Tens of thousands of NJEA members from across the state attended the 155th annual NJEA Convention Nov. 5-6, in Atlantic City.
The convention drew teachers and educational support professionals (ESP) who participated in over 300 seminars, workshops, and programs. It is one of the largest educational gatherings of its kind in the world.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. delivered a passionate address to nearly 2,500 NJEA members in defense of the environment at his keynote address on Friday, Nov. 6. Kennedy insisted that there is no conflict between prosperity and good environmental policy.
He was especially pleased to address NJEA members, saying, “Educators take a broader look at things—they are concerned about the world we leave our children.”
In her Thursday, Nov. 5 keynote address, author Rachel Simmons took on bullying, particularly among girls. Simmons said that educators are well positioned to help families deal with bullying.
“Parents are desperate to be coached on how to deal with their children and bullying,” Simmons said.
At Friday’s Celebration of Excellence, actor John Amos, a 1958 graduate of East Orange High School, received the NJEA Award for Excellence. The award is given to New Jersey public school graduates who demonstrate exceptional leadership in their field of expertise.
New Jersey’s 2009-10 Teacher of the Year MaryAnn Woods-Murphy and recipients of the 2009 NJEA Frederick L. Hipp Foundation for Excellence in Education grants were also honored at the celebration.
Other convention highlights included a presentation by State Education Commissioner Lucille Davy, a public meeting with the N.J. State Board of Education, and evening concerts by the All-State Jazz Ensemble and All-State Chorus and Orchestra.
New this year was High Tech Hall, including an expanded Technology Integration Showcase where NJEA members from districts across the state presented small-group demonstrations of technology activities tested in their own classrooms.Apple, Verizon’s Thinkfinity.org, The Star-Ledger News in Education program, NJEA and the Center for Teaching and Learning sponsored High Tech Hall, which also included two technology classrooms for large-group demonstrations.
In addition to the seminars and programs designed to meet members’ state-mandated, 100-hour professional development requirement, convention-goers took advantage of the convention center’s huge exhibit area, featuring more than 700 vendors and exhibitors.
See your December NJEA Reporter and NJEA Review for more convention coverage.
Experience NJEA Convention Virtual Trade Show
Visit the NJEA Virtual Trade Show. Search exhibitors by name or category, view company profiles and their product descriptions and their location on the show floor.
There is a
new framework for professional development sessions at the 2009 NJEA Convention.
Visitor Guide Map 2009 NJEA Convention photo gallery
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
>> What time does the Exhibit Hall open and close?
>> What are my transportation options?
>> Can I take a shuttle to the Convention Center?
>> Can I receive a certificate of attendance?
>> What are the fees for NJEA members?
>> What are the admission fees for all other attendees?
>> What is the guest policy for the NJEA Convention?
>> Where do I find information for exhibitors?
>> Can I pre-register for workshops at the NJEA Convention?
>> Is the Convention Center accessible to physically challenged persons?
>> Which charity have we chosen to support at this year's Convention?
>> What can I do after 5 o'clock at the Convention?
>> What is the Boardwalk Run?
If you have questions about the 2009 NJEA Convention, please contact NJEA's Convention Coordinator, Judy Laning, at 609-599-4561. (ext. 2252)