Affiliated Groups
NJEA is associated with many professional organizations representing educators and educational support professionals, including all content and curricular areas and other job titles. You will find these organizations and how to join them on this page.
In your school building or perhaps even you school district, you may be the only one tasked with a special area of expertise. If others don’t understand what you do, it is wonderful to share strategies and meet educators from other districts who are doing the same job. Joining one or more of these groups may provide you special opportunities through a newsletter, website or social media groups. You may also find discounts for workshops, conferences and webinars. You’ll discover recognition opportunities and sharing sessions.
Find your professional organizations here.
ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION
New Jersey Alternative Education Assn. (NJAEA)
NJAEA supports educational options for students whose needs are not met in traditional school settings. Membership is open to educators working in alternative education or interested in the development of alternative education options. NJAEA disseminates information relating to research, produces a publication, promotes programs in alternative education and holds a spring conference.
Dues: $120.
Contact: Dr. Adrianne Harrison-Surgeon, president, president@njaea.org.
ART
Art Educators of N.J. (AENJ)
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 professional development and advocates for visual arts educators. 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: Active - $50; Retiree, First-year professional and Student - $20.
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: Active and Associate - $40; Retiree - $20; Student - $10.
Contact: Robert Carson, rcarson@burltwpsch.org; njbtea@comcast.net.
CERTIFIED ATHLETIC TRAINERS
Athletic Trainers’ Society of N.J. (ATSNJ)
The ATSNJ is dedicated to the representation and advancement of certified athletic trainers working throughout the state. Athletic trainers are licensed health care professionals who are involved in the prevention, recognition, and treatment of injuries and illnesses that occur as a result of physical activity and athletic competition.
Dues: Professional - $65; Student - $25
Contact: Amanda Kelly, secretary@atsnj.org.
CLASSICAL STUDIES
New Jersey Classical Association (NJCA)
NJCA is an organization for educators working to advance the cause of classical studies, Latin and Greek languages and study of Greco-Roman mythology. Members are teachers from elementary through college in public, private and parochial schools. Member benefits include fall and spring meetings, scholarship offerings, materials, resources, mentoring and placement service.
Dues: Active - $20; Retiree and Student - $10.
Contact: James Rowan, secretarynjca@gmail.com
COOPERATIVE EDUCATION
New Jersey Cooperative Education Association (NJCEA)
NJCEA provides programs and services to cooperative education and work-based learning (WBL) coordinators. NJCEA is at the forefront of WBL issues, working with state’s Department of Education and Department of Labor and Workforce Development, New Jersey Safe Schools, and OSHA. NJCE provides scholarship programs for WBL students and three membership meetings annually, offering professional development.
Dues: Active - $40; Retiree and Associate - $20; Student - $10
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.
N.J. Cooperative Education Coordinators Assn. (NJCECA)
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. Presentations by guest speakers provide two hours of professional development. The meetings are fun and informative offering an environment of camaraderie and professionalism.
Dues: Member - $50; Retiree - $30; see website for more details.
Contact: Erika Beaven, eribea@bergen.org 201-788-8466, or njcecaorg@gmail.com.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS
N.J. Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages/N.J. Bilingual Educators (NJTESOL/NJBE)
NJTESOL/NJBE is a professional organization of ESL and bilingual education teachers. It sponsors conferences, hosts online discussion of hot topics in ESL/bilingual education, and is involved in advocacy/political action and collaborative activities with other professional organizations.
Dues: Regular - one year $35, two years - $59; Retiree - one year $20, two years $35.
Contact: LeighAnn Matthews, president; Mary Mansfield, rep-at-large@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 sciences 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 732-452-2862; Patricia Di Gioia-Laird, njfccla@gmail.com; or Carolyn Reynolds, carolreynol@aol.com, 609-477-0801.
GIFTED CHILDREN
N.J. Assn. for Gifted Children (NJAGC)
NJAGC members are passionate advocates promoting programs, networks, and legislative actions to meet the needs of gifted students statewide. NJAGC serves needs of all educators, school counselors, and administrators, and provides regional events, an annual conference, and live/recorded webinars. NJAGC offers a quarterly e-newsletter, Promise, and a website with outstanding resources.
