Affiliated Groups
The organizations listed here are members of the NJEA Affiliated Special Interest Groups Council. They each provide their members with opportunities to network with colleagues around the state, and some are chapters of national organizations. Professional development experiences and professional and student recognition programs are among the benefits of membership. In addition, many of the workshops presented at the NJEA Convention are sponsored by these organizations.
Its also important to remember that no matter which teacher practice instrument your district is using, membership in one or more of these organizations can be provided as evidence of effectiveness in the professional responsibilities indicators within your evaluation instrument.
ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION
Alternative Education Assn. of N.J. (AEANJ)
AEANJ supports a full range of educational options for students whose needs are not being met in the traditional school setting. Membership is open to those working in alternative education or those interested in the development of alternative education options. AEANJ disseminates information relating to research, produces a publication, promotes programs in alternative education and holds a spring conference. Members receive workshop announcements, consulting services and resources.
Contact: Tim Morrow, region2@the-naea.org
ART
Art Educators of N.J. (AENJ)
The Art Educators of New Jersey (AENJ) is the state’s professional association for visual arts educators teaching in public, private, parochial and charter schools, colleges/universities, museums and art centers. AENJ provides quality professional development and advocates for visual arts educators throughout the year. This includes an annual conference, lectures and workshops, publications, member and student exhibition opportunities, and scholarships and grants to arts educators and their students.
Dues: $50; $20 for retired, first-year professional and student members.
Contact: Contact: Teresa A. De Sapio Diaz; membership@aenj.org
BUSINESS/TECHNOLOGY
N.J. Business/Technology Education Assn. (NJBTEA)
NJBTEA advocates for business/technology education and provides opportunities for professional growth leading to quality business/technology education programs including, but not limited to, a fall convention, conferences, workshops, tours and seminars, newsletters, and award programs for students and professionals.
Dues: $40 for professionals and associate members; $20 for retired professional or associate members; $10 for undergraduate students enrolled in a business/technology education program.
Contact: Robert Carson; njbtea@comcast.net
N.J Assn. for Educational Technology (NJAET)
NJAET is dedicated to helping teachers use technology to improve learning. Membership provides newsletters from NJAET and Big Deal Media, professional development activities, technology project mini-grants for teachers.
Dues: Membership is free.
Contact: Sharon Julien; sjulien@njaet.org
N.J Technology and Engineering Educators Assn.- (NJTEEA)
NJTEEA is a professional organization for K-12 design, technology, engineering and other STEM educators that promotes the goals and objectives of technology education and technological literacy as well as STEM initiatives. NJTEEA provides various high-impact, hands-on professional development opportunities at model schools as well as at supportive industry locations. It also provides email updates to members three to four times a month, a STEM Boot Camp in the beginning of the academic year and an annual conference and expo.
Dues: $50; $12 for undergraduate or retired members.
Contact: Frank Caccavale; Executive Director njteea@njteea.org
CERTIFIED ATHLETIC TRAINERS
Athletic Trainers’ Society of N.J. (ATSNJ)
ATSNJ is dedicated to the advancement and improvement of the athletic training profession. It continually strives to ensure that physically active persons receive the best possible health care. ATSNJ members receive discounted rates for the annual athletic training conference and have access to free CEU opportunities via regional meetings. ATSNJ continues to be active legislatively to ensure appropriate health care for active persons and to ensure proper protections for the profession of athletic training. Members also receive newsletters and electronic postings about athletic training and have membership only access to various areas of the ATSNJ website.
Dues: $65; $20 for students.
Contact: Keir Livingston; Livingstonk@atsnj.org
CLASSICAL STUDIES
New Jersey Classical Association (NJCA)
NJCA is an organization for educators working to advance the cause of classical studies, the Latin and Greek languages and the study of Greco-Roman mythology. Members are teachers from elementary grades through college in public, private and parochial schools. Members benefits include fall and spring meetings, scholarship offerings, materials, resources, mentoring and a placement service.
Dues: $20; $10 for retired and student members.
