Welcome to the NJAEA Chalkboard!
Welcome to the October edition of the NJAEA Chalkboard! Now that the new school year is in full swing, NJAEA is excited to bring aspiring educators together through leadership opportunities, advocacy, community events and professional development.
This month, we’re highlighting upcoming events, celebrating the work of aspiring educators and creating new opportunities for members to connect and make an impact across New Jersey.
Whether you’re a returning or new NJAEA member, there are so many ways to connect, grow and make an impact. Thank you for being a part of NJAEA and for helping shape the future of education in New Jersey!
With pleasure,
The NJAEA Leadership Team
Susan G. Komen Walks: Ready to walk for a cause?
Aspiring Educators is coming together to support the Susan G. Komen cause. The first walk took place on Oct. 4 in Jackson, NJ, but if you missed it, you can still join Team NJEA at the North Jersey Walk on Oct. 25 in West Orange as we walk, raise awareness and support an important mission. Register here.
Want to make a difference beyond the classroom?
Come walk with us and show your support!
NJEA Convention: Heading to Atlantic City this November?
Join NJAEA and NJEA in Atlantic City for the NJEA Convention! This is an exciting opportunity for aspiring educators to connect with educators from across New Jersey, attend professional development sessions, learn about issues affecting education and build your network. Whether this is your first NJEA Convention or you’re already an experienced attendee, there are opportunities to learn, connect and grow as a future educator. Ready to learn beyond the classroom? Come experience the NJEA Convention and connect with educators from across the state! Learn more and register here.
Looking for a workshop to attend at the NJEA Convention?
NJAEA has put together a selection of recommended professional development workshops for aspiring educators attending the NJEA Convention. Want to make the most of your Convention experience? Check out NJAEA’s recommended workshops and find sessions that connect with your interests as an aspiring educator:
Nov. 5 @ 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Fostering Culturally Responsive Pedagogy
- Special Education 101
- AI: Teaching in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
- NJ’s Four Pillars: Building Information-Literate Learners
Nov. 5 @ 1:45 – 3 p.m.
- Modeling Inquiry: Professional Growth for Future Educators
Nov. 6 @ 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Regulate Before You Educate: Trauma Informed Inclusive Class
- Strengthen Equity & Inclusion in Every Classroom with UDL
Nov. 6 @ 1:45 – 3 p.m.
- Strengthening Educator-Parent Partnerships
- Fix the System, Not the Student: Rethinking Discipline
- The Art of Motivation: Pathways to Success
See the Convention Program for a full list of workshops and descriptions.
Thank you, NJREA!
A special thank-you to NJREA for inviting Aspiring Educators to the NJREA Fall Luncheon and allowing us to speak about S2605 and the importance of paid student teaching. We are grateful for the opportunity to share the voices and experiences of aspiring educators and continue the conversation around supporting future teachers. Want to learn more about how you can advocate for future educators? Stay connected with NJAEA for upcoming advocacy opportunities!
Advocacy & Political Action: Paving the Way to Phone Banking
Ready to make your voice heard?
On Sept. 23 and 25, Carlos Aguilar, Ambassador, helped pave the way for Aspiring Educators to get involved in phone banking and advocate directly with our legislators. This is an exciting opportunity for aspiring educators to become more involved in political action and make their voices heard on issues affecting education. Want to get involved in political action? Join NJAEA on Oct. 21 & 23 at 5 p.m. for a phone-banking session focused on S2605, the New Jersey Student Teacher Scholarship Program. This bill would establish a scholarship program for eligible student teachers completing their required clinical practice, helping address the financial barriers that can come with student teaching. Learn more and register here.
ADHD & Dyslexia Round Table
Join NJAEA on Oct. 19 at 5 p.m. for a virtual ADHD & Dyslexia Round Table in recognition of ADHD and Dyslexia Awareness Month. This session will provide aspiring educators with an opportunity to have an open discussion about myths, truths and experiences related to ADHD and dyslexia. Register here.
NJREA & NJAEA BookSmiles Event
NJREA and NJAEA will be volunteering together at Book Smiles on Nov. 18 in Cherry Hill, NJ from 3-5 p.m. Sign up here to volunteer and make a difference in the community.
NJEA Hispanic Heritage Celebration
The NJEA Hispanic Heritage Celebration was held on Oct. 3 at Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton, New Jersey. The celebration featured personal stories, cultural dances and a keynote address from Dr. Miguel Cardona, former U.S. Secretary of Education. It was a beautiful and meaningful celebration of Hispanic culture, heritage and community, bringing people together to recognize and honor the diverse experiences and contributions of the Hispanic community.
Retaj’s Story: The impact of unpaid student teaching
What does unpaid student teaching really mean for aspiring educators? Read Retaj’s personal story and learn about the real impact that unpaid student teaching can have on aspiring educators. Her experience highlights why conversations surrounding paid student teaching matter and why aspiring educators deserve support as they complete the requirements needed to enter the teaching profession.
Get Involved on Your Campus
What is happening on your campus?
Aspiring Educators chapters are getting active across New Jersey!
Stockton • William Paterson • Kean • Montclair State • TCNJ
Learn how you can get more involved on your campus, connect with fellow aspiring educators, and become an active leader in your community.
Ready to get involved?
Reach out to your campus chapter and find out how you can participate!
NJAEA Leadership Retreat
On August 29–30, Aspiring Educators Ambassadors and Committee Chairs had the amazing opportunity to participate in a leadership retreat. We connected with fellow student leaders, developed our leadership skills and learned how to make a meaningful impact within NJAEA and our community. Don’t miss out on the next Leadership Retreat on Oct. 18! Join NJAEA leadership today and take the next step in making an impact. Contact aspiringeducators@njea.org to learn how.
Your NJAEA Member Benefits at your fingertips!
Want to discover all the benefits available to you as an NJEA member? Explore the NJEA Member Benefits Digital Directory for discounts, financial services, insurance programs, student debt resources, travel benefits and more! Looking for additional support or savings? Use the Digital Directory to connect with programs like ACCESS Discounts, Aid-NJEA, Buyer’s Edge, the Hardship Relief Program and NJEA Member Benefits webinars.
Stay connected with NJAEA
Your voice matters. Your leadership matters. Your future needs you. Stay involved with NJAEA throughout the year for leadership opportunities, professional development, advocacy updates, events and ways to connect with aspiring educators from across New Jersey. Have a question or want to get involved? Email aspiringeducators@njea.org