Dues: General - $50; Retiree - $35; Student - $25.
Contact: Diana Wisniewski, co-vice president of membership, wisniewskid@njagc.org or membership@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 works with the New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education to provide professional development opportunities designed by teachers for teachers.
Dues: Free
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: Free
Contact: Sharon Dougherty, newjerseyake@gmail.com.
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. NJCTE sponsors X chats and virtual and in-person networking meetings.
Dues: In-service - $25; Retiree - $15; Preservice $5.
Contact: Valerie Mattessich, president, njctepresident@gmail.com, Denise Weintraut, njctemembership@gmail.com.
N.J. Literacy Assoc (NJLA)
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: Dr. Rachel C. Lella, president, rdlella929@gmail.com or njla@nliteracy.org.
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 with equitable access to resources. NJASL provides professional development through workshops and conferences.
Dues: Full-Time Professional - $80; Student - $40; see website for additional membership categories.
Contact: Karen Grant, president@njasl.org; Angela Coxen, NJEA liaison, njea@njasl.org.
MATHEMATICS
Assn. of Mathematics Teachers of N.J. (AMTNJ)
AMTNJ hosts local conferences, the New Cubed Conference, webinars, and additional professional development opportunities, such as full-day workshops at Rutgers University, customized staff development and summer institutes. AMTNJ offers college scholarships, teacher grants, middle school and high school contests, and publications to inspire educators. Visit AMTNJ's website or follow @amtnj on X.
Dues: Professional - one year $30; two years $50; Retiree and Preservice - $15.
Contact: info@amtnj.org. Cheryl Fricchione, president, president@amtnj.org; John Kerrigan, NJEA liaison, kerriganj@middletownk12.org.
MIDDLE LEVEL EDUCATION
N.J. Association for Middle Level Education (NJAMLE)
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 cognitive, social, emotional and physical needs.
Dues: Individual - $25; Student - $15; Institutional or school - $125.
Contact: Brianne Adams, badams@njamle.org. Follow @njamle on X and like NJAMLE at facebook.com/njamle.
MUSIC
N.J. Music Educators Assn. (NJMEA)
The mission of the NJMEA is the advancement of music instruction in educational institutions at all levels and to provide in-service and enrichment opportunities for practicing, retired and prospective music educators. NJMEA sponsors a variety of professional development opportunities and advocacy efforts that focus on emerging trends and issues in music education.
Dues: Active - $135; Retiree - $62; Collegiate - $35; Introductory active (first time students who were collegiate members) - $66.
Contact: Contact: William McDevitt, executive director, wmcdevittnjmea@gmail.com or 856-433-8512 or Nancy Clasen, NJMEA liaison, at nancyclasen@gmail.com.
NURSES
N.J. State School Nurses Association (NJSSNA)
NJSSNA is the professional organization for New Jersey’s school nurses, including certified school nurses and noncertified school nurses, university faculty, and nurses in early childhood and private schools. Join NJSSNA in advancing school nursing practice by becoming part of our community.
Dues: For a dues schedule go to NASN.org; membership in NJSSNA is included.
Contact: Rose Catton, executivedirector@njssna.org or Eileen Gavin, president, president@njssna.org.
OFFICE PROFESSIONALS
N.J. Assn. of Educational Office Professionals (NJAEOP)
NJAEOP is New Jersey’s only professional organization for educational office professionals. It 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.
Dues: $20. For more information, visit njaeop.net.
Contact: Melissa Cruz, president, mcruz@westorangeschools.org; Donna Cushlanis, vice president, cushlanisd@gtps.nj.us.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION/HEALTH
NJAHPERD - The New Jersey Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
NJAPHERD is dedicated to advancing quality health education, physical education, recreation, dance education, and athletics through professional development, programming, advocacy and collegial exchange. It promotes responsibility and development of healthy active lifestyles for New Jersey’s students, educators, and community members.
