REMIX YOUR LEARNING IN 2026

ARRIVE EARLY on conference day to be among the first 25 participants to attend a private Meet and Greet with Jason Reynolds! Doors open at 7:30 a.m.

TRANSFORM is the premier event for educators who are passionate about creating inclusive and innovative learning environments. Discover professional learning opportunities that empower educators and strengthen public schools. NJEA TRANSFORM offers a full day of programs for educators in instructional practice, special education, hope and healing, technology, and teacher leadership. This conference is being held in partnership with the New Jersey Aspiring Educators Association (NJAEA).

Conference Schedule

7:30 – 9 a.m. | Registration, Breakfast, Wellness Activities, and Exhibits
9 – 10:15 a.m. | Welcome and Keynote Presentation
10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | Breakout Sessions: Choose one of seven
12:15 – 1:15 p.m. | Lunch, Member Benefits Fair, and Wellness Activities
1:15 – 3:15 p.m. | Breakout Sessions: Choose one of seven
3:15 – 4 p.m. | Wellness Activities, Prize Giveaway, and Networking Event

Keynote Speaker

Jason Reynolds is a New York Times No. 1 bestselling author of many books, including the “Remix” of Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, written in collaboration with author and historian Dr. Ibram X. Kendi. This gripping, fast-paced, and energizing narrative illuminates the many insidious forms of racist ideas and gives readers the tools to identify and stamp out racist thoughts in their own lives. Based on Kendi’s National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning, Reynolds has re-imagined this ground-breaking work for young adults and provides an accessible book that helps young readers understand race and society. Reynolds has won numerous awards, such as the Newbery Honor and the NAACP Image Award, and is the subject of the recent documentary, Dear Dreamer, about the power of seeing yourself in books.

Morning Breakout Sessions (choose one):

1. AI-Supported Access: Elevating Multilingual Learner Voice and Engagement: Lisa Chiavuzzo (NJEA Teacher Leader Academy)
2. Balancing the Wheel: Creating Your Personalized Wellness Plan: Stefanie Lachenauer (Former NJ State Teacher of the Year)
3. Beyond Representation: Sustainability and True Inclusion within the Teaching Profession: Dr. DaQuan K. Bashir and Thuraya Zeidan (NJEA Human & Civil Rights, Equity and Governance; NJEA Justice & Equity Fellowship)
4. Equity Centered Project-Based Learning and AI Tools for Educators: Theresa Maughan (Former NJ State Teacher of the Year)
5. Remixing the Region: New Approaches to 6-12 U.S. Curriculum on Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA): Roula Ramadan, Gaby Guzman (NJEA Consortium Design Team Ambassador)
6. Smart Media; Curriculum-Aligned, Inclusive Instruction: Erica Romitelli, Adrianna Perry (NJEA A.C.C.E.S.S. Model)
7. The Power of a Piece of Paper: One Paper Projects to Spark Creativity and Conversation: Nicole Backlund (NJEA Teacher Leader Academy)

Afternoon Breakout Sessions (choose one):

1. Remixing Learning with AI: Brian Janik, Mike Mason (NJEA PDII Consultants)
2. BraverSchools: Breaking Binaries and Bias to Support LGBTQ Youth: Jennifer Braverman (Former Burlington County Teacher of the Year)
3. Chinatown & MOCA: Living Classroom Remix: Inclusive Curriculum, Community Engagement, and Culturally Rich Learning: Shihong Zhang (NJEA Consortium Design Team Ambassador)
4. MOVE: Movement Overcomes Virtually Everything: Nancy Ynchaustegui (NJEA Member)
5. The 14-Year PD: How Parenting My Disabled Child Has Made Me a Better Special Educator: Erin Putman (NJEA Consortium Design Team Ambassador)
6. The Power of Play: Remixing Learning Through Inclusive, Healing-Centered, Joyful Classrooms: Josephine Hunt, Charlene Gerbig (NJEA Teacher Leader Academy)
7. The Science of Reading: What Every New Jersey Educator Should Know: Shaina Brenner, Stacey Brown-Downham (Former Camden County Teacher of the Year)

Free books for participants courtesy of BookSmiles

NJEA & BookSmiles: Banned on the Run: BookSmiles will distribute thousands of free books at the conference, including many titles found on banned books lists. Every attendee can leave the conference with multiple books for their classroom libraries.

Wellness Activities with Carrie Sarlo-Randazzo, Holistic Movement

7:45 – 8:15 a.m. | Chair Yoga
8:15 – 8:45 a.m. | Destress at your Desk

Wellness Activities with Jody Koveloski Thorpe, Mystical Blossoms

12:45 – 1:15 p.m. | Guided Meditation
3:15 – 3:45 p.m. | Sound Healing

Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Only registered participants may attend.  No on-site registration. Registration deadline: April 17, 2026

Purchase order registrations are not available online and must be placed with the conference registrar, Krista Orellana, at korellana@njea.org.

Questions?  Email pdevents@njea.org

If you have a special physical, communication, dietary, or other related need which may require assistance or accommodations to permit or facilitate your attendance/participation in the conference please contact Krista Orellana, at korellana@njea.org.

COST

$95 for NJEA members, $170 for nonmembers.
Refund deadline: April 17, 2026.
Registration fee includes program, breakfast and lunch.
The conference provides five hours of professional learning credit.

REGISTRATION

Preregistration is required. Register above.