Tens of thousands of NJEA members from across the state flocked to Atlantic City for the 157th annual NJEA Convention Nov. 10-11.
The convention draws teachers and educational support professionals (ESP) who participate in over 300 seminars, workshops, and programs. It is one of the largest educational gatherings of its kind in the world.
In her keynote address, education historian and author Diane Ravitch addressed members on the education reform debate. Ravitch used her speech to discuss the motivations of corporate education reformers who are funding efforts to undermine public education.
She also criticized No Child Left Behind and Race to the Top and encouraged members to call on legislators to end funding these failed programs.
“Our public schools are vital community institutions,” Ravitch said. “Not chain stores that can be opened and closed at will.”
See the NJEA’s Facebook page and Twitter feed for excerpts and a video clip of her speech.
On the floor
On the convention floor, over 700 vendors and exhibitors were on hand to share resources and materials. Also on the exhibit floor convention goers had the opportunity to visit the Great Ideas Forum to learn about exciting new projects from previous NJEA Hipp Foundation grant winners and purchase books from NJEA member-authors in Authors’ Alley.
Each year, High Tech Hall grows bigger and better. In the Technology Integration Showcase, sponsored by the N.J. Center for Teaching and Learning, NJEA members demonstrated how they have successfully integrated technology into their instruction.
In the Thinkfinity Classroom members had the opportunity to learn how to use Thinkfinity.org to enhance student learning. In the Dell Connected Classroom NJEA members and others showed many exciting ways to use technology for lively instruction.
This year, High Tech Hall has grown to include the Teacher-to-Teacher Learning Lab where member-presenters give one-hour presentations showcasing their use of technology in classroom instruction.
Attendees also had the opportunity to attend a State Board of Education meeting and ask questions about educational policy.
Friday’s events
On Friday, one of California teacher Erin Gruell’s original “freedom writers,” Manuel V. Scott, shared his inspirational story of overcoming great obstacles to achieve success.
Convention goers also heard from Acting Commissioner of Education Christopher Cerf on a number on a full range of issues confronting education in New Jersey.
At Friday’s Celebration of Excellence, NJEA celebrated the successes of New Jersey educators and public schools by introducing the 2011-12 NJEA Frederick L. Hipp Foundation grant winners and their innovative new projects. Attendees also met the 2011-12 N.J. State Teacher of the Year and the Awards for Excellence winners. Awards for Excellence recognize successful New Jersey public school graduates who have excelled in their professions. This year’s recipients included: award-winning writer and editor of books for children and young adults, Lee Bennett Hopkins; Wendy J. Galloway, who currently serves as the Director of Programs for the N.J. Department of State; and nationally-renowned educator, educational consultant, and motivational speaker Principal Baruti Kafele.
See your December NJEA Reporter and NJEA Review for more convention coverage.