24 Must-Attend Education Conferences for NJ Teachers | Fall 2018 Edition
Summer’s end is the perfect time to plan for the upcoming school year, and what better way to prepare than by registering for professional development workshops. Education organizations across the state of New Jersey have planned a variety of learning events for the Fall. As in previous years, the Rutgers Alternate Route Teacher Training Program has made it easy for New Jersey teachers to identify PD opportunities for the upcoming fall teaching season. The below list of offerings are hosted by state-based professional associations, local universities and grassroots education groups. The majority of workshops, conferences and trainings are free and low-cost. A select few may require financial investment from your district. Find something that suits your budget, schedule and professional interests below.
These 24 primarily free and low-cost conferences are perfect for NJ teachers and educators looking to advance their PD this Fall.
New Jersey Conferences
Engaging Every Child Workshop Conference
NJSBA, NJASA and NJASBO are hosting their annual Workshop conference this coming October at the Atlantic City Convention Center. The theme for this year’s workshop is, "Engaging Every Child" and helping them towards the path of success. Their workshop will offer training, networking and events for district leaders, school technology professionals, school facilities managers and staff, and curriculum professionals.
Location: Atlantic City, NJ
Dates: October 22-25, 2018
Pricing: $300
NJCTE Fall Conference: Approaches to Writing September 29
Join The New Jersey Council of Teachers of English (NJCTE) on Sept. 29, 2018 for a Fall conference at Kenneth R. Olson Middle School in Tabernacle, NJ. Engage in over 15 interactive and constructive sessions on approaches to writing for educators from the elementary to college level. The cost to attend is $25, which includes a light breakfast, boxed lunch and membership to NJCTE.
Location: Tabernacle, NJ
Dates: September 29, 2018
Pricing: $25
NJAHPERD has partnered with AtlantiCare to sponsor a full day workshop addressing the needs of Health & Physical Educators on Oct 19, 2018 at the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center. Learn how to foster student growth by integrating SEL competencies into health and P.E . Dress in comfortable clothing and be prepared to participate in fun, fitness exercises suitable for all abilities.
Location: Atlantic City, NJ
Date: October 19, 2018
Pricing: $25
Fall Conference 2018 (K-12 Social Studies Teachers)
On Monday, October 22, 2018, the NJ Council for Social Studies is hosting their Annual Conference at Busch Student Center, Rutgers University. The theme for this year’s workshop is, "The Times They Are a-Changin!". This daylong conference is geared towards K-12 Social Studies Teachers, and includes three hour-long workshops and a ‘business breakfast’ session.
Location: Atlantic City, NJ
Date: October 19, 2018
Pricing: TBD
New Jersey Science Teachers Association and New Jersey Science Education Leadership Association will be hosting their 42nd annual Convention from October 23 to 24 at the Princeton Marriott Forrestal. This year’s theme is ‘Bringing 21st Century Science Skills to the Classroom’. This two-day convention offers over seventy-five sessions of interest for educators in all levels and disciplines of science. Over fifty-five vendors of science books, supplies, and equipment will also be in attendance.
Location: Princeton Marriott Forrestal
Date: October 23 & 24, 2018
Pricing: TBD
RIISA Middle Grades Network Conference
Join monthly events hosted by RIISA Middle Grades Network, a consortium of schools and school districts. Dedicated to advancing equity and excellence in New Jersey schools, their conference events will feature leading educators such as Tonya D. Breland, CEO and Founder of TESO and Yasmin E. Hernandez-Manno. Their workshop sessions will focus on addressing teaching and student achievement challenges particular to students in grades 4-8.
Location: Somerset, NJ
Dates: September 27, 2018 | October 23, 2018
Pricing: $2,950 per Team of Five
The Color of Tech: A Conversation On Diversity & Innovation
Authentic Convos is hosting The Color of Tech Conference this September. With an interactive panel discussion, this event will raise awareness of career opportunities in tech and open up discussions on what it takes to launch and scale tech products.
Location: Hamilton Township, NJ
Dates: September 15, 2018
Pricing: $15+
All women are invite to Tech Up for Women, a one-day event for the advancement of women in technology through education, resourcing and networking. This event will focus on new technological advances, cyber security and different financing avenues for startups and privately held companies. The purpose of the event is to assure that women will not be disrupted by gender imbalance and can successfully compete for tech jobs.
Location: New York, NY
Dates: November 15, 2018
Pricing: $275+
EdCamps & Unconferences
EdCamp Long Island - 5th Annual - Oct 20, 2018 Join passionate educators from around the world at EdcampLI to discuss K-12 Education issues and ideas on October 20, 2018 at Mineola High School. Share and learn innovative strategies, ideas, and challenges during this day of connected teaching and learning.
Location: Mineola High School
Date: October 20, 2018
Pricing: Free
IHM Edcamp IHM EdCamp’s professional development themed event promises educators an exciting day of collaborative learning and dialogue. Happening October 27, 2018 at Villa Maria Academy, this event is designed to truly be teacher-led and teacher-driven.
Location: Villa Maria Academy Lower School
Date: October 27, 2018
Pricing: Free
EdCamp HAT EdCamp HAT is inviting K-12 educators to join them as both participants and presenters. This daylong event will include workshops related to the humanities, using technology in the classroom, student choice, student voice, problem-based learning, personalized learning, and reading and writing. Don’t miss this opportunity to interact with other educators and share your best teaching methods.
