Communities of Practice Connect: Lead & Learn: A Community for Educator Leaders
2026-04-14 16:00 - 17:30 (America/New_York)
“Communities of Practice are groups of people who share a common concern, set of problems, or passion about a topic, and deepen their knowledge and expertise in this area by interacting on an ongoing basis.”
– Etienne Wenger
Brenda Martin-Lee, Christine Candarella, Deidre Varga, Estefania Rios, Hillary Raszka, Jonathan Ayer, Johanna Amaro
Are you a teacher who inspires others and helps move education forward? Whether your role is formal or informal, if you’re someone who supports colleagues, shares expertise, and works to strengthen teaching and learning—this community is for you.
You might be an instructional coach, PLC facilitator, I&RS team member, mentor, cooperating teacher, or someone who simply steps up to lead from the classroom. Whatever your title, you’re playing a vital role in shaping practice and influencing positive change.
This community of practice is your space to connect with fellow educator-leaders, exchange ideas, celebrate wins, navigate challenges, and grow together. Join us to collaborate, reflect, and energize your work alongside others who share your passion for impact.
Learn more about the NJEA PDII Community of Practice here.

NJEA Executive Committee Meeting
2026-04-15

Member Benefits Fair: Belleville Paras and Bus Drivers Association
2026-04-15 16:00 - 18:00 | mbfairs@njea.org
The Belleville Paras and Bus Drivers Association will host a Member Benefits Fair with up to 20 exhibitors, as part of their association meeting. This event is exclusive to Belleville members. Members who wish to attend should contact the Belleville Paras and Bus Drivers Association.
Exhibitors must be part of the NJEA Member Discount Program. Partners should confirm attendance with ljones@njea.org.
To join the NJEA Member Discount Program, apply here.

Words Matter: Navigating the Language of Diversity
2026-04-15 16:30 - 18:30
Bias incidents are rising in New Jersey, highlighting the urgent need to support marginalized communities and openly discuss identity. Yet many people feel overwhelmed or afraid to speak up. This training explores the power of inclusive language as a tool to reduce bias and foster understanding. Participants will examine the impact of stigmatizing language and engage in interactive activities to unpack key diversity, equity, and inclusion terms. The session offers practical strategies for using language that promotes connection rather than division.

NJ Association for Gifted Children Annual Conference
2026-04-17 | The Palace at Somerset Park, 333 Davidson Ave., Somerset, NJ, 08873 , United States
The theme of the conference is Pursuing Excellence: The Art & Science of Gifted Teaching.
The purpose of the NJAGC 2026 conference is to celebrate the balance between creativity and evidence-based practice that defines our gifted education community.
Participants will attend a keynote session and one breakout session in the morning, lunch (compliments of NJAGC) and three breakout sessions in the afternoon. Each participant will receive six professional development hours, if applicable.
Cost

Regular member: $239
Regular nonmember: $299

Regular nonmember + membership: $289

Learn more and register at njagc.org.

Member Benefits Fair: Burlington County Education Association
2026-04-17 17:00 - 18:30 | mbfairs@njea.org
The Burlington County Education Association (BCEA) will host a Member Benefits Fair as part of their annual conference with up to 15 exhibitors. This event is exclusive to BCEA members. Members who wish to attend should contact the BCEA.
Exhibitors must be part of the NJEA Member Discount Program. Partners should confirm attendance with ljones@njea.org.
To join the NJEA Member Discount Program, apply here.

Member Benefits Fair: Gloucester & Salem County Overnight
2026-04-17 17:00 - 19:00 | mbfairs@njea.org
The Gloucester County Education Association (GCEA) and the Salem County Council of Education Associations (SCCEA) will host a Member Benefits Fair during their annual conference. Up to 15 partners are invited to exhibit. This event is exclusive to GCEA and SCCEA members. Members who wish to attend should contact the GCEA or SCCEA.
Exhibitors must be part of the NJEA Member Discount Program. Partners should confirm attendance with ljones@njea.org.
To join the NJEA Member Discount Program, apply here.

