NJEA R.I.SE. Conference Proposals
Radical Imagination Summit for Educators (RISE) Conference 2025
Theme: Anti-Racism in Education
.The Radical Imagination Summit for Educators (RISE) Conference is a transformative convening where educators, scholars, and advocates engage in deep learning and collective visioning for anti-racist education. Hosted by the Human & Civil Rights, Equity, and Governance division of NJEA, this conference challenges systemic racism and fosters strategic action toward equity and justice in education. RISE will be hosted in Votta Hall of Rowan College at Burlington County on Wednesday, July 23 beginning at 9 a.m. Dr. Bettina Love will be the keynote speaker at this year’s conference.
Proposal Submission Guidelines
We invite proposals for two distinct session formats:
1. Application of Knowledge Session (80-Minute Hands-On Workshop)
- Purpose: These sessions are designed to move beyond theory into direct action. They should engage participants in hands-on strategies for anti-racist teaching, policy advocacy, and/or institutional transformation.
- Session Structure: Proposals should outline interactive, practice-based activities that allow participants to co-create tools, frameworks, or action plans.
- Content Expectations:
- Clearly articulated anti-racist frameworks and their practical applications within educational spaces.
- Direct engagement with equity-centered methodologies.
- Strategies for immediate and sustained implementation in educational settings.
- Opportunities for collaborative problem-solving and strategizing.
2. Demonstration of Knowledge Session (35-Minute Mini-Session)
- Purpose: These sessions provide foundational knowledge on anti-racist education, equipping educators with historical, theoretical, and contemporary perspectives.
- Session Structure: Proposals should outline how presenters will effectively communicate key concepts within a concise timeframe.
- Content Expectations:
- Grounding in historical and systemic contexts of racism in education.
- Connection to current challenges and resistance movements.
- Evidence of professional practice and testament of outcomes.
- Practical takeaways that inform participants’ understanding and advocacy.
Benefits
- Free conference registration for presenter(s)
- Compensation for your time/knowledge/expertise per NJEA guidelines
- Free copy of Dr. Bettina Love’s latest book, Punished for Dreaming.
- An opportunity to meet and greet with Dr. Love and get your book signed.
Submission Guidelines
Who Should Submit? Educators, scholars, activists, and community leaders committed to anti-racism in education.
Proposal Requirements:
- Title of the session.
- Presenter(s) name(s), affiliations, and contact information. (2 presenters max per session)
- Session type (Application of Knowledge or Demonstration of Knowledge).
- Abstract (200-250 words) summarizing the session’s focus, objectives, and session agenda outline (include description of engagement strategies).
- Any necessary technology or materials.
- Special Note: You can submit a proposal for both session types (workshop or mini session), but you can only submit one topic.
Deadline: Monday, April 28, 2025, 5 p.m. ET
Submission Process: Complete the NJEA Radical Imagination Summit for Educators (RISE) Conference 2025 Session Proposal Form above.
Review Criteria: Proposals will be evaluated by a panel of reviewers to determine relevance to the conference theme, depth of engagement with anti-racist education, clarity of objectives, and potential impact.
Conference Structure & Participation
Attendees will select one hands-on workshop and two mini-sessions, ensuring a balanced experience of learning and action. This summit is designed for those prepared to push beyond rhetoric into transformative practice.