With lesson planning and grading on the backburner, summer remains the ideal time for teachers to invest in themselves and learn something new.  It’s one of the few opportunities that teachers get to fully indulge their own passion for learning without the competing priorities that come with classroom teaching responsibilities. To help you seize this summer’s learning opportunities and simultaneously grow your professional learning network (PLN), we’ve compiled a list of local and national conferences where you can advance your professional practice.

Think about how you might incorporate these primarily free and low-cost workshops, conferences, and trainings into your plans for summer trips to the Shore, extended book reading, and other relaxation activities!

These primarily free and low-cost conferences are perfect for NJ teachers and educators looking to advance their PD and grow their PLN this summer.

Summer Workshops offered by NJDOE, Universities & Associations

Master Teacher Institute in Holocaust Education

The Rutgers MTI program is offering a five day  training for NJ educators who wish to strengthen their practices in teaching historical content and advance the critical literacy of their students, while learning from Holocaust scholars who are actively engaged in research.  This institute is hosted at the Bildner Center of Rutgers University.

Location: New Brunswick, NJ

Dates: July 9-13, 2018

Pricing: Free

 

NJEA  Summer Professional Learning Institute

The professional learning experiences offered this summer by the NJEA  are designed to inspire educators to cultivate student exploration, inquiry and discovery. Teachers can elect to learn Mindfulness strategies for their students, develop skills in Questioning and Authentic Assessment,  and advance their students’ adeptness at vetting news sources for credibility with Fighting Fake News sessions. Register for this Institute and start “Driving inquiry and discovery in your classrooms!”

Location: New Brunswick, NJ

Dates: July 11, 2018

Pricing: $25 - $35 for NJEA Members

 

Our Classroom - Summer Learning Series 2018

You’ve been hearing the buzz all year about PBL, RTI, Google Apps, & NextGen Standards. Free time has been the barrier to diving in and learning more about how these initiatives apply to your professional practice and add value to your student learning experience. Use summer’s slower pace to finally fit in the professional development you owe yourself as committed educators. The Center for Effective School Practices (CESP) invites you to join all-star presenter Dr. Rob Zywicki as he facilitates a series of sessions designed to improve your professional practice and effect increased learning outcomes for students.  As a practicing superintendent, Dr. Zywicki can share first-hand experience about implementation and make recommendations for surmounting roadblocks for the featured practices.  

Location: Rutgers-Center for Effective School Practices, Somerset, NJ

Dates: July 12 - August 8, 2018 various days

Pricing: $149

 

TechStock

At this highly affordable event, you can spend all day building proficiency with Google Classroom,  using Chromebook and relevant Apps, creating online assessments using Google, becoming familiar with Scratch, exploring Coding, and planning for a MakerSpace classroom. Participants may choose two sessions at this learning event, which is held at Stockton University and co-sponsored by  the Southern Regional Institute and Educational Technology Training Center (SRI&ETTC) and Stockton University Master of Arts in Instructional Technology Program.

Location: Galloway, NJ

Dates: July 25, 2018

Pricing: $25 - $35

 

2018 Amistad Commission Summer Institute for Teachers

Work in collaboration with knowledgeable historians and scholars at this year’s Amistad Commission Summer Institute for Teachers. Attendees will experience multimedia history-based presentations and using primary resource materials provided by the Amistad Commission and its team of experts in the field. The institute’s content will focuses on 'Civil Rights and the Schoolhouse – A Historiography of American Educational Policy Implications on Students and Teachers.

Southern Region

Location: Galloway, NJ

Dates: July 23-26, 2018

Pricing: Free

 

Northern Region

Location: Union, NJ

Dates: July 30-August 2, 2018

Pricing: Free
 

Making the Real World "Real" to Students - Financial Education Bootcamp 2018

College and Career Readiness is every teacher’s business, so consider registering for one of three financial literacy workshops offered by the New Jersey Department of Education’s (NJDOE) Office of Career Readiness. The Institute will feature creative ways to teach personal finance via creative lesson plans, online resources, and technology tools. It will also afford participants opportunities to receive subject matter updates about current personal finance topics, while networking with colleagues from various regions.  

Location: Mays Landing, NJ

Dates: August 1, 2018

Pricing: Free

 

Location: Branchburg, NJ

Dates: August 2, 2018

Pricing: Free

 

Summer EdCamps

Edcamps are participant-driven professional learning experiences that allow content to emerge organically as an “unconference” format.  We’ve compiled a list of Edcamps taking place this summer, and all within driving distance of NJ.

EdCamp Exit 8A-Learning to Lead: Leading to Learn

NJPSA/FEA, NJASCD, and The Madison Institute are teaming up to host the 3rd  annual EdCamp Exit 8A. Open to teachers, principals and district leaders, seats at this EdCamp go quickly, so register right away.

Location: Monroe Township, NJ

Date: July 26, 2018

Pricing: Free

 

TeachMeetNJ

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.  Morning sessions are capped at 20 minutes, keeping to the event principles of fast moving, tech sharing, friend making, & never boring. What’s more?... Anyone can share!!!

Location: Beachwood, NJ

Date: August 9, 2018

Pricing: Free

 

EdCamp Jersey Shore

This event is limited to 300 participants, so reserve your seat immediately.  Like at every EdCamp, the day will consist of participant-driven professional learning.  Coordinators promise attendees are “shore” to learn at this year’s EdCamp.

Location: West Long Branch, NJ

Date: August 23, 2018

Pricing: Free
 

 

Local Workshops & Conferences

2018 New Jersey Sustainability Summit

K-12 educators of all levels and subjects can join with NJ environmental stewards from various industries this summer to discuss sustainability issues at this year's annual New Jersey Sustainability Summit.  Each year more than 300 participants gather for this important and stimulating dialogue held at The College of New Jersey. Jumpstart the summer by exploring how individual and community behaviors can impact the quality of necessities for better or worse, such as our air, water, health, economy, and so much more. Imagine the teaching and learning possibilities!