NJEA Equity Alliance Conference
2026-04-18 08:30 - 16:00 | Heldrich Hotel, 10 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, 08901, United States
The conference combines reflection, learning, and strategic planning to help members advance equity within their school communities.
Following opening remarks, spoken word, and grounding acknowledgments, participants will join two workshop sessions that address key equity issues. Equity Alliance Chairs will then guide discussions that help members identify challenges, explore possible approaches, and create practical steps for moving forward.
The conference is designed to ensure that participants leave feeling supported, motivated, and prepared to take meaningful action in support of equity in their local contexts.
Conference Agenda

8:30-9:30 a.m. | Registration/Continental Breakfast
9:30 a.m. | General Session begins

Land/labor Acknowledgement
Immigration Acknowledgement
Welcome – Steve Beatty
Spoken word

10:15 – 11:15 a.m. | Workshop Section 1 (Break outs, Choose Your Own Adventure)
11:40 a.m. – 12:40  p.m.| Workshop Section 2 (Break outs, Choose Your Own Adventure)
12:45pm | Lunch, Hotel restaurant
Mid Conference Remarks – Tina Dare
2:10 p.m. | Open Conversation About Equity
2:40 p.m. | Equity Alliance Chair Facilitated Brainstorming and Action Planning (break outs)
Closing Remarks – Petal Robertson
4 p.m. |  Close of Conference

Registration
Individuals may register online using the button above. For county and local associations registering multiple members, please download the form below and mail it to the address on the form with your check. Registration deadline: April 5, 2026.

Equity Alliance Conference County/Local Sponsorship Registration Form

Download File

Advocacy in Action: Supporting Multilingual Learners and their Families
2026-04-20 16:30 - 18:30
Multilingual learners and their families enrich school communities with diverse languages and cultures. This session equips educators with practical strategies to advocate for Multilingual Learners (MLs) through collaboration, cultural responsiveness, and equity-driven support. Participants will explore ways to build inclusive partnerships and take informed, action-oriented steps to support student success.

Member Benefits Fair: Union County Education Association
2026-04-22 16:00 - 17:30 | mbfairs@njea.org
The Union County Education Association (UCEA) will host a Member Benefits Fair as part of an upcoming workshop. Up to 15 partners are invited to exhibit. This event is exclusive to members of the UCEA. Members who wish to attend should contact the UCEA.
Exhibitors must be part of the NJEA Member Discount Program. Partners should confirm attendance with ljones@njea.org.
To join the NJEA Member Discount Program, apply here.

Pension Webinar
2026-04-22 19:00 - 20:00
Participants follow along with their own retirement estimate as the presenter discusses the various retirement options, retiree health benefits, and the important steps to retirement. Webinars are held in a small group format.

Pension Webinar

Download File

Earth Day Event: Screening and Community Conversation – The Sacrifice Zone
2026-04-23 17:00 - 20:00 | Virtual – Zoom
Join us for a powerful screening of The Sacrifice Zone, a documentary that exposes the severe environmental injustice faced by Newark’s Ironbound community, where residents live beside a dense concentration of polluting facilities along the “Chemical Corridor,” including natural gas plants, sewage treatment sites, and waste‑processing operations located just steps from homes and schools. The film follows community leader Maria Lopez‑Nuñez and the Ironbound Community Corporation as they fight against decades of toxic dumping, harmful emissions, and policies that have deemed the neighborhood expendable, highlighting both the daily realities of contamination and the community’s ongoing struggle for clean air, accountability, and environmental justice.
Following the screening, we will hold a community conversation exploring our own carbon footprints—individually and organizationally—and examining the policies and structures that perpetuate environmental and economic violence.
Event Schedule

5 p.m. – Welcome & Framing (10 minutes)
Context-setting on environmental justice, community impact, and the relevance of The Sacrifice Zone.

5:10 p.m. – Film Screening (88 minutes)
The Sacrifice Zone documentary.

6:38 p.m. – Community Conversation (20 minutes)
Discussion on accountability, policy, climate impact, and collective action. Potential guests include filmmakers or environmental justice leaders.

Why Attend?