Contact: Marlene Weiner; marweiner@aol.com
COOPERATIVE EDUCATION
N.J. Cooperative Education Assn. (NJCEA)
NJCEA is a statewide association that provides professional programs, services, and opportunities to Cooperative Education and Work Based Learning (WBL) Coordinators. NJCEA is at the forefront of workforce education issues, working in concert with the New Jersey Department of Education, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and New Jersey Safe Schools.
NJCEA provides three membership meetings in various locations annually offering relevant presentations and professional development. Members may also be invited to join executive committee meetings throughout the year.
Dues: $30
Contact: John Hillard-President, jvhillard74@yahoo.com 856-220-8457 or Rob Carson-Membership Chair, rcarson@njcea.info 609-387-1713, ext. 6069
N.J. Cooperative Education Coordinators Assn. (NJCECA)
NJCECA is an organization for instructors involved in student job placement. NJCECA membership provides guidance, resources and outreach for teachers to enhance their work-study and transition programs and collaborate in program planning. Meetings are held at sponsor sites the third Thursday of each month. Presentations are given by guest speakers to provide two hours of professional development. The meetings are fun and informative and offer an environment of camaraderie and professionalism.
Dues: $25
Contact: Gerry Caroll, gercar@bergen.org or 201-343-6000, ext. 4603
ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS
N.J. Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages/N.J. Bilingual Educators (NJTESOL/NJBE)
NJTESOL/NJBE is the professional organization of English as a Second Language (ESL) and bilingual education teachers for all levels. Membership is open to all educators interested in current information on educating bilingual and English language learners (ESL students). NJTESOL/NJBE sponsors several conferences throughout the year and keeps members informed through newsletters and online discussion of hot topics in ESL/bilingual education. The organization is very involved in advocacy/political action and collaborative activities with other professional organizations.
Dues: $35/year; $59/two years with the benefits of participating in the hotlist, receiving the Voices newsletter and getting discounts on the conference payment. Retirees $20/year; $35/2 years.
Contact: Alamelu Sundaram-Walters, asundaram22@gmail.com; Membership Chair Joan Pujol, mmbr@njtesol-njbe.org
FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE
Educators of Family and Consumer Sciences-N.J - (EFACS-NJ)
EFACS-NJ is dedicated to networking with K-12 family and consumer science teachers and keeping them apprised of philosophies and technologies related to career and technical education, career readiness practices, and STEAM curricula. The organization supports Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and provides professional development workshops for FCS teachers.
Dues: $25
Contact: Stacey Dworzanski; njfccla@gmail.com or 732-512-7690 or 732-452-2862 (school); Carolyn Reynolds, 609-477-0801
GIFTED CHILDREN
N.J. Assn. for Gifted Children (NJAGC)
The New Jersey Association for Gifted Children (NJAGC) is a champion for gifted children. Its members are passionate advocates promoting programs, networks and legislative actions to meet the needs of these students statewide. NJAGC believes that a strong and supportive partnership between parents and educators increases understanding and expands opportunities for gifted children. Its educator division serves the needs of all educators, school counselors, and administrators, and provides regional events, an annual conference and other small workshops. NJAGC also offers a quarterly e-newsletter, NewsNet, and a website with outstanding resources.
Dues: $40; $25 for full-time college students; $30 for retired.
Contact: Contact: Michelle Falanga, vice president of advocacy, advocacy@njagc.org
HOLOCAUST EDUCATION
The Council of Holocaust Educators (CHE)
CHE is a professional development organization for educators who teach about the Holocaust, genocide and human rights. CHE is committed to instilling in our students a sense of the importance of recognizing and respecting the value of each individual human life and the human dignity of all people as a deterrent to future genocide and to foster a peaceful world. CHE provides opportunities for networking and professional development designed by teachers for teachers. On Facebook search for Council of Holocaust Educators.
Dues: None
Contact: Colleen Tambuscio; ctambuscio@aol.com or 609-292-9274.
KINDERGARTEN
N.J. Assn. of Kindergarten Educators (NJAKE)
NJAKE is an organization of kindergarten and early childhood educators. It promotes strategies to strengthen communication with the public regarding the intellectual, emotional, physical and social values achieved through developmentally appropriate kindergarten programs. Membership provides opportunities for networking on issues and questions pertaining to early childhood education through newsletters and workshops.
