27 Must-Attend Education Conferences for Teachers in New Jersey

Summer wrapping up is the perfect time for New Jersey teachers to start thinking about how to best conquer the upcoming school year. Consider leveling up your teaching by registering for professional development workshops. In commitment to supporting New Jersey teachers, Rutgers Alternate Route is always seeking opportunities to assist your professional growth and provide you with the tools you need to excel in your classrooms. Below is a well-curated list of 27 must-attend education conferences for teachers in New Jersey, hosted by state-based professional associations, local universities, and grassroots education groups.

Our list includes primarily free, low-cost conferences that are perfect for New Jersey teachers and educators looking to advance their professional development this fall, as well as a couple of national options for those looking to do a little travel. The conferences touch on a variety of topics from instructional strategies and leadership development to exploring new teaching methods. You'll find something that suits your budget, schedule, and professional interests. While some of the events may require a financial investment from your district, we have included options that are accessible to educators with varying budgets.

Environmental Educator's Conference - NJ School of Conservation
Price: $TBD
Date: September 20, 2024, 8:30  am – 4:30 pm
Location: 1 Wapalanne Road, Sandyston,  NJ

Description: Don't miss out on this chance to learn, network, and have fun at the NJ School of Conservation. Attending the Open House provides a great opportunity to learn about the NJ School of Conservation's programs and resources, connect with other educators, and gain new ideas for your teaching. Teachers will participate in several of the most popular field experiences, including Nature Art & Poetry with a climate change emphasis, Metalsmithing, Water Ecology, Archery, smore-making, and more fun activities. Register now for the Environmental Educators' Autumn Conference and discover the possibilities of outdoor education for students.

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics 
Price: $261 - $310 
Date: September 25 – 28, 2024
Location: Chicago

Description: Math lovers everywhere have been waiting for this premier event for math educators. Whether you're new to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) or a seasoned veteran, there is something for you at the conference. Learn about all the new, innovative practices and resources this year's meeting is showcasing while networking with other attendees. Get a head start on the conference experience by learning to navigate presentations and use the conference app prior to attending.

Introduction to Project Based Learning (PBLs)
Price: Free
Date: Thursday, September 26, 2024
Location: ​ Bernardsville, NJ

Description: Project-based learning (PBL) is a dynamic teaching method that immerses students in real-world projects, fostering deeper, more meaningful learning experiences. This conference will introduce educators to the core principles and best practices of PBL, with a particular emphasis on creating cross-curricular units through collaboration among teachers from various disciplines. Participants will work in teams to start planning interdisciplinary PBL units, which they can implement in their classrooms. The conference is intentionally designed to promote peer learning, ensuring that attendees leave with practical tools and a solid framework for designing engaging, cross-curricular PBL units that enhance student learning.

Social-Emotional Character Development
Price: Free 
Date: September 26, 2024, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Location: New Jersey Law Center, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Description: Educators need to foster an environment that not only prioritizes academic excellence but also champions the emotional and social well-being of students. This training provided by the New Jersey State Bar Foundation explores how to integrate the five competencies of social and emotional learning into the school setting: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Participants won't merely receive theoretical insights; they'll be equipped with practical strategies to implement into their daily classroom practices. Educators will learn to incorporate these core SEL concepts into the classroom through lessons, journaling, and habits.

SOAP Outreach 
Price: Free
Date: September 28, 2024, 9:00 am- 3:00 pm 
Location: 3711 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City 

Description: The SOAP Outreach Atlantic County event is poised to make a significant impact on the local community by raising awareness about human trafficking. This comprehensive program combines expert-led training with hands-on outreach, empowering participants to become active agents in the fight against this pervasive issue. By educating attendees on the signs of trafficking and equipping them with practical skills, the event creates a network of informed citizens who can help identify and report potential cases. The outreach component, where teams visit local hotels and motels to distribute awareness materials, directly engages with businesses that may unknowingly be sites of trafficking activity. This grassroots approach not only spreads crucial information but also fosters a sense of community responsibility in combating human trafficking. Ultimately, the event catalyzes increased vigilance and action among Atlantic County residents, potentially leading to the prevention of trafficking incidents and the rescue of victims.

