the effects that trauma can have on people is crucial to creating safe and supportive learning environments for students and people of all ages. We will define trauma, explore areas of sex education that may trigger past trauma, and identify strategies for creating trauma-informed learning environments.

ESPAN Spring Technology Night
2026-05-04 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 April 30, 2026.

Borders, Belonging, and What We Leave Out: Teaching Partition
2026-05-06 16:30 - 18:00
“Borders, Belonging, and What We Leave Out: Teaching Partition.” webinar is cosponsored by NJEA and Empowered Voices.
In most U.S. classrooms, South Asia gets covered superficially through religion and Gandhi. Two hundred years of British colonial rule and extraction? Maybe a paragraph. Millions of South Asian soldiers in both World Wars? Not mentioned. Partition, over 15 million displaced, communal violence, 1-2 million dead? A paragraph, if that. The connections to contemporary politics, nationalism, and division? Never made.

This workshop fills that gap. We trace the full arc – from British divide-and-rule policies through hastily drawn borders that split communities overnight, to what came after and continues to shape modern South Asia today. And through it all, the continued resilience of the people. This workshop opens up essential conversations about empire, borders, resistance, identity and belonging, shared trauma, the power of oral histories, and why this matters now.

This workshop is open to everyone. Educators will also walk away with a resource guide of readings, videos, and book recommendations for K-12 classrooms.

Presenter: Antika Singh, MSEd Sponsored by: Dr. Noreen Naseem Rodríguez, Department of Teacher Education, Michigan State University

PD Certificate will be provided by NJEA

Register: click this link.

Disrupting Microaggressions Against Asian Americans: An Anti-Bias Workshop for Educators
2026-05-11 16:30 - 18:30
In this workshop, educators from all disciplines come together to deepen their understanding of their AAPI students. Together, we explore the complex history and multifaceted identity of the AAPI community, unpack shared experiences and stories, counter harmful stereotypes and misconceptions, and address the troubling issue of anti-Asian hate. Educators will leave with a better understanding of the AAPI diaspora, narratives, and lived experiences, empowering them to create more inclusive and culturally responsive educational spaces.

AI to Support Inclusion for Students with Learning Differences
2026-05-12 16:30 - 18:30
This session explores how AI can support inclusive practices by assisting with IEP documentation, accommodations, and differentiated instruction. Emphasis is placed on equity and accessibility, and how AI tools can help all educators deliver on that promise.