Dues: $25 for unified county/state memberships; $10 for retired and student members.
Contact: Bonnie Gentesse, BGentesse@verizon.net or 908-377-4344.
LANGUAGE ARTS
N.J. Council of Teachers of English (NJCTE)
NJCTE welcomes educators at every level committed to applying the power of language and literacy to pursue justice and equity. The organization hosts fall and spring conferences, webinars, and a high school writing contest; publishes a blog, monthly newsletter, and the New Jersey English Journal; and offers early-career mentoring. We sponsor Twitter chats and virtual and in-person networking meetings. The organization honors veteran, early-career, and preservice teachers.
Dues: $15 for preservice teachers and retirees; $25 for in-service teachers.
Contact: Denise Weintraut, vice president, njctemembership@gmail.com;
Valerie Mattessich, president, njctepresident@gmail.com
N.J. Literacy Assoc (NJLA) – (formerly N.J. Reading Assn. (NJRA)
NJLA is a professional network of educators and individuals (prekindergarten to adult levels) interested in advancing literacy, promoting effective practices and encouraging appropriate assessment through advocacy, collaboration, and professional development. NJLA provides annual conferences, workshops and opportunities for communication among educators who share common interests in literacy education.
Dues: Free
Contact: Nicole Mancini, missnicolemancini@gmail.com
LIBRARY/MEDIA
N.J. Assn of School Librarians (NJASL)
NJASL is a professional organization of school librarians teaching in public, private and parochial schools, prekindergarten to college level. It advocates high standards for librarianship and library programs to ensure that students and staff become effective users of information. NJASL inspires excellence in the school library program by providing school librarians with educational opportunities and current information through workshops and a conference. As allies and partners in teaching students, NJASL encourages teachers, administrators and other educational colleagues to join, with benefits including professional development and collegial networking.
Dues: $65
Contact: Angela Coxen; njea@njasl.org
MATHEMATICS
Assn. of Mathematics Teachers of N.J. (AMTNJ)
For over 100 years, AMTNJ has promoted the learning and teaching of mathematics for all grade levels. AMTNJ hosts conferences, including the annual Two-Day Conference, New Cubed Conference, and Spring Conference, as well as additional professional development opportunities, such as full-day workshops, virtual PD, roundtable discussions, individualized professional development and summer institutes. AMTNJ offers college scholarships for students who are interested in teaching math, facilitates middle school and high school contests, and publishes newsletters and journals to encourage, inform, and inspire mathematics educators and mathematics teacher educators.
Dues: $30/year for professionals ($50/two years); $15/year for retirees and preservice teachers.
Contact: Mark Russo, info@amtnj.org
MIDDLE LEVEL EDUCATION
N.J. Association for Middle Level Education (NJAMLE)
NJAMLE is a professional membership organization focused on meeting the needs of young adolescents. As an affiliate of the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE), formerly the National Middle School Association, NJAMLE serves as a voice for middle level educators, students, parents and other stakeholders committed to excellence in middle level education. NJAMLE provides leadership, professional learning and advocacy in support of its belief that all young adolescents must be academically challenged in an educational environment that meets their unique cognitive, social, emotional and physical needs.
Dues: Individual annual membership is $25. Institutional or school annual membership is $125. Visit njamle.org for a membership application and more information.
Contact: Tina Monteleone, tmonteleone@njamle.org. Follow NJAMLE on Twitter at @njamle, and like NJAMLE at facebook.com/njamle.
MUSIC
N.J. Music Educators Assn. (NJMEA)
NJMEA is an organization of general, choral, and instrumental music educators, prekindergarten through college in public, private and parochial schools. The organization sponsors a variety of professional development opportunities and advocacy efforts that focus on emerging trends and issues in music education. Members’ students may audition for region ensembles, as well as All-State Chorus, Orchestra, Band and Jazz Ensemble. Members may also choose to participate in other NJMEA-sponsored performance activities as applicable.
Dues: $129; $60 for retirees; $32 for college students. An introductory price for first-year teachers who were collegiate members: $54.