NJAEYC Family Child Care Conference 
Price: $25 
Date: October 5, 2024  8:00 am - 3:30 pm
Location: HIlton Meadowlands: 2 Meadowlands Plaza, East Rutherford, NJ 

Description: The 2024 Family Child Care Conference, a dynamic and enriching event designed to empower and inspire family child care providers across New Jersey! This year's conference, themed "Cultivating Excellence in Family Child Care," promises to be an invaluable opportunity for professional growth, networking, and celebration of the vital role you play in shaping young minds. Join us on October 5, 2024, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Hamilton, NJ, for a day filled with engaging workshops, thought-provoking keynote speakers, and the chance to connect with fellow educators and industry experts. Whether you're a seasoned provider or just starting your journey in family child care, this conference offers something for everyone, from cutting-edge educational strategies to practical business insights. Don't miss this chance to elevate your skills, expand your knowledge, and be part of a supportive community dedicated to excellence in early childhood education.

7th Annual New Jersey Convening for Diversifying the Teacher Workforce
Price: $25 provides access to all weeks 
Date: October 8, and 15, 2024 Virtual 4- 5:15 pm / October 22, 2024, In Person 8:00 am- 2:00 pm 
Location: Zoom and Rowan University  

Description: New Jersey's Convening for Diversifying the Teacher Workforce is back for a 6th year, and its host this year is Georgian Court University. Similar to last year, the event will be a hybrid offering starting with two virtual sessions and culminating in a day-long in-person session on November 2nd. This year's theme is "Retaining a Diverse Workforce: Teachers are Talking. Are You Listening?" The event aims to elevate our collective understanding of what it takes to create and sustain a teacher workforce that reflects the cultural and linguistic diversity of New Jersey students.

LGBTQ+ Educators - Out and Proud at School
Price: Free
Date: Oct 9, 2024- Dec 11, 2024
Location: Online

Description: The GLSEN Intentional Inclusion PD Series offers training for schools and organizations focused on promoting racial, gender, and disability justice. Available in-person or virtually, it covers topics like identifying exclusion based on racism, ableism, and transphobia, using gender-inclusive language, and leading discussions on inclusion. The series provides educators with legal rights information, best practices, LGBTQ+-affirming resources, and support for student-led GSA clubs, helping create more inclusive school environments.

Using AI to Increase your Efficiency and Effectiveness in your Classroom/School 
Price: $100
Date: Wednesday, October 9 2024
Location: ​ Rutgers Lifelong Learning Center, New Brunswick, NJ
Description: This program offers educators a hands-on workshop to learn practical AI tools and techniques for increasing efficiency and effectiveness in the classroom. Teachers can learn key features including time-saving AI tricks like email summarization, AI tools specifically designed for educators, ethical and efficient use of AI in education, and immediately applicable skills to streamline workflows. The goal of the workshop is to help teachers leverage AI to reduce mundane tasks and focus more on impactful teaching and learning.

Center for Historical Analysis 
Stipend: $200
Date: October 9, 16, and 23, 2024; 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM each day
Location: ​ Virtual via Zoom

Description: Get paid to learn! The Central NJ CS Education Hub offers free professional development workshops for New Jersey teachers, covering grades K-12, with a $200 stipend for full participation. For K-5 educators, workshops focus on topics like networks and the internet, physical computing through robotics, and effective CS teaching strategies. For grades 6-12, sessions include an introduction to Java programming and incorporating cybersecurity into the curriculum. Workshops are available both online and in-person, with limited seats, so early application, RSVP, and full attendance are required. Partner districts receive priority access. Upcoming sessions will explore drones, data visualization with Arduino, and more.

