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2022 NJPSA/FEA/NJASCD Conference: Celebrate

Workshop Strands

We have a great lineup of strand-based sessions that focus on leading and learning in today’s education world designed by a select group of educational leaders and experts. The session strands are listed below.

  • Arts Integration
  • Climate and Culture
  • Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction (C, A, I)
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
  • Family and Community Partnerships (PARTNERSHIPS)
  • Future of Learning/Technology Integration
  • Leadership for Learning (LEADERSHIP)
  • Professional Learning Communities (PLCS)
  • SEL, Wellness, and Mental Health
  • Supporting All Learners (SEL)

 

Workshop Sessions

Thursday, March 24

11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Session #1 Workshops
Featuring a special workshop with George Couros

Special Presentation: Creating Blended Learning Environments – George Corous, Innovative Teaching, Learning, and Leadership Consultant and speaker and the author of “The Innovator’s Mindset” and “Innovate Inside the Box” and co-owner of IMPress Books

An online component should not be “blended”, but the norm in our classrooms. In our world that is extremely connected and digital, learning to create different opportunities to use online resources is extremely helpful for creating innovative learning environments that really tap into and create a true learning community. In this session, ideas will be shared to build upon for your own classrooms using different online mediums that are “real world” for our students. – Room: Salon D – Strand: DEI

Making Culturally Responsive Connections that Matter – George Jackson, Educational Leader and FEA Consultant

Cultural proficiency is a critical prerequisite for building culturally responsive school environments. As New Jersey’s student population grows in diversity, it is incumbent upon educators increase their capacity to understand and respond to students and their families. During this 60-minute session, participants will explore culturally responsive practices for educators. – Room: Tides C

Basics of Bargaining Your Contract – Bob Murphy, Assistant Executive Director, NJPSA; Robert M. Schwartz, Chief Legal Counsel, NJPSA; NJPSA Legal Team

This workshop is designed to review the steps and process a local unit needs to do to prepare for negotiations. Items will include developing your proposal, establishing the ground rules for negotiations, identifying the negotiation team, to use/not use a field rep, the memorandum of agreement and ratifying the contract. This is a good session for members who are new officers and/or serving on a negotiation team for the first time. (Veteran members welcome). – Room: Tides A

Hot Issues in School Law – LEGAL ONE attorneys and members of NJPSA's Legal Team

This session will review the latest developments in school law, including a review of recent case law and recently enacted statutes. Participants will learn about major revisions to New Jersey’s Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights, school security drill law, new instructional requirements and major case law affecting student and staff member First Amendment rights. – Room: Aqua A/B (Water Club)

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Session #2 Workshops

What Do You Want to Learn? Designing Classroom Experiences that Ignite and Excite (Inquisitive Learning K - 8) – Sarah Pauch - Math, Science, Technology, and PE/Health Supervisor, Readington Township; Sharon Moffat, Principal, Readington Middle School, Readington Township; Kristen Higgins, Principal, Three Bridges School, Readington Township

Students eagerly engage in school when they drive the topics and mechanisms for their learning. Inquiry-based learning