Contact: Patrick O’Keefe; patrickaokeefe@gmail.com
NURSES
N.J. State School Nurses Association (NJSSNA)
NJSSNA provides direction for leadership and advocacy in school nursing. It promotes professional and ethical standards and guidelines through research, education and communication. Members of NJSSNA include certified school nurses, faculty at New Jersey’s universities charged with preparing certified school nurses, and registered nurses working in early childhood programs or in New Jersey’s private and parochial schools. NJSSNA communicates frequently with members, sponsors an annual statewide conference featuring nationally known speakers and provides timely educational programs at the NJEA Convention and throughout the year.
Dues: For a dues schedule go to NASN.org. Membership in NJSSNA is included.
Contact: Executive Director Marie Sasso; njssnaexecutivedirector@gmail.com
OFFICE PROFESSIONALS
N.J. Assn. of Educational Office Professionals (NJAEOP)
NJAEOP is New Jersey’s only professional organization for educational office professionals. Under a mission of “Service, Integrity, Skill,” NJAEOP provides professional development and promotes the expertise and contributions of educational office professionals. Membership is open to clerks, business office personnel, central office personnel, secretaries, administrative assistants, executive assistants and others who work in public and private schools as well as colleges. NJAEOP publishes a periodic newsletter.
Dues: $20
Contact: Dawn M. Leek, president, at leekd@hamiltonschools.org or jeffdawnleek@gmail.com; Brigitte Walters, vice president at bwalters@mullicaschools.com.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION/HEALTH
SHAPE NJ - Society of Health and Physical Educators New Jersey (Formerly NJAHPERD)
SHAPE NJ promotes healthy active lifestyles for New Jersey’s students, educators and community members. SHAPE NJ’s annual events include a two-day convention covering all aspects of health, physical education, recreation, driver education and dance. Annual, regional conferences include Health Education, Physical Education, Adapted Physical Education, and Driver Education. These conferences are tailored for elementary, middle school and high school educators. Future professionals are offered an annual conference to prepare them for entry into their profession. Members receive a monthly e-newsletter and may apply for mini-grants and awards.
Dues: $65/year for professionals ($120/two years, $175/three years); $20 retired; $10 future professional; $60 new professional (two years).
Contact: Carol Ciotto; executive_director@shapenj.org; 732-918-9999.
PRESERVICE EDUCATORS
N.J. Preservice Educators (NJEA)
NJEA is organized on the college level and provides services necessary to ensure preservice members are well prepared and ready to enter the teaching profession. In addition, NJEA Preservice holds an annual conference and has a strong presence at the NJEA Convention including workshops and other programs.
Contact: Marguerite Schroeder, mschroeder@njea.org
PSYCHOLOGISTS
N.J. Assn. of School Psychologists (NJASP)
NJASP is dedicated to serving and advocating for the mental health and educational growth and development of all children, the maintenance of high standards for school psychologists and the advancement of the profession. NJASP offers two professional development conferences (winter and spring), regional workshops, a quarterly newsletter, and updates on political and current trends.
Dues: $75; $25 for student affiliate members; $45 for retirees; $55 for affiliate members
Contact: NJASP.membership@gmail.com
RETIRED EDUCATORS
N.J. Retirees’ Education Assn. (NJREA)
NJREA, the state’s largest and oldest retiree organization, promotes the professional, economic and social well-being of retired educators and support professionals under a unified dues agreement with NJEA, NEA-Retired, and our 21 County Retired Education Associations (CREA) in New Jersey. Annual events include fall and spring informational meetings/luncheons, a convention in Atlantic City in November, and CREA meetings and workshops throughout the year. Members receive up-to-date information on pension and health benefits at county meetings/luncheons, through our award-winning quarterly newsletter, as well as county mailing, websites, webinars and emails. The NJEA/NEA Member Benefits program offers retirees numerous discounts on insurance, travel, and major appliance purchases. While in-person meetings are preferable, many committee and county meetings may be held virtually.