Deepen your understanding of environmental injustice in New Jersey

Reflect on the hidden costs of our personal and organizational carbon footprints

Connect film insights to current policies and lived community experiences

Engage in meaningful dialogue about environmental, racial, and economic justice

Explore actionable steps toward sustainable and equitable practice

Join Zoom Meeting
https://njea.zoom.us/j/95319366717
Meeting ID: 953 1936 6717

NJEA PDII Transform/Aspiring Educators (NJAEA) Conference
2026-04-25 08:00 - 17:00 | Princeton Marriott at Forrestal, 100 College Rd E, Princeton, NJ, 08540, United States
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):

AI-Supported Access: Elevating Multilingual Learner Voice and Engagement: Lisa Chiavuzzo (NJEA Teacher Leader Academy)
Balancing the Wheel: Creating Your Personalized Wellness Plan: Stefanie Lachenauer (Former NJ State Teacher of the Year)
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)
Equity Centered Project-Based Learning and AI Tools for Educators: Theresa Maughan (Former NJ State Teacher of the Year)
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)
Smart Media; Curriculum-Aligned, Inclusive Instruction: Erica Romitelli, Adrianna Perry (NJEA A.C.C.E.S.S. Model)
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):

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

Member Benefits Fair: Livingston Education Association
2026-04-27 15:30 - 18:00 | Virtual
The Livingston Education Association (LEA) will host a Member Benefits Fair during an upcoming membership meeting. Up to 6 partners, by invitation only, are invited to attend. This event is exclusive to members of the LEA. Members who wish to attend should contact the LEA.
Exhibitors must be part of the NJEA Member Discount Program. Partners should confirm attendance with ljones@njea.org.
To join the NJEA Member Discount Program, apply here.

Member Benefits Fair: Montclair Education Association
2026-04-29 15:30 - 17:00 | mbfairs@njea.org
The Montclair Education Association (MEA) will host a Member Benefits Fair as part of an upcoming association event. This event is exclusive to MEA members. Members who wish to attend should contact the MEA.
Exhibitors must be part of the NJEA Member Discount Program. Partners should confirm attendance with ljones@njea.org.
To join the NJEA Member Discount Program, apply here.

Member Benefits Fair: Hudson County College Professional Association
2026-04-30 12:00 - 14:30 | mbfairs@njea.org
The Hudson County College Professional Association (HCCPA) will host a Member Benefits Fair for association members. Up to 25 partners are invited to exhibit. This event is exclusive to members of the HCCPA. Members who wish to attend should contact the HCCPA.
Exhibitors must be part of the NJEA Member Discount Program. Partners should confirm attendance with ljones@njea.org.
To join the NJEA Member Discount Program, apply here.

Member Benefits Fair: Passaic County Education Association – Members of Color Event
2026-04-30 16:00 - 18:00 | mbfairs@njea.org
The Passaic County Education Association (PCEA) will host a Member Benefits Fair with up to 14 exhibitors, by invitation only. This event is exclusive to PCEA members. Members who wish to attend should contact the PCEA.

To join the NJEA Member Discount Program, potential partners and exhibitors may apply here.

ESPAN County Conversations for ESP Members - Northwest
2026-04-30 19:00 - 20:00
Join us to meet your ESPAN County Captain from your zone, learn more about our priority work surrounding the ESP Bill of Rights, and—most importantly—share your voice and input.
These county conversations will take place within each zone, so registration is zone-specific. Members should be on the lookout for an email invitation for their specific zone event, which will be sent at least two weeks prior to the event date.
Your experiences and ideas help shape the work we do on behalf of ESPs across the state. We hope you’ll join the conversation!

May Day: Camden to Philly
2026-05-01 15:00 - 17:00
Bring friends, wear your NJEA shirts, and get ready to stand up for our students, public education, and unions.
Location: Meet at 468 Pearl St, Camden, NJ

May Day: Jersey City
2026-05-01 15:00 - 18:00
Join members of 32BJ SEIU, Rutgers AFT-AAUP, NJEA, and many other unions in a march of solidarity and union power to demand an equitable nation for all.
We will meet at Jersey City City Hall, then march with stops at Goldman Sachs, ending at Exchange Place.