Dues: Professional - one year $65, two years - $120; three years $175; Retiree - $20; Future professional - $10.
Contact: Carol Ciotto, executive director, executive_director@shapenj.org; 203-679-1568.
PRESERVICE EDUCATORS
NJEA PRESERVICE/N.J. ASPIRING EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION (NJAEA)
NJEA is organized on the college level and provides services to ensure preservice members are well prepared and ready to enter the teaching profession. NJEA Preservice holds an annual conference and has a strong presence at the NJEA Convention, including workshops and other programs. NJEA Preservice is transitioning to a new name, New Jersey Aspiring Educators Association.
Dues: $32/$0; membership is unified with NEA. This year, dues are returned to members through a reimbursement program.
Contact: Email NJEA Preservice at preservice@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: Regular - $75; Student Affiliate - $15; Retiree - $45; see website for additional membership categories.
Contact: NJASP.membership@gmail.com
RETIRED EDUCATORS
N.J. Retirees’ Education Assn. (NJREA)
NJREA, the state’s retiree organization, promotes the professional, economic and social well-being of retired educators and educational support professionals under a unified dues agreement with NJEA, NEA-Retired, and our 21 county retired education associations. Members receive information on pension and health benefits at state and county meetings and through our quarterly newsletter.
Dues: Dues vary by county. Lifetime and preretirement membership are available.
Contact: Joan Wright, president at jwright@njea.org, or NJEA at 609-310-4546, Option 9.
SCHOOL COUNSELING
New Jersey School Counselor Assn., Inc. (NJSCA)
NJSCA works to advance the school counseling profession to maximize the personal, social, academic and college career readiness of all K-12 students. NJSCA provides newsletters, annual professional development conferences, student and counselor recognition and advocacy for school counselors.
Dues: Professional - $40; Student - $30; Retiree - $15.
Contact: Jim Lukach, executive director, jimlukach@msn.com or 732-846-6468 or njsca.org@gmail.com.
SCIENCE
N.J. Science Teachers Assn. (NJSTA)
NJSTA strives to support all teachers of science with professional development and professional learning community opportunities supporting high-quality instruction in varied and diverse settings. Help NJSTA promote public interest in science and science education for all. Join for virtual or in-person programs. Learn more at njsta.org.
Dues: Regular - $25; Student - $10.
Contact: NJSTA president at njstapresident@gmail.com or NJSTA membership at njstamemberhip@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, the development and implementation of meaningful social studies curricula and instruction and professional development. NJCSS is located at Lucy Stone Hall, Suite A-350, on the Livingston Campus of Rutgers University.
Dues: Teachers - $25; Preservice - $15; Joint membership with the N.J. Social Studies Supervisors Asors Assn. - $40.
Contact: Hank Bitten, executive director, hbitten@optonline.net; Joseph Dwyer, president, jdwyer@nutleyschools.org. Visit njsssa.org/njsssa for the Social Studies Supervisors Association.
SOCIAL WORKERS
N.J. Assn. of School Social Workers (NJASSW)
NJASSW is an organization of certified social workers from the public and private sector, that provides opportunities for professional growth of its members and actively supports higher standards for school social work practice. NJASSW facilitates social-emotional and educational growth, eliminating barriers to learning, and linking school, family and community.
Dues: Regular - $50; Retiree and Student - $25.
Contact: natlcsw@hotmail.com or June Simmons, president, junesocialworker3@verizon.net.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
N.J. Association of Learning Consultants (NJALC)
NJALC provides professional development and advocates for working conditions of learning consultants in public, private, parochial schools, and in private practice. NJALC provides two conferences, regional workshops, newsletters, main idea book summaries, grants and an LDTC registry. NJALC, in affiliation with NJEA, advocates for special education issues in Trenton.
Dues: Regular - $75; Retiree and Student - $40.
Contact: Michelle Page, president, president@newjerseyalc.org.
