20+ Must-Attend Education Conferences for NJ Teachers Summer 2019 Edition
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 NJ Department of Education, Colleges & Universities, and Professional Associations
Two-Day Advanced Seminar in Holocaust Education
The Rutgers MTI program is offering a two-day training for NJ educators who have completed the Bildner Center’s one-week course “History for the Holocaust” and wish to strengthen their practices in teaching historical content and advance the critical literacy of their students while learning from Holocaust scholars who are actively engaged in research.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 seminar is hosted at the Bildner Center of Rutgers University.
Location: New Brunswick, NJ
Dates: July 10th-11th, 2019
Time:9:00 am to 3:30 pm
Pricing: Free
NJEA Summer Professional Learning Institute
The professional learning experiences offered this summer by the NJEA are designed to inspire educators to cultivate a classroom culture, collaborate and participate in their communities. Teachers can elect to learn how to foster youth engagement, create learning communities and how to build a culture unique to their own classrooms. Register for this Institute!
Location: East Windsor, NJ
Dates: July 16, 2019
Pricing: $19 - $39 for NJEA affiliates
At this highly affordable event, you can spend all day building proficiency with the latest technological advances for the classroom including making global connections, Google classrooms and audio storytelling. Participants may spend their day in two-hour 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 31, 2019
Pricing: $19 - $39
NGSX: Science Exemplar Systems for PD Summ Institiute 2019
Teaching Next Generation Science Standards just got easier with NGSX: Science Exemplar System for PD Summer Institute 2019. Join Science colleagues in a week long professional learning experience focused on modeling and constructing explanations of complex phenomena, hallmarks of Next Generation Science. From questioning strategies and “talk moves” to promoting listening and evidence-based explanations, this week long experience will ensure your readiness for high-quality NGSX instruction.
Location: Piscataway, NJ
Dates: July 8-12, 2019
Pricing: $100
3rd Annual Pinelands Summer Short Course
Few people realize that New Jersey is home to one of Earth’s unique treasures-- the Pinelands, a region of the state boasting of 800,000 acres of forest. This amazing area is also home to one of North America’s largest and healthiest surviving aquifers and rare wildlife and flora which are now endangered. Teachers can learn about the fascinating history of the Pinelands at this day long event highlighting the unique history, ecology and culture of the Pinelands. What's more!? Participation comes with five Professional Development Credits for teachers.
Location: Hammonton, NJ
Date: July 18, 2019
Pricing: $60
Financial Education Bootcamp 2019
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: Ewing, NJ
Dates: July 31, 2019
Pricing: Free
Location: Branchburg, NJ
Dates: August 1, 2019
Pricing: Free
Strengthening Teaching, Leading and Learning: A Symposium
Change is inevitable in education, particularly if we are committed to continuous improvement. As we embrace change, there's so much to consider from the impact on current responsibilities and the leadership needed to implement new methods to accountability for results. Mark your calendar this summer to join the commissioner, assistant commissioners, and NJ Department of Education directors in a conversation about change for impact and possibilities of a collective purpose.
Location: Forsgate Country Club Monroe Township, NJ
Date: August 6, 2019
Pricing: $149
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 4th 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 25, 2019
Pricing: Free
If you're new to teaching or committed to helping new teachers thrive, Edcamp 1stYear is the event for you. Mark your calendar for day professional learning where no question is too embarrassing to ask. Need advice about classroom management? Ask it at EdCamp 1st Year. Need advice about lesson planning? Ask it at EdCamp 1st Year. Need advice about Back to School Night? Ask it at EdCamp 1st Year. Edcamp 1stYear is specially designed for brand new teachers and practicing novice teachers who could still use support with teaching fundamentals. To make it a success, we need rookies and veterans to pack the event!
Location: Passaic Community College - Wayne, NJ
Date: August 17, 2019
Pricing: Free
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 22, 2019
Pricing: Free
This unconference event will be focused on getting ready to go Back to School! Educators, community members, and students are encouraged to attend for a FREE day of learning, sharing and growing. Participants will decide what topics will be presented when they arrive. Together we will build a session board of topics that meet our needs and interests. Looking forward to learning with you!
Location: Sommerville, NJ
Date: August 27, 2019
Pricing: Free
Local Workshops & Conferences
2019 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 gathered for this important and stimulating dialogue. 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: Holmdel, NJ
Dates: June 14, 2019
Pricing: $35
SB Summer Technology & Learning Conference 2019
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.
Location: South Brunswick, NJ
Dates: June 27, 2019
Pricing: $25
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: June 24 - August 2, 2019, various dates
Pricing: FREE
Foreign Language Educators of NJ Summer Refresher 2019
FLENJ invites World Languages teachers to embrace “Peace - Love - Language” 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: Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
Dates: August 15, 2019
Pricing: $35-$85
TeachMeet is an unconference. Tech unconferences are fast moving, tech sharing, friend making, never boring gatherings of people sharing web 2.0 tools for education.TeachMeets consist of 20-minute tech sessions. This means 2 sessions per hour which help to keep the day moving.
Location: Beachwood,NJ
Dates: August 15, 2019
Pricing: Free
Alexander Technique for Educators
After juggling teaching and family responsibilities all school-year, many educators can use a mini-retreat like that offered by the American Society for the Alexander Technique (AmSAT), a New York-based organization committed to teacher health, productivity, and well-being. The organization expands awareness of the functioning of your nervous system, muscular system, and skeletal system, thereby promoting poise and balance in one's life. Join this day of self-restoration, while enjoying interactive & inclusive Alexander Technique principles, games and activities.
Location: Columbia University New York, NY
Dates: June 28, 2019
Pricing: Free
Introduction to Active Learning in STEM (For High School Teachers)
Looking to make math and science more fun and interesting to students? Look no further than this Active Learning in STEM workshop scheduled for this summer. High school teachers will increase their ability to facilitate student-centered approaches to active learning in STEM. From modeling and using multiple representations in problem-solving to curriculum design and facilitating discourse, there is so much planned to enhance one's teaching of STEM subjects at the high school level.
Location: Columbia University New York, NY
Dates: July 30, 2019
Pricing: Free
National Conferences
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: Atlanta, GA
Dates: June 21-22, 2019
Pricing: $200
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: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Dates: June 23 - 26, 2019
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: Houston, Texas
Dates: July 1-2, 2019
Pricing: $150
2019 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: Orlando, Florida
Dates: June 25-27, 2019
Pricing: $463 - $529
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: June 22, 2019
Pricing: $99
NCSM Math Leadership Academy 2019
Join Math educators from around the country for a two-day leadership academy 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: Madison, Wisconsin
Dates: July 22-24, 2019
Pricing: $425-$525
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.
