10 Must-Attend Education Conferences for NJ Teachers - Winter 2018 Edition
Don’t let the season’s record low temperatures get in the way of your professional learning. Teams of educators all over the state have planned a wide variety of winter learning events for fellow educators. As always, Rutgers Center for Effective School Practices has made it easy for New Jersey's teachers to find those opportunities this winter. We have compiled a list of education conferences hosted by state professional associations, as well as local universities and grassroots education groups. While the list features primarily free and low-cost events, some of the workshops, conferences and trainings may require a financial investment from your district. With such diverse options, we trust that you will be able to find something that suits your budget, schedule and professional interests.
These primarily free and low-cost conferences are perfect for NJ teachers and educators looking to advance their PD and grow their PLN this Winter.
Winter Workshops offered by NJ Department of Education, Colleges & Universities, and Professional Associations
RIISA, NJSBA, NJSDC, & MCCC Leadership Conference
Join with four NJ state leadership organizations in a learning experience dedicated to advancing equity and discipline in New Jersey’s schools. This two-part winter conference will feature Dr. Anne Gregory, who’s published extensive research on the topic of discipline disparities. It will also include a panel discussion during which participants can learn about policies and strategies used by various districts to advance equitable practices in discipline.
Location: Somerset, NJ
Dates: January 30, 2018
Pricing: $250
Similar to an EdCamp, TeachMeet is an unconference event which encourages teachers to share their knowledge of tech or web 2.0 tools that might benefit colleagues. This winter gathering will focus specifically on new educators! Topics will range from technology in the classroom, classroom management, working with parents, and other topics that will help you THRIVE not just survive. Veteran educators, come pay it forward our state's new educators.
Location: Beachwood, NJ
Dates: March 10, 2018
Pricing: Free
NJ Council for Teachers of English Conference 2018
NJCTE is bringing acclaimed New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds to help Teachers of English fuel their heroic reading plans. Join literacy teaching peers at Montclair State University and indulge in an array of mini-presentations and traditional PD workshops addressing writing, technology, social justice, and more! This full-day event is perfectly-timed and reasonably priced, making it an accessible professional learning option for busy educators on a budget.
Location: Montclair, NJ
Dates: March 24, 2018
Pricing: $35
Every educator knows that Project-Based Learning is a great idea, but implementing PBL takes effort. The Center for Effective School Practices (CESP) invites you to join an all-star line up of presenters who have successfully implemented PBL in single classrooms and entire districts. This event will feature Learning Transformed author Thomas Murray as the keynote speaker along with fellow presenters and PBL gurus Ross Cooper, David Sheeran, Mark Wise and Weehawken Superintendent Dr. Rob Zywicki.
Location: Somerset, NJ
Dates: March 12, 2018
Pricing: $149
Winter EdCamps
Edcamps are participant-driven professional learning experiences that allow content to emerge organically in an “unconference” format. We’ve compiled a list of Edcamps taking place this winter, and all within driving distance of NJ.
Join the Harrison Twp School District for Chromecamp 2018. Named a Google for Education Reference District, Harrison Twp in Gloucester County has demonstrated excellence in classroom technology use and wants to help educators across New Jersey drive positive learning outcomes. Whether you're a G-Suite pro or a newbie, you'll learn or share something of value at this Edcamp which the district has dubbed "Chromecamp."
Mullica Hill, NJ
Date: January 27, 2018
Pricing: Free
If you think Super Bowl Sunday is exciting; you MUST attend Edcamp Blitz on Super Bowl Saturday. Woodbridge School District is bringing back its popular learning event for an encore this winter. Learn alongside hundreds of other educators who will be sharing innovative ideas, resources, and challenges. Then upgrade the conversation on Monday from Super Bowl commercials to driving student achievement into the Endzone!
Woodbridge, NJ
Date: Feb 3, 2018
Pricing: Free
Mark your calendar for the first ever Edcamp Tabernacle. Like every EdCamp, the day will consist of participant-driven professional learning, collaboration, and new experiences! No matter where you're located in the Garden State, Tabernacle School District wants to see you on its session board leading a discussion or in a session seat networking and learning.
Tabernacle, NJ
Date: Feb 10, 2018
Pricing: Free
Student Achievement & Data Summit
The Student Achievement & Data Summit is scheduled for February 16th at Somerville High School. Join fellow teachers, guidance department members, administrators, superintendents, and Board of Education members for this FREE educational opportunity featuring more than 40 breakout sessions and a keynote by acclaimed education leader Gemar Mills.
Location: Somerville, NJ
Date: Feb 16, 2017
Pricing: FREE
Edcamp Voorhees returns this winter courtesy of Voorhees Township Public Schools. This day of learning is coordinated for local K-12 educators who wish to share ideas and resources or raise questions and awareness. Whatever your purpose for attending, conveners hope you're able to take away some great tools, resources and information to help students!
Location: Voorhees, NJ
Date: February 24, 2018
Pricing: Free
Edcamp Leading Cultures of Literacy
NJ Association of School Librarians (NJASL) and Rutgers School of Communication and Information are teaming up to host this literacy-focused unconference event. The targeted audience for this event is classroom teachers, school librarians, administrators, support staff, and anyone looking to help students develop their literacy skills. "Whether you want to explore approaches to teaching news literacy, would like to share ideas about cross-curricular literacies, or are wondering about other hot topics, this day is for you," says conveners.
South Brunswick, NJ
Date: March 3, 2018
Pricing: Free
General education and special education teachers are invited to contribute their professional knowledge, perspectives, and skills at this event hosted at the College of St. Elizabeth. As classrooms continue to be spaces of inclusion and diverse learners, it is important that we leverage effective practices employed by our colleagues in service of struggling learners. This unconference, which is devoted to K -12 special education issues and ideas, is the perfect starting place for connecting with colleagues who can offer support.
Location: Morristown, NJ
Date: March 17, 2018
Pricing: Free
Updated 1/31/2018 with additional conference
Heather Ngoma has over 25 years of experience collaborating with educators across New Jersey to drive education innovation. She currently serves as the Director of the Rutgers-GSE Alternate Route Program in the Department of Learning and Teaching, a program which helps career changers, recent college graduates, and other aspiring education professionals become licensed teachers in New Jersey. Follow her on Twitter @heatherngoma.