Location: The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ

Dates: June 21, 2018

Pricing: $35

 

SB Summer Technology & Learning Conference 2018

The South Brunswick Summer Technology & Learning Conference (TLC) was inspired by educators who are passionate about sharing and learning innovative ways for teaching students how to search, think deeply, invent and self-direct their own learning. Previously, a single-day event, this gathering now gives educators two days of inspiration, new ideas, conversation and collaboration.

Location: South Brunswick, NJ

Dates: June 26 -27, 2018

Pricing: $40

 

Building Computer Science Capacity in NJ

K-12 Educators can treat themselves to the menu of FREE professional learning options being offered this summer courtesy of The STEM Center at The College of New Jersey.  Available to K-12 teachers of all experience levels, the current line up features sessions on coding, game development, and programming with Python. What's more? Teachers can attend at their convenience - either in person or via live or recorded webinar.

Location: The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ

Dates: July 30 - August 3, 2018  various dates

Pricing: FREE

 

Learning Forward NJ Summer Conference 2018

Attendees at this summer’s Learning Forward NJ conference will enjoy an eclectic mix of professional experiences. The conference will feature traditional sessions, unconference-conversations, and short ignite presentations.  Jennifer Abrams will keynote this innovative learning experience.

Location:  Princeton, NJ

Dates: August 2-3, 2018

Pricing: $340

 

NJSTA 2nd Annual Summer Conference

Interested educators can head to Rowan University this summer for a professional development conference to help “grow” more scientists by enhancing their science experiences from Kindergarten to college. Whether you’re a science content area teacher or an elementary K-6 teacher, the conference speakers and workshops are sure to inspire your science teaching practice, which can only lead to more student learning.  

Location: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ

Dates: August 7, 2018

Pricing: $40 - $85

 

Foreign Language Educators of NJ Summer Refresher 2018

FLENJ invites World Languages teachers to “Catch the Wave of Proficiency” this summer at its summer refresher event. This interactive, hands-on conference will explore current best practices in the teaching of World Languages. Topics will include the World Readiness Standards for Learning Languages, the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines, and current Second Language Acquisition theories and concrete best practices. As one of the few opportunities for World Languages teachers to immerse themselves in the company of similar teachers, this is a must-attend Foreign Language Educators event.

Location: Monmouth University, Long Branch, NJ

Dates: August 9, 2018  

Pricing: TBD

 

Conscious Classroom Management  

Join the authors Rick Green and Grace Dearborn at Kean University for a a lively, fun, and interactive workshop addressing classroom management.  K-12 new and veteran teachers alike will find value in this full-day session which features practical approaches for getting students on-board with the rules and on-task with learning.

Location: Kean University, Union, NJ

Dates: August 20, 2018

Pricing: $99

 

National Conferences

Teacher Self-Care Conference

This unique event brings educators together for two days of personal reflection and professional learning, while placing a special emphasis on self-care strategies that can boost performance in the classroom and personal advancement. Session offerings include a blend of workshop sessions; along with thought-provoking plenary speakers. Plenty of formal and informal networking sessions are also part of the event.

Location: Marietta, GA

Dates: June 15-16, 2018

Pricing: $200

 

ISTE 2018

This three day education technology conference and expo is jam-packed with 1,000 professional development sessions of varying formats. With more than 16,000 attendees annually, this event is considered by many the premier tech event for innovative educators, thought leaders, and education companies.

Location: Chicago, IL

Dates: June 24 - 27, 2018

Pricing: $380-$535

 

NEA Conference on Racial & Social Justice

The goal of the conference is to provide a unique space for educators, students, parents & families, organizers, community members & leaders to unite for the advancement of Justice in Education. Through interactive workshops, sessions, panels and plenaries, attendees will have the opportunity to access information, resources, plan, strategize and engage on issues that impact educational opportunities for communities of color, LGBTQ and women.

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Dates: June 28 - 29, 2018

Pricing: $150

 

2018 ASCD Conference on Teaching Excellence

The  2018 Conference on Teaching Excellence will focus on equity this year.  As with every ASCD gathering, this conference promises proven solutions, game-changing ideas, and the tools you need to transform student learning. ASCD warns educators that this is a roll-up-your-sleeves professional learning experience, so be prepared to be hands-on.

Location: Grapevine, TX

Dates: June 29 - July 1, 2018

Pricing: $463 - $529

 

International Literacy Association 2018 Conference

Thousands of education professionals will convene annually at the International Literacy Association  Conference & Exhibits to discover new teaching methods, materials, and tools for literacy development. Their 300+ sessions and 200+ exhibitors draw 6,000+ attendees each year.

Location: Austin, TX

Dates: July 20-23, 2018

Pricing: $429-$559

 

Unconventional Classroom

Indulge in this "Unconventional"  professional development experience which promises not only to be informative, but also fun and entertaining.  Teachers will leave with an abundance of ideas that they will be able to implement in their own classes in September.  If you're looking for a creative summer learning environment and ideas for improving student achievement, this is the conference for you.

Location: Annapolis, MD

Dates: July 21, 2018

Pricing: $99

 

NCSM Math Leadership Academy 2018

Join Math educators from around the country for a week-long institute designed to help math specialists gain in-depth mathematics education knowledge and support the professional practice of their colleagues who teach math.  Participants will learn research-based strategies for getting results and receive materials & resources to use in a variety of settings.

Location: Greenwood Village, CO

Dates: July 30 - August 1, 2018

Pricing: $425-$525