Dues: Annual professional dues in NJREA/NJEA/NEA-R and CREA are approximately $100. ESP dues are approximately $60 and may be paid by check or credit card. An automatic renewal option is available. Lifetime and pre-retirement membership in NJREA, a very popular option for active members, is available and may be paid in installments.
Contact: NJREA President Joan Wright, jwright@njea.org, or NJEA’s Membership Division: 609-599-4594, ext. 2352.
School Counseling
New Jersey School Counselor Assn., Inc. (NJSCA)
NJCSA works to advance the school counseling profession in order to maximize the personal, social, educational, academic and college career readiness of each student at elementary through post-secondary levels. It is a division of the American School Counselor Association.
NJCSA provides a bimonthly electronic newsletter, annual fall and spring professional development conferences, student and counselor recognition programs and advocacy for school counselors.
Dues: $40; $30 for students enrolled in a counseling program; $15 for retirees
Contact: Jim Lukach, jimlukach@msn.com or 732-846-6468.
SCIENCE
N.J. Science Teachers Assn. (NJSTA)
NJSTA strives to support and recognize science educators at all levels for their dedication and professionalism, advocates high-quality science instruction in varied and diverse settings. It seeks to generate public interest in science and science education. During the pandemic, NJSTA provided distance learning and science resources for all grade levels as teachers worked remotely while implementing the new science standards. NJSTA sponsors and co-sponsors various activities including NJSTAChats, N.J. State Science Day, the NJSTA Maitland P. Simmons Memorial Award Summer Institute, the New Jersey Science Convention, NJSTA membership meetings, the NJSTA spring meeting, the and NJEA Convention. NSTA maintains a website, newsletter and social media platforms.
Dues: $25; $10 full-time students
Contact: Guida Faria; njstapresident@gmail.com
SOCIAL STUDIES
N.J. Council for the Social Studies (NJCSS)
NJCSS includes social studies teachers, supervisors and university faculty. It advocates for the teaching and improvement of social studies instruction; supports the development and implementation of meaningful and effective social studies curricula and instruction; provides a program of professional development for social studies educators; and provides for educational and professional interaction among social studies educators, professional organizations and government agencies. This year we are offering NJ educators a digital program of prerecorded videos for professional development credit. Each video offers one hour of PD credit for teachers who complete a registration form. The schedule is found at njcss.org and in our monthly newsletter. The videos will be accessible throughout the year.
Dues: $25 for teachers; $15 for preservice teachers; $40 for joint membership with the N.J. Social Studies Supervisors Association.
Contact: Dayna Orlak; orlakd@waldwickschools.org
SOCIAL WORKERS
N.J. Assn. of School Social Workers (NJASSW)
NJASSW is an organization of certified school social workers from the public and private sectors. It provides opportunities for the professional growth of its members and actively supports higher standards for school social work practice. It promotes the extension of school social work services to all children, facilitating social/emotional and educational growth, eliminating barriers to learning, and linking school, family, and community.
Contact: admin@njassw.org or natlcsw@hotmail.com
SPECIAL EDUCATION
N.J. Association of Learning Consultants (NJALC)
NJALC is concerned with the continuing professional development and working conditions of learning consultants in public, private, and parochial schools, as well as in private practice. NJALC provides two conferences, regional workshops, newsletters, a journal, the Main Book Summaries, grants and a registry for LDT-Cs in public and private practice. In addition, NJALC advocates for special education issues at the state level in affiliation with NJEA.
Dues: $75; $40 for retirees and students.
Contact: Maureen Mahon; president@newjerseyalc.org
N.J. Council for Exceptional Children (NJCEC)
NJCEC is the state division of the Council for Exceptional Children, the international/national board for special education. NJCEC/CEC is the professional association of educators dedicated to advancing the success of children with exceptionalities. This organization acts as an advocate and guide in matters of federal legislation, professional standards, professional development, education of school personnel and families, effective classroom practice, and resources for effective professional practice. NJCEC/CEC maintains high standards and provides professional development. In addition, CEC has 17 divisions for specialized information, sponsors journals and newsletters, and hosts conferences and conventions at the local, state and national level. NJCEC offers an annual conference, a professional publication(s) and newsletters that keeps members aware of national issues and current teaching strategies, professional and student recognition programs including scholarships for high school seniors with special needs, and selection of a teacher of the year.
