2026 NJEA Winter Leadership Conference Workshops
WLC South – Jan. 30 - 31, 2026 (Harrah’s in Atlantic City)
WLC North – Feb. 20 - 21, 2026 (Sheraton in Parsippany)
WLC Central – March 6 -7, 2026 (Doubletree in Somerset)
1. Presidents’ Roundtable – Through facilitated discussions with presidents and NJEA staff, this roundtable will provide presidents with the opportunity to discuss what we do with, for, and on behalf of our members. Topics might include membership, member engagement, negotiations, organizing, building community power, and updates on NJEA’s statewide initiatives. For local and county presidents.
2. AR: Key to a Strong Organization – Learn the fundamentals and develop skills to help association representatives (ARs) effectively carry out the functions necessary to maintain a strong organization.
3. Legal Issues Affecting School Employees – Get an overview of the legal structure in New Jersey, existing laws, legal decisions, recent legislation, and emerging issues that affect school employees.
4. Grieve, Don’t Gripe: Contract Enforcement – Discover the keys to successful grievance processing. This seminar includes an overview of essential elements of good representation.
5. Preparing for Negotiations: Collective Bargaining – Learn the bargaining process from beginning to end, emphasizing mediation and fact-finding, negotiation strategies, and benefit costs.
6. Salary Guides and School Budgets: What Members Should Know – Interested in learning some of the basics of salary guides and how to decipher a school budget? Then this workshop is for you! Recommended for those new to bargaining or budgets. NEW CONTENT
7. Bargaining Health Benefits Post Ch.44 – Since the passage of P.L. 2020, c44, health benefits negotiations have been somewhat limited. Although c44 does not sunset until December 31, 2027, many contracts being negotiated now include that timeframe. This session will cover health benefits terminology and current trends that are pushing up costs dramatically. It will also address the limits of what can be bargained now and what can be bargained after the sunset of c44. Finally, this session will offer general strategies when bargaining health benefits. NEW
8. Leadership Development 101: A Beginner’s Guide for Association Leaders – In this workshop, we will explore principles of effective leadership and team building, effective communication and listening skills, principles of time and stress management, facilitation skills for leaders, the importance of change management, and leadership scenarios for association leaders.
9. When Life Throws You Curveballs – This workshop is designed to educate you on what happens when unexpected things happen in life. Whether it is birth, death, accident, trauma, etc. there is very important information that members need to know for themselves and/or their family members through the NJ Division of Pension and Benefits, NEA/NJEA member benefits division, and collective bargaining. NEW
10. Advanced Membership Chair Training – Along with expanding their skills in the day-to-day operations of membership responsibilities, attendees will enhance their skills surrounding the one-to-one approach and learn how to respond when confronted with difficult membership conversations. Attendees will create contract fact sheets, member welcome letters, and pamphlets to assist in these conversations. Participants will also plan year-round new staff/new member orientations. Finally, attendees will expand on building mapping exercises learned in previous sessions to create a layered approach to their membership team.
11. Power, Policy, and Storytelling – In this workshop, members will learn the ins and outs of governmental power structures that shape educational policy. We will explore how to use the art of storytelling and collective action as tools for advocacy in these arenas. NEW
12. Thriving in High Pressure Environments – Gain practical tools for managing workplace stress, advocating for your rights, and building resilience in challenging environments. Learn strategies to strengthen solidarity, maintain well-being, and navigate high-pressure situations while ensuring your voice is heard. Together, we’ll build the strength and skills to thrive, no matter the challenges we face. NEW
13. Bridging the Member Involvement Gap – Discover ways to engage new members and support current members while building their commitment and involvement. This is a great program for membership chairs, ARs, and those who would like to get other members involved in their local associations but don’t know where to begin. Learn how to use NJEA resources to help your membership succeed, as well as attract and retain your volunteer corps.
14. From Timbuktu to Timbuctoo, New Jersey - This workshop series equips union leaders with knowledge and strategies to ensure African and African American history is meaningfully represented in schools. This workshop will give union leaders tools to advocate for inclusive curricula, empower educators, and strengthen student engagement. NEW
15. Inspiring Advocacy for Aspiring and Early Career Educators - This workshop will introduce aspiring and early career educators to NJEA’s history and governance structure, as well as our collective union principles and the impact we have on both personal and professional matters. With topics ranging from understanding negotiations, salary guides, and pensions to navigating certifications, evaluations, and effective communications with others, attendees will leave feeling empowered to tackle the things they simply don’t teach you in college. NEW