9 Must-Attend Education Conferences for NJ Teachers & Leaders | Fall 2020 Edition
Education organizations across the state of New Jersey and beyond have planned a variety of learning events for the fall. As in previous years, Rutgers Alternate Route at the Center for Effective School Practices 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; AND ALL ARE VIRTUAL! A select few may require financial investment from your district. Find something that suits your budget, schedule and professional interests below.
These 9 primarily free and low-cost conferences are perfect for NJ teachers and educators looking to advance their PD this fall.
New Jersey Conferences
Third Annual New Jersey Convening on Diversifying the Teacher Workforce Virtual Conference
The New Jersey Department of Education, Rutgers University and New Jersey Association of Colleges for Teacher Education are collaborating on the 3rd Annual New Jersey Diversifying the Teacher Workforce Virtual Convening. Join principals, district leaders, policymakers and the higher education community to examine practices for increasing the number of Black and Latinx candidates in New Jersey's teacher pipeline.
Date: October 7, 14, 21, & 28, 2020 (Wednesdays 3-5 p.m.)
Pricing: Free
NJSBA, NJASA and NJASBO are hosting their annual Workshop conference this coming October. While there will be no slot machines or blackjack tables, you can still bet on an amazing professional learning and networking experience. The theme for this year’s conference is, "Imagine. Create Lead,” which is a call to use this period of uncertainty to create and expand achievement opportunities for all students. The conference will offer training, networking and events for district leaders, school technology professionals, school facilities managers and staff, and curriculum professionals.
Date: October 20 – 22, 2020
Pricing: $199 per person
Lake Conference for K-8 Physical Education
NJAHPERD has partnered with Flaghouse to sponsor a virtual learning experience addressing the needs of Health & Physical Educators. Learn how to foster student growth by adapting your planned lessons for health and P.E into virtual and blending learning experiences. Dress in comfortable clothing and be prepared to participate in fun, fitness exercises in the familiar setting of your own home.
Date: October 18, 2020
Pricing: $25
New Jersey Science Teachers Association and New Jersey Science Education Leadership Association will be hosting their 43rd Annual Convention from the cloud this fall. This year’s theme is “2020 - Science: The Key to the Future” Still planned as a two-day learning adventure, this convention offers a wide variety of sessions of interest for educators in all levels and disciplines of science. A modest number of vendors of science books, supplies, and equipment will also be in attendance.
Date: October 17 & 18, 2020
Pricing: $19
NJPSA Celebrating Our Resilience
There'll be no oceanfront resort stays this year, but school leaders can still ride the waves of professional growth. Join NJPSA and hundreds of principals and supervisors from across the state for this premier gathering of school leaders. Set your background to display the beach setting of your choice and indulge in the numerous training sessions and plentiful networking opportunities planned for this virtual event.
Date: October 14-16, 2020
Pricing: $295 for Members
EdCamps & Unconferences
No masks are required for the passionate educators who will descend upon the cloud to participate in EdCamp Lead. Be a part of this historic virtual gathering of education leaders who will be discussing K-12 education issues and ideas in a gallery of squares. Share and learn innovative strategies, ideas, and challenges during this half day of connected teaching and learning.
Date: October 3, 2020
Pricing: Free
This EdCamp needs two days to pack in all the professional resources and information that it's participants will share. Focused on ESL and Bilingual Education, this virtual gathering will feature a variety of sessions addressing equity issues and distance learning. Do not miss the opportunity to stock your toolkit or grow your professional learning network at this important theme-focused Edcamp.
Date: October 3 & 17, 2020
Pricing: Free
National Conferences
2020 Annual Learning Forward Conference
Learning Forward’s 2020 Annual Conference invites all educators to join colleagues, inspiring practitioners, and thought leaders online to learn new strategies and methods. Learn from well-known educators, Zaretta Hammond and Valerie Kinloch about how to address the most pressing issues for education leaders including improving virtual and in-person instruction, social-emotional learning, culturally responsive pedagogy and more.
Dates: December 6-8, 2020
Pricing: TBD
2020 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 numerous 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 during this online gathering for language learning professionals.
Dates: November 20-22, 2020
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.