Location

Jersey City City Hall
280 Grove St
Jersey City, NJ 07302

Bridgeton May Day
2026-05-01 17:00
Los Tequios de Cumberland County, alongside community members and partners, is inviting people to come out for May Day, a day of action rooted in workers’ struggles and carried forward today by immigrant communities fighting for dignity, safety, and respect.
May Day is coming to Bridgeton!
Location: Los Puentes
147 Irving Ave #2002
Bridgeton, NJ 08302
Join us in Bridgeton this May Day.
Bring your people. Bring your energy. Bring your commitment to standing in solidarity.
Because when we show up together, we are stronger.

Franklin Township (Somerset) NJ: May Day Concert in Solidarity with International Workers!
2026-05-01 18:30 - 20:00
Register for details.

Sussex County May Day March and Rally
2026-05-02 11:00 - 13:30
Location
The Newton Green
4 Spring St
Newton, NJ 07860

Member Benefits Fair: NJEA Membership Chairs Conference
2026-05-02 11:30 - 13:30 | mbfairs@njea.org
NJEA will host a Member Benefits Fair with up to 15 exhibitors as part of their upcoming conference for Membership Chairs. Only partners who receive a personal invitation for this event are permitted to register. This event is exclusive to NJEA members.

To join the NJEA Member Discount Program, apply here.

COMMUNITY Fair: Camden County Council of Education Associations
2026-05-02 14:00 - 17:00 | mbfairs@njea.org
The Camden County Council of Education Associations invites NJEA member benefits partners and other community partners to exhibit during their upcoming Open House and Community Wellness event. This event is open to NJEA members, their families and other community members. Businesses and organizations that support wellness, education, and community well-being are invited to participate, share resources and connect with attendees.
Please confirm attendance with ljones@njea.org.
To join the NJEA Member Discount Program, apply here.

May Day Camden County CEA Open House
2026-05-02 14:00 - 17:00
CCCEA invites members, families, and community partners to a Welcome Open House on Saturday, May 2, from 2–5 p.m. at their new office.
Guests can expect food, kids’ activities, free giveaways, prizes and opportunities to connect with fellow members and community partners.
Local legislators will also be in attendance. This May Day event will include Service Learning and Take Action activities, offering a chance to engage, learn, and support public education through meaningful participation.

Location

CCCEA OFFICE
5 Split Rock Dr.
Cherry Hill Township, NJ 08003

National Teacher Appreciation Week
2026-05-04 - 2026-05-08

Trauma-Informed Sex Education
2026-05-04 16:30 - 18:30
Understanding the effects that trauma can have on people is crucial to creating safe and supportive learning environments for students and people of all ages. We will define trauma, explore areas of sex education that may trigger past trauma, and identify strategies for creating trauma-informed learning environments.

Paterson Education Association - Cuts Hurt Kids and No Layoffs Rally
2026-05-04 17:00 - 20:00
Our schools are at a breaking point. The Paterson Public Schools is proposing a budget that includes 200 educator layoffs. We cannot let our students and educators pay the price for a budget crisis.
It is time to show up and speak out before it is too late.
The Rally
Date: May 4
Location: Paterson Board of Education Meeting
90 Delaware Ave
Paterson, NJ 07503
Time: 5 p.m. Followed by a 6 p.m. Budget Meeting.
We need you there. Our educators deserve better. Our students deserve more.

ESPAN Spring Technology Night
2026-05-04 17:30 - 19:30 | NJEA Headquarters, 180 W. State Street, Trenton, New Jersey, 08608, United States
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools for ESPs
This session is designed for ESPs and provides an entry point to AI by exploring ChatGPT and other tools that are relevant to their roles. Throughout the workshop, participants will have
the opportunity to ask questions, collaborate with their peers, and engage in hands-on activities to deepen their understanding of AI.
Google Open Forum
Google Open Forum is an opportunity for participants to ask and answer all their burning questions about using google tools in the classroom. This session is designed so NJEA Google experts can walk participants through the steps to answer questions as well as facilitate conversations between members. Google open forum is a unique experience every time.
It is highly recommended that participants bring a laptop or Chromebook. Mobile devices will result in a diminished experience.
Pre-registration is required by April 30, 2026.