Location: High Point Regional High School
Date: October 13, 2018
Price: Free
EB EdCamp Exit 9 2018 EB EdCamp Exit 9 welcomes parents, community members, and educators to come together on October 6, 2018 and discuss innovative ways to spur student achievement. Their interactive and informative mini-sessions will give everyone an opportunity to interact and engage with their fellow educators.
Location: Hammarskjold Middle School
Date: Sat, October 6, 2018
Price: Free
Educators in Somerville School District are so eager for classes to start they're opening their doors August 28th. This advanced opening for mature audiences and students alike will feature an unconference event 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.
Location: Somerville High School
Date: August 28, 2018
Price: Free
Edcamp Newark, NJ BACK.TO.SCHOOL
Tis the season to head back to school! Educators in Newark are demonstrating their excitement about the start of new school year with plans for EdCampNewarkNJ. Be a part of this demonstration of teacher leadership, connectedness, collaboration and sharing at this 2nd Annual EdCamp hosted by educators for educators. Organizers promise that you will leave inspired and equipped to implement best equitable practices for responsive instruction for all students!
Location: Discovery Charter School
Date: September 22, 2018
Price: Free
When inspired educators come together, great things happen. That’s why Rewire was created. Sponsored by OnCourse, Rewire will bring 24 top educational minds from across the country together in Tabernacle, New Jersey to present on a cross-section of innovative, purposeful topics. What’s more?! You’re invited to attend for FREE! Food is provided for the day, and hotel rooms are available at a discounted rate through a partnership with Hilton. Register right away for a FREE seat and the lodging discount.
Location: Tabernacle, NJ
Date: Fri - Sat, October 6 -7, 2018
Price: Free
EB EdCamp Exit 9 welcomes parents, community members, and educators to come together on October 6, 2018 and discuss innovative ways to spur student achievement. Their interactive and informative mini-sessions will give everyone an opportunity to interact and engage with their fellow educators.
Location: Hammarskjold Middle School
Date: Sat, October 6, 2018
Price: Free
EdCamp HAT is inviting K-12 educators to join them as both participants and presenters. This daylong event will include workshops related to the humanities, using technology in the classroom, student choice, student voice, problem-based learning, personalized learning, and reading and writing. Don’t miss this opportunity to interact with other educators and share your best teaching methods.
Location: High Point Regional High School
Date: October 13, 2018
Price: Free
Join passionate educators from around the world at EdcampLI to discuss K-12 Education issues and ideas on October 20, 2018 at Mineola High School. Share and learn innovative strategies, ideas, and challenges during this day of connected teaching and learning.
Location: Mineola High School
Date: October 20, 2018
Pricing: Free
IHM EdCamp’s professional development themed event promises educators an exciting day of collaborative learning and dialogue. Happening October 27, 2018 at Villa Maria Academy, this event is designed to truly be teacher-led and teacher-driven.
Location: Villa Maria Academy Lower School
Date: October 27, 2018
Pricing: Free
National Conferences
Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship Program Conference Join 1199c training and upgrading fund at the Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship Conference in Philadelphia scheduled for September 20, 2018 from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Hear from exciting guest speakers and engage in professional development workshops led by Mary Alice McCarthy of New America, Marica Cox Mitchell of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, and more.
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Date: September 20, 2018
Price: $15+
2018 ASCD Conference on Educational Leadership Join fellow educators at this year's ASCD Conference taking place in Nashville, Tennessee. You will have the option to choose from 40 sessions organized by the learning tracks: School Climate and Culture, Social and Emotional Learning, Student Engagement and Motivation, and Underserved Populations. Gain access to effective resources and tools for creating effective, supportive, and engaging student learning environments.
Location: Nashville, TN
Date: November 1, 2018
Price: $236+
This November, Learning & the Brain is hosting a conference at Westin Copley Place Hotel with the theme “Reaching for Greatness: Using Brain Science to Unleash Potential, Passion, and Creative Talents in Students”. Renowned cognitive and psychological sciences researchers will be leading discussions on how to unlock the innate potential and talents of students so that they reach their full potential.
Location: Boston, MA
Dates: November 16-18, 2018
Pricing: $549+
2018 Annual Learning Forward Conference
Learning Forward’s 2018 Annual Conference invites all educators to join colleagues, inspiring practitioners, and thought leaders in Dallas, Texas to learn new strategies and methods. Learn from well-known educators, Margaret Wheatley and Glenn E. Singleton on how to address the most pressing issues for education leaders including improving instruction, social-emotional learning, culturally responsive pedagogy and more.
Location: Dallas, Texas
Dates: December 1-5, 2018
Pricing: TBD
2018 Annual Convention and World Languages Expo
The ACTFL Annual Convention and World Languages Expo would like to invite you engage in the world’s most comprehensive language education meeting. Participate in more than 800 educational sessions that focus on innovative programs, emerging trends that impact the language profession, and research-informed practices. Here you will find exhibitor sponsored workshops, the ACTFL Collab Zone, the Social Media Lounge, a Career Café, the ACTFL Confer-station Corner, and much more. Take your skills to the next level and join colleagues from around the world at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans
Location: New Orleans, LA
Dates: November 16-18, 2018
Pricing: $210+
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.
