19 Must-Attend Education Conferences for Teachers in New Jersey
Are education conferences worth the hype? Absolutely!
In today’s world of remote work and virtual meetings, building genuine professional communities can be challenging. That’s why in-person educational conferences remain so valuable—they bring together innovative thinkers with diverse perspectives and a wealth of experience, opening doors to fresh ideas and new opportunities.
At Rutgers Alternate Route, we are committed to supporting New Jersey teachers in their professional growth by connecting them with tools, strategies, and networks that help them excel. As part of this commitment, we’ve curated a list of 18 must-attend educational conferences sponsored by state professional associations, universities, and grassroots education organizations.
Our selection offers something for every educator—many conferences are free or low-cost, ensuring accessibility for a variety of budgets. Fall is the perfect season for personal advancement and meaningful networking, and these events are excellent opportunities to:
- Explore new approaches to subject-area instruction
- Strengthen classroom management strategies
- Discover innovative teaching methods
- Develop leadership skills and instructional strategies
Whether your district can sponsor your participation or you’re seeking cost-friendly options, you’ll find opportunities that align with your schedule, budget, and professional interests.
Investing your time in these dynamic learning spaces will not only expand your skill set but also help you create purposeful and enriching experiences for your students.
Place-Based Learning Series
Varies between Virtual & Rutgers Lifelong Learning Center
Through Oct. 16, 2026
Free
This experiential professional development helps K-12 New Jersey public school teachers explore the effects of climate change on land, water, and air quality. Through engaging activities, participants examine the impact of human activity on severe weather, stormwater runoff, air pollution, and changing habitats affecting wildlife. This free training is funded by the NJDOE Climate Change Grant. Eligible teachers and administrators can earn stipends of $50 per hour for non-contractual time or substitute pay of $62.50 for half days and $125 for full days.
Environmental Educator's Professional Learning Series - NJ School of Conservation
1 Wapalanne Road, Sandyston
Through Oct. 3, 2026
Varies between $12 and $99, depending on event
Passionate about fostering climate change awareness and environmental responsibility in your classroom? The Environmental Educators’ Autumn Conference offers dynamic professional learning, hands-on field experiences, interactive STEM activities, engaging learning games, and opportunities for coffee and conversation. Register now and explore how outdoor education can transform student learning.
High School Teachers Institute
Central NJ Computer Science Education Workshops
Sept. 25, 2026 - Apr. 20, 2027
$40
The High School Teachers Institute conference offers interactive workshops led by Rutgers University professors, giving educators the opportunity to explore topics such as War, Revolution, and the Abolition of Slavery in Latin America and the Caribbean (November 20, 2026), Nationalism & Nation-States in the Modern Middle East (November 13, 2026), and Women and Gender in Islam. Designed to enrich teachers’ understanding of significant historical and cultural issues, these sessions provide fresh insights and perspectives to bring back into the classroom.
Pluralistic Education Conference - TEPUP
Princeton University
Oct. 8, 2026
Free
The Pluralistic Education Conference, hosted by The E Pluribus Unum Project, brings educators and the public together through keynotes and workshops on Black, Asian American, Latine, and LGBTQIA+ history, as well as cross-cultural solidarity in civil rights movements. The hybrid event reserves in-person participation for educators while offering virtual access to all, equipping attendees with strategies to strengthen inclusive teaching and community engagement. Supported by NJEA, the Princeton University Carl A. Fields Center, and Asian Americans Advancing Justice, the conference builds a nationwide network committed to advancing equity and accurate representation in education.
2026 9th Annual Convening on Diversifying the Teacher Workforce - New Jersey Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (NJACTE)
Princeton
Nov. 17, 2026
$25
New Jersey's Convening for Diversifying the Teacher Workforce is back for an 8th year at Bloomfield College of Montclair State University. They will be diving into the intersection of school culture, climate, and neurodiversity in fostering inclusive educational environments. Topics may include: the impact of culture and climate on the well-being and belonging of neurodivergent educators and staff; effective strategies for supporting, attracting, and retaining neurodivergent students and educators; the role of leadership, policy, and organizational structures in advancing accessibility and equity; and assessments of culturally responsive, neurodiversity-affirming practices and their influence on student outcomes and professional inclusivity. This convening brings together educational stakeholders committed to building and sustaining a workforce that reflects the cultural and linguistic diversity of New Jersey’s students.