High School Teachers Institute
Price: $35
Date: October 11, 2024, Nov 1, 15, 
Location: Central NJ Computer Science Education Workshops

Description: The High School Teachers Institute's conference offers a series of engaging workshops led by Rutgers University professors, aimed at enriching educators' understanding of significant historical and cultural topics. Teachers will have the option to choose between 4 different sessions each covering a range of subjects, from the evolution of childhood and family dynamics in American history to the complex historical backdrop of Jane Austen's literary world. Participants will also explore the far-reaching impacts of the Crusades on European society and the enduring legacy of the Mongol Empire in shaping modern nations. These workshops are designed to provide high school teachers with deeper insights and fresh perspectives that they can bring back to their classrooms

New Jersey Science Convention
Price: $150- $230 
Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2024 – Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Location: ​Princeton Marriott at Forrestal, Princeton, NJ

Description: 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.

Arts Educators of New Jersey
Price: $150 - $300
Date: October 17 - 18 , 2024  7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Location: The Westin at Forrestal Village in Princeton, NJ

Description: The Annual Arts Educators of New Jersey (AENJ) Fall Conference returns, focusing on creativity and exploration in education. This year’s theme, "Kaleidoscope: Perspective is Everything," emphasizes the value of diverse viewpoints in shaping our profession. The conference features inspiring keynotes, special guests, and hands-on workshops. Sessions will cover key topics like the new NJSLS, student engagement, curriculum development, teacher burnout, DEI, SEL, and supporting all learners. Led by AENJ members and other educational leaders, these sessions offer practical strategies for classroom implementation. Don’t miss this chance to connect with peers and explore the power of art in education.      

NJPSA/FEA/NJASCD Fall Conference
Pricing: $198 & Up
Location:  Ocean Casino Resort Atlantic City, NJ
Date: October 16 – 18, 2024

Description: Ready to illuminate? If so, don't miss the chance to join NJPSA, NJASCD, and hundreds of principals and supervisors from across the state for this premier gathering of school leaders. Hear from dynamic keynote presenters like best-selling author Dr. Jamila Dugan and enjoy numerous training sessions and ample networking opportunities at this in-person event. With a variety of registration options available, you can choose what best suits you and get ready to illuminate the path towards excellence in your school community!

Northeast Tech & Learning Regional Leadership Summit
Price: Free
Date: October 18, 2024 @ 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Location: Rutgers University Inn and Conference Center, New Brunswick, NJ

Description: Attention Instructional and Tech Leaders, CAOs, and Superintendents: Join us at Rutgers-New Brunswick for the Tech & Learning Regional Leadership Summit! This free event offers inspiring sessions, actionable insights, and networking opportunities. Register by September 22, 2024, and Tech & Learning will cover a two-night stay at the Rutgers University Inn and Conference Center for approved district administrators. Don’t miss this chance to shape the future of education—register now!

NJ Council for the Social Studies Conference
Price: $90-100
Date: Monday, October 21, 2024
Location: Busch Student Center at Rutgers

Description: 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. Join this professional journey by attending the NCSS Fall Conference!

NJASA and NJASBO Annual Conference
Pricing: $550 per person 
Date: October 21 – 24, 2024
Location: Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, NJ

Description: NJASA and NJASBO are excited to host their annual conference this October, themed "Today's Students, Tomorrow's Superheroes." 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.

Understanding HIB Characteristics
Price: Free 
Date: October 22, 2024 
Location: Zoom 

Description: Provided by the New Jersey State Bar Foundation, this workshop will help educators meet their requirements. Participants will enhance their ability to identify and effectively address harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) incidents. They will explore specific HIB language, the difference between conflict and bullying, and strategies to prevent HIB by addressing bias. Additionally, they will improve their skills in identifying key characteristics when completing HIB reports and gain valuable knowledge to create safer and more inclusive learning environments for students.