N.J. Council for Exceptional Children (NJCEC)
NJCEC is the state division of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). NJCEC advocates and guides in federal legislation, professional standards, effective practices, resources and professional development for school personnel, retirees and families. NJCEC/CEC has 17 divisions, journals/newsletters, conferences at the local, state, and national levels and student scholarships for seniors with exceptionalities. NJCEC also hosts multiple professional development opportunities, including webinars and a spring conference.
Dues: Basic - $80; Full - $135; Premier - $215; Student, Family and Retiree memberships also available.
Contact: Dr. Julie Good, president, jandcgood@msn.com.
SPEECH AND THEATER
Speech and Theatre Assn. of N.J. (STANJ)
STANJ is the state's voice of advocacy and action for placing full time theater educators into all K-12 school districts. Members attend regular professional development workshops, conferences and presentations across the state. STANJ sponsors the New Jersey Governor’s Awards Competition in Theatre Arts for secondary school students.
Dues: Regular - $65; Retiree and Student - $45.
Contact: David Marconi, president, stanjboard@gmail.com; Dan Paolucci, vice president, dcpaolucci@gmail.com.
STUDENT ASSISTANCE
Assn. of Student Assistance Professionals of N.J. (ASAP-NJ)
ASAP-NJ’s focus includes advocating and developing programs that meet the needs of youth with at-risk behaviors through education, prevention, intervention and referral services. Substance abuse, mental health and other related topics are all a part of its student assistance programming. Membership in ASAP-NJ includes monthly meetings, professional development and an annual state conference.
Dues: $50; see website for additional membership categories.
Contact: Pamela L. Felder, president, asapnjboard@gmail.com
TECHNICAL EDUCATION
Career and Technical Education Assn. of N.J. (CTEANJ)
CTEANJ provides educational leadership in developing a competitive global workforce in career and technical education (CTE); advocating for national, state and local policies that benefit CTE. CTEANJ provides a scholarship program and professional development through programs, workshops, conferences, and services. Through unification with the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), members receive additional benefits nationally.
Dues: Professional - $100; Retiree - $41. Membership is unified with ACTE.
Contact: John V. Hillard Jr., 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.
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. NJTEEA provides various high-impact, hands-on professional development opportunities at model schools as well as during supportive industry visits. NJTEEA also provides monthly updates, awards, a jobs board and an annual conference.
Dues: Individual - $50; Undergraduate Student and Retiree - $15; District - $750; Lifetime - $500.
Contact: Frank Caccavale, executive director, executive-director@njteea.org; or njteea@njteea.org.
WORLD LANGUAGES
American Assn. of Teachers of French, N.J. Chapter (AATF-NJ)
AATF-NJ promotes the teaching of French language, culture and literature, at all educational levels. The AATF offers scholarships, workshops and contests for both students and teachers. Members can also sponsor official honor societies at all levels. Members' students can participate in Le Grand Concours, trivia and media contests and more.
Dues: Individual - $62 for unified national and state membership.
Contact: Jennifer Schwester, president, aatfnj76@gmail.com; Dawn Fiorilli, state administrator for the National French Contest, frenchcontestnj@gmail.com.
Fellowship of Language Educators of N.J. (FLENJ)
FLENJ represents world language teachers (kindergarten through college). FLENJ offers professional development workshops as well as an annual conference with developments in methodology, materials and technology. It also offers minigrants for teachers, an education abroad program scholarship, teacher/student awards as well as senior scholarships.
Dues: Regular - one year $40; two years $70; three years $90; Student - $20; Retiree - $5.
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: Sybil Sanchez, president; sybsanjac@gmail.com or aatsp.nj@gmail.com.
N.J. Chinese Teachers Association (NJCTA)
NJCTA promotes the study, teaching and research of the Chinese language and culture on all educational levels. It provides a platform for Chinese instructors to share and exchange instructional experience, ideas, and information. NJCTA serves as a source for professional development and lifelong teaching and advocates for the harmonious coexistence of diverse cultures in the community.
Dues: Individual - $20; Groups of six to ten - $100; Groups of ten or more - $10 per person.
Contact: Shihong Zhang, president, usnjcta@gmail.com; or visit the website.