Dues: Premier membership $205; Full $115; Basic $65 a year through International CEC.
Contact: Julie Norflus-Good at jandcgood@msn.com
SPEECH AND THEATER
Speech and Theatre Assn. of N.J. (STANJ)
STANJ is the voice of advocacy for the inclusion of speech and theater arts in educational curricula. The association includes volunteer members from K-12, college and professional theater who are passionate about theater education. Members attend monthly professional development workshops as well as presentations at the NJEA Convention. Their students may participate in the Governor’s Awards Theatre competition in the areas of Monologues, Scenes, Improvisation, Musical Theatre, Stage Management, VPA, Character Analysis, Pantomime, Shakespeare, Communication Media Arts, Best Play and Musical. First-place winners in categories are honored with a governor’s award at a ceremony held in Trenton. Two college theater scholarships are also offered.
Dues: $65
Contact Officers: President Juliannna Krawiecki, stanjboard@gmail.com; President-elect David Marconi, DSMarconi@gmail.com; Vice President Dan Paolucci, dcpaolucci@gmail.com
STUDENT ASSISTANCE
Assn. of Student Assistance Professionals of N.J. (ASAP-NJ)
ASAP-NJ is an organization of individuals employed in schools, agencies or school-based programs whose functions include advocating and developing a school-based student assistance/substance awareness program. The group meets the needs of youth in the education, prevention, intervention and referral services for high-risk behaviors, including substance abuse and violence issues. A major portion of ASAP-NJ’s work in schools involves mental health issues and substance abuse issues, emotional and psychological support services, crisis intervention, and referrals to mental health facilities. Members can attend a state conference, county monthly meetings and workshops. ASAP-NJ provides specialized training on student assistance programs, substance use prevention, mental health issues, bullying and related topics.
Dues: $50
Contact: President Pamela L. Felder, asapnjboard@gmail.com
Technical Education
Career and Technical Education Assn. of N.J. (CTEANJ)
CTEANJ provides educational leadership in developing a competitive global workforce by fostering excellence in career and technical education; advocating for national, state and local public policies that benefit career and technical education; and acting as a clearinghouse for education and information relating to all aspects of career and technical education. We provide professional development through programs, workshops, conferences, services and opportunities that will ultimately benefit all students. CTEANJ creates public awareness of career and technical education and its importance in developing a competitive global workforce. CTEANJ hosts an annual scholarship program. Thanks to unification with the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), members receive additional benefits, including trade publications, national advocacy for career and technical education, legislative updates and the opportunity to attend national CTE conventions.
Dues: $100 (CTEANJ membership is united with ACTE); Retired: $41 (also unified membership)
Contact: John Hillard, president, jvhillard74@yahoo.com or 856-220-8457; Rob Carson, vice president for program, rcarson@burltwpsch.org or 609-387-1713 or 856-220-9157.
WORLD LANGUAGES
Foreign Language Educators of N.J. (FLENJ)
FLENJ represents world language teachers (kindergarten through college). It promotes the teaching of world languages, literatures and cultures. FLENJ offers professional development workshops as well as statewide meetings in the spring on topics of interest to the profession and developments in methodology, materials and technology. It also offers mini-grants for teachers, a student video contest, an education abroad program scholarships, teacher and student awards as well as senior scholarships.
Dues: $40/year ($90/three years); $20 for student members; $5 for retirees.
Contact: membership@flenj.org or FLENJ, PO Box 385, Fanwood, NJ 07023
N.J. Chapters of the American Assn. of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (NJAATSP)
NJAATSP promotes the teaching of Spanish and Portuguese languages, culture and literature at all educational levels. It offers workshops and seminars, coordinates the National Spanish Examination and honor societies for middle and high school students, and holds an annual Spanish essay contest for high school seniors. Many student and teacher scholarships are available. Members receive Hispania, the official journal of AATSP, four times a year.
Dues: $65 for both national and state memberships; $25 for students.
Contact: Jay Duhl; webmaster@njaatsp.org or 973-263-7001, ext. 3359.