According to Punxsutawney Phil's predictions, spring will be coming early this year; so, there's a less likely chance that inclement weather will get in the way of your professional learning. Teams of educators all over the state have planned a wide variety of spring 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 spring. We have compiled a list of offerings 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 Spring.

Spring Workshops offered by NJ Department of Education, Colleges & Universities, and Professional Associations

How to Fire Up Your Students to Strive for Success  
Spring is a perfect time for helping students intensify their efforts to yield their desired academic outcomes. Let this FREE workshop for educators support you. It features renowned teacher and author Principal Kafele as the presenter and a plan for educators to leave with ready to implement strategies for motivating students by creating caring and meaningful relationships with them. Did we mention there is no cost for the workshop?
Location: Bloomfield, NJ
Dates: March 8, 2019
Pricing: Free

Tri-State PBL Summit 2019

Every educator knows that Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a great idea. As with all lessons, PBL requires much preparation and planning to implement. 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 Brian Aspinall, best-selling author and three times TEDx speaker who is considered one of the brightest STEM innovators in education, as the keynote speaker. Please visit cesp.rutgers.edu for additional information and to register for this event.
Location: Somerset, NJ
Dates: March 12, 2019
Pricing: $149

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 spring conference will feature Dr. Nicole Mirra, who’s published extensive research on the topic of literacy education as a force for addressing inequity and increased civic engagement. It will also include breakout sessions featuring topics such as Hip Hop Pedagogy, How Structural Inequality Impacts Student Learning, and Why Race Matters.  
Location: New Brunswick, NJ
Dates: March 13, 2019
Pricing: $150

Teach Meet

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 spring 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 to our state's new educators
Location: Beachwood, NJ
Dates: March 16, 2019
Pricing: Free

Tech Equity Conference 2019

Technology is a transformative educational tool capable of personalizing learning and expanding accessibility to resources. That's why addressing the persistent digital divide is critical for ensuring equitable and ubiquitous technology access for all.  Join RIISA and EduMatch founder Sarah-Jane Thomas, Ph.D., for the Tech Equity Conference aimed at shrinking the technology access gap in education.  This gathering will highlight important policy, practices and resources that equity-conscious educators should embrace.
Location: Somerset, NJ
Dates: March 20, 2019
Pricing: $150

NJ Council for Teachers of English Conference 2019

NJCTE is bringing acclaimed National Book Award finalist Ibi Zoboi and New York Times best-selling author Georgia Hunter to address their literary works which expand the diversity of literature available for middle and high school English classes.  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 30, 2019
Pricing: $35

NYU - TAC-D Conference 2019: Unleashing Leadership to Dismantle Disproportionately

Every year, The Technical Assistance Center on Disproportionality at NYU brings together educators and sector stakeholders for a power-packed day of intense grappling with issues of educational equity. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Institute, and TAC-D has assembled a wide range of speakers to facilitate engaging thought-provoking conversations on dismantling disproportionality by addressing school practices and policies, as well as personal beliefs. Participants can attend at no cost if registered early; otherwise, you there's a nominal $20 fee which still can't be beaten for the value of this professional learning experience.
Location: New York, NY
Dates:  May 24, 2019
Pricing: Free

Spring 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 spring, and all within driving distance of NJ.
 

Edcamp Madness

Mark your calendar for the first-ever Edcamp Madness hosted by Milltown School District. 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, Milltown School District wants to see you on its session board leading a discussion or in a session seat networking and learning.
Location: Milltown, NJ
Date: March 9, 2019
Pricing: Free

Edcamp Access NJ

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 16, 2019
Pricing: Free

Edcamp Happy Camper

Edcamp Happy Camper returns this spring courtesy of Washington Township Public Schools in Gloucester County. You don't have to be a district employee to attend.  All are welcome to this day of learning, and it comes with prizes, two meals, and 5 professional development hours.  No matter if you're a teacher, administrator, BOE member, classroom aide, college professor, or college student, there'll be some idea, resource or question that makes you "happy" you attended.  
Location: Sewell, NJ
Date: March 23, 2019
Pricing: Free

EdCamp Mansfield Township

If the words progressive education resonate with you, then this is the EdCamp for you.  Come be inspired by fellow educators who share your passion for collaborative learning, innovative teaching practices, and student-centered experiences.  Mansfield Township School District welcomes all educators to attend and co-design a spectacular professional learning experience for everyone.
Location: Mansfield, NJ
Date: March 30, 2019
Pricing: Free

Edcamp Newark(NJ)

Back by popular demand! Following the success of the inaugural Edcamp Newark(NJ),  Juli-Anne Benjamin and her amazing organizing team are bringing this unique Brick City gathering back for an encore this spring.  Expect stimulating teacher-led conversations rooted in social justice, equity for all and joyful teacher collaboration.  Mark your calendar for this one-of-a-kind event designed to connect you with strategies, best practices, and scholarship in a setting of like-minded educators you can call upon for ongoing encouragement.
Location: Newark, NJ
Date: April 6, 2019
Pricing: Free

EdCamp New Jersey Social-Emotional Learning

Middlesex County Superintendent of the Year Scott Taylor, Ed.D. is calling all educators from New Jersey and the New York City Metropolitan Area to join him for a day of sharing best practices to foster social-emotional learning in schools.  The target audience for this important gathering is teachers, counselors, mental health professionals, and educational leaders. Be a part of this historic day of sharing innovative ideas, resources, and challenges related to fostering healthy SEL for students. Food and Continuing Education Credit will be provided!
Location: Highland Park, NJ
Date: April 6, 2019
Pricing: Free

EdCamp Garden State

Join the Collingswood School District for its 4th Annual EdCamp. Coordinated for K-12 educators who wish to share ideas and resources or raise questions and awareness, EdCamp Garden State has been drawing educators from as far away as Sussex County and neighboring states since its inception. No matter what part of the state you're commuting from, conveners of EdCamp Garden State are confident that you'll take away some great tools, resources, and information to improve learning for your students!
Location: Collingswood, NJ
Date: April 13, 2019
Pricing: Free

#nErDCampNJ

Book lovers unite! New Jersey's literacy-focused "unconference" is on the educalendar once again. You don't have to love books to attend; but you should have an interest in literacy because #nErDCampNJ is teeming with literacy enthusiasts ranging from teachers, librarians, and administrators to teacher educators and local authors. As with other EdCamps, you may plan to attend #nErDCampNJ as a presenter or strictly as a workshop participant.  Whatever the case, get this free event on your calendar today.
Location: Chatham, NJ
Date: May 18, 2019
Pricing: Free