Summary - 2026 NJPSA/FEA Fall Conference - ONWARD!
Ocean Casino Resort, Atlantic City
Oct. 14 for VPs and Assistant Principals, Oct. 15 - Oct. 16, 2026 for all educators
$250+
The NJPSA/FEA/NJASCD Fall Conference will take place October 14-16, 2026, at the Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City under the theme LEAD with JOY. Over three days, attendees will experience dynamic keynote presentations from Pamela Moore, Ed.D., Kristen DiCerbo, Ph.D., and Gregory Offner, along with a wide range of professional learning workshops facilitated by NJPSA members and educational leaders from across New Jersey. The conference will also celebrate excellence in school leadership with the presentation of the Visionary Leadership Awards. As an added benefit, NJPSA Premier members receive a complimentary one-night stay at the Ocean Casino with qualifying registration, with optional additional nights available at a discounted rate.
NJAEYC Annual Conference 2026
APA Hotel Woodbridge
Oct. 9, 2026
7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
$0 - 270
Join NJAEYC this fall for a three-day conference series and gala honoring 80 years of advancing early childhood education through leadership, advocacy, and professional growth. Designed to serve the diverse needs of New Jersey’s early learning community, each day offers targeted opportunities for connection, learning, and celebration of the field’s collective impact.
Annual Autism-NJ Conference
Harrah's Resort Atlantic City
Oct. 1 - 25, 2026
$300-$550
This year’s Power of Connection conference offers a unique opportunity to engage with experts, professionals, and advocates across diverse fields. Attendees can join workshops featuring over 50 evidence-based sessions, hear from two keynote speakers, and explore exhibits from more than 100 vendors. The conference also provides valuable networking opportunities and Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for behavior analysts, psychologists, social workers, and speech-language pathologists.
NJ Council for the Social Studies Conference
Busch Student Center at Rutgers
Oct. 19, 2026
$90-$100
The New Jersey Council for the Social Studies (NJCSS) prides itself on its transformative mission and notable achievement of uniting educators across various social studies disciplines. A major goal and accomplishment of the NJCSS is to bring together professionals from fields such as history, economics, and political science to promote the importance of social studies. Members of NJCSS work collectively to deepen their understanding of the subject and highlight its role in shaping well-informed individuals. These individuals are then better equipped to navigate and teach the complexities of social studies.
NJASA and NJASBO Annual Conference
Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City
Oct. 19-22, 2026
$550 per person
NJASA and NJASBO are excited to host their annual conference this October, themed “Your Ticket to Big Ideas and Bright Futures.” Returning to Atlantic City, the event brings back the excitement of slot machines and blackjack tables—along with the guarantee of an exceptional professional learning and networking experience. As always, this year’s conference is dedicated to fostering and expanding achievement opportunities for all students. Attendees can look forward to specialized training, networking events, and workshops tailored for district leaders, school technology professionals, facilities managers, and curriculum specialists.
New Jersey Science Convention
Princeton Marriott at Forrestal, Princeton
Oct. 20-21, 2026
Early bird registration through Oct. 2: $240-$370
Onsite registration: $270-$395
Pre-service/future professional: $130-$260
The New Jersey Science Convention provides a forum for educators to meet, collaborate, and generate new ideas to support science education. Coordinated annually by the New Jersey Science Teachers Association and the New Jersey Science Education Leadership Association, this two-day learning adventure offers a wide variety of sessions for educators at all levels and disciplines of science. Sessions will focus on demonstrating methods for creating culturally responsive science classrooms that promote equity and inclusion, engaging students in studies of climate change through research, discourse, and problem-solving, and exploring local issues. Additionally, a modest number of vendors offering science books, supplies, and equipment will be in attendance.
Creating Change 2026: Community and Culture Shift | New Jersey Theatre Alliance
Count Basie Center of the Arts
Oct. 28, 2026
$100 per person
The annual Creating Change Summit unites New Jersey’s arts and culture community to foster learning, inspiration, and collective action toward a more just, equitable, accessible, and anti-racist arts sector. Facilitated by the Creating Change Network—a partnership between the New Jersey Theatre Alliance and ArtPride New Jersey, guided by arts professionals and social justice leaders—the Network provides ongoing opportunities for collaboration, leadership development, cultural shift, and accountability to advance equity and inclusion in the arts throughout the state. Register today to secure your spot at this not-to-be-missed event!
NJEA - Convention
Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City
Nov. 5 - 6, 2026
Member: Free
Non-member: $300
Non-member exhibit floor: $150
The Atlantic City Boardwalk and casinos are just two good reasons to attend the NJEA Convention. The real highlights are keynote speakers and workshops! The convention will feature more than 300 professional development seminars, workshops, and programs designed to help teachers and educational support professionals enhance their skills and stay current in their fields. In addition to teachers and certified staff, NJEA members include educational support professionals, college students preparing to become teachers, faculty and staff from the state's community colleges, and retired educators. If you fit any of these categories, plan to attend the NJEA Convention.
Association of Math Teachers in NJ | AMTNJ
Brookdale Community College Lincroft
Nov. 20, 2026
Members: $185
Non-members: $215
This year’s theme, Beyond Answers: Building Curious and Courageous Math Classrooms, focuses on nurturing student curiosity, brave exploration, and deep thinking in math. The conference welcomes teachers, administrators, coaches, college faculty, and preservice educators committed to creating math classrooms where mistakes are embraced, and all students feel empowered to engage with big ideas.
ACTFL | ACTFL 2026
Henry B. González Convention Center
Nov. 20 - 22, 2026
$235 - 500
The 2026 ACTFL Convention will be held November 20-22 at the Henry B. González Convention Center in Texas. Opening keynote speaker Debby Allen will appear on November 20. Humanitarian and scholar Mychal-Bella Rayne Bowman will deliver her closing keynote on November 22. The event features over 500 sessions and workshops on language teaching, more than 165 exhibitors, and interactive zones like the Social Media Lounge and Career Café. Join this premier event for world language education professionals.
Northeast Tech & Learning Regional Leadership Summit
Convene Two Commerce Square
2001 Market Street, Philadelphia
Oct. 16, 2026
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Free
The Tech & Learning Northeast Regional Leadership Summit brings district administrators together for a full day of exploration into how emerging technologies—AI, game design, AR/VR, and 3D design—can shape the future of education and prepare the next-generation workforce. Through hands-on sessions and collaborative discussions, attendees will discover innovative strategies to reimagine learning in their districts. The summit is free for qualified participants, and Tech & Learning will cover a two-night stay at the Fairfield by Marriott in Verona for all approved district administrators who register by September 18. Don’t miss this chance to shape the future of education—register now!
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Denver, Colorado
Oct. 28 - 31, 2026
$385-$500
Math can be challenging—not only for students, but also for educators striving to teach it effectively. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) offers a variety of workshops and interactive experiences designed to help educators reflect critically on their practice and cultivate purposeful, effective mathematics instruction. Register now and discover the possibilities for yourself and your students at NCTM’s premier mathematics education conference.
CAENJ Arts Educators of New Jersey
Princeton Marriott at Forrestal
100 College Road East, Princeton
Oct. 25 - 27, 2026
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
$165 - $215
The Annual Arts Educators of New Jersey (AENJ) Fall Conference returns October 25 - 27, 2026, with the theme “Art & Soul.” The event opens with pre-conference gallery visits and continues with keynotes by Clifford Ward and Vanessa German, hands-on workshops, student roundtables, and sessions on AI, curriculum design, SEL, DEI, and supporting all learners. From clay and papercutting to mindfulness and creative entrepreneurship, the conference offers art educators fresh ideas, practical strategies, and inspiring connections to bring back to their classrooms.
2026 Annual Education Conference | Learning Forward
Dallas, Texas
Dec. 6-9, 2026
$40
Cost: $40
Every fall, educators renew their commitment to this profession and to helping students advance. That's a great reason to attend this year's Annual Learning Forward Conference. The conference invites all educators to join colleagues, inspiring practitioners, and thought leaders to learn new strategies and methods for connecting with students. Hear from well-known educators like Frederick Brown, this year’s keynote, on addressing pressing issues such as improving virtual and in-person instruction, social-emotional learning, and culturally responsive pedagogy. Don’t miss this chance to contribute to the ongoing evolution of public education.
If you’re considering following your dream of teaching, Rutgers Alternate Route can offer you the support and training you need to succeed. Be sure to follow Rutgers Alternate Route on Twitter or sign up for Alternate Route’s monthly newsletter to receive more information and stories from the field of education.
