Every November, NJEA members from across the state gather in Atlantic City for a tradition more than a century strong: the NJEA Convention. It’s a chance to step away from the daily routine and come together as one education community. New Jersey’s standing as Number 1 in public education nationwide is a testament to the dedication of our educators and members—and the convention is where that shared commitment truly shines.
At its heart, the convention is about fostering community, cultivating joy and engaging in meaningful professional development and lifelong learning. Members can choose from hundreds of professional development sessions that reflect the wide range of work NJEA members do in schools. Whether you’re looking for strategies to engage students, ways to integrate new technology, or tools to support your own well-being, there’s a session designed with you in mind. For many members, the workshops provide practical ideas they can bring back to their classrooms and communities.
This year’s keynotes highlight the global importance of the work NJEA members do every day. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai will speak on Thursday, Nov. 6 about the universal right to education, a cause she has championed since her youth. On Friday, Nov. 7, author, activist and television host Padma Lakshmi will address issues of immigration, equity and opportunity—topics that resonate deeply in New Jersey’s richly diverse schools. Both will remind us that our classrooms are places where the next generation of leaders and advocates are already finding their voices.
The convention is also about connection. Walking the floor of the Atlantic City Convention Center means running into colleagues, catching up with old friends and meeting new ones who share your passion for public education. It’s a reminder that no one does this work alone—we are part of a larger network of educators who support and learn from one another.
Year after year, members leave the convention feeling recharged, reconnected and ready to return to their schools with fresh ideas, renewed energy and a deeper belief in the power of students’ voices to shape the future. We are looking forward to seeing you in Atlantic City this year.
Vicki Serreino is an associate director in the NJEA Professional Development and Instruction Issues Division and the coordinator of the NJEA Convention.