Creating Change Arts Trustee Anti-Racism Learning Cohort 
Price: $75 per person 
Date: October 23, 2024  
Location: Count Basie Center of the Arts 

Description: The New Theatre Alliance is hosting its annual Creating Change 2024 conference at the Count Basie Center for the Arts. This year's event will feature powerful keynote experiences led by somatic healing facilitator Cassandra Lam and multi-disciplinary artist and disability advocate Sofiya Cheyenne. Through engaging workshops, thought-provoking discussions, and invaluable networking opportunities, attendees will gain new perspectives and practical strategies for disrupting the status quo, engaging diverse communities, and imagining a more equitable and vibrant future for the arts in New Jersey. Take advantage of this chance to connect with peers, expand your skill set, and help shape positive change in our cultural landscape. Register today to secure your spot at this not-to-be-missed event!

Annual Autism-NJ Conference
Price: $200
Date: October 24 -25, 2024
Location: ​ Atlantic City, NJ

Description: 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.

Association of Math Teachers of NJ (AMTNJ) PreK - 5
Price: $265.00 (members), $295.00 (non-members)
Date: October 25th, 2024, 8:00 am - 3:30 pm
Location: Brookdale Community College Lincroft, NJDescription: The AMTNJ 2024 conference gathers educators, scholars, and math enthusiasts to explore the latest in PreK-5 math education. This event features interactive workshops, keynote presentations, and networking opportunities. AMTNJ is also offering free annual memberships to undergraduate and graduate students planning to work or currently working as math teachers or in related roles.

Foreign Language Educators of NJ (FLENJ) (Building Students Intercultural Communication Skills) 
Price: $40
Date: October 24, 2024  8:30 am - 2:30 pm
Location: ​ NJPSA,  Monroe Twp, NJ

Description: This year’s conference theme is Building Students’ Intercultural Communication Skills. Participants will explore simple, straightforward strategies for building students’ intercultural communicative competence. Participants will practice a process for selecting authentic resources for both cultural and communicative value and will design tasks around those resources where students investigate cultural products, practices, and perspectives and interact through authentic scenarios in a culturally appropriate way. World Language classrooms should build a deeper and stronger sense of community; this conference supports that goal.

Reading Strategies: Essential Teaching for Every Classroom
Price: $180
Date: October 26, 9:30 am – 2:00 pm
Location: Rutgers Busch Student Center, Piscataway, NJ

Description: Reading with accuracy and fluency is a critical component of reading instruction, and this session will provide educators with the necessary tools and strategies to support reading development for their students. This session is ideal for educators who teach beginning readers or support older struggling readers. In addition to actionable strategies that you can implement immediately, participants also receive free resources they can use to support their teaching. No teacher should miss out on this opportunity to enhance their literacy teaching practice and support their students' reading success.

New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) Convention 2024
Date: Nov 7 – Nov 8, 2024
Location:  Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City NJ

Description:  The Atlantic City Boardwalk and casinos are just two good reasons to attend the NJEA Convention. The real highlights are the 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!

ACTFL 2024 Convention and World Languages Expo
Price: $150-350
Date: November 22-24, 2024
Location: ​ Pennsylvania Convention Center

Description: Curious why Sheryl Lee Ralph is delivering the keynote at the ACTFL 2024 Convention? Find out by attending! Hosted by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), this event features over 500 sessions and workshops, offering the latest insights and best practices in language teaching. Engage with more than 165 exhibitors showcasing innovative resources and explore interactive zones like the Social Media Lounge and Career Café. Sign up for an exciting and enriching celebration of world language education right in Philadelphia!  

EdCampNJ 2024
Price: Free
Date: November 16, 2024
Location: New Brunswick High School, New Brunswick, NJ

Description:  EdcampNJ is back! Unlike other education conferences in New Jersey, EdcampNJ is unique for its participant-driven approach and focus on empowering educators to lead their own learning. This event offers a chance to connect, collaborate, and engage in your own professional development. Whether you’ve been teaching for one year or 30, you can lead a session and contribute to the collective knowledge of New Jersey’s education community. Mark your calendar and join this engaging conference that puts educators at the forefront of their professional growth.

2024 Annual Learning Forward Conference
Price: $40
Date: December 8-11, 2024
Location: ​ Denver, CO

Description: 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 and sign up for Alternate Route’s monthly newsletter for more information and stories from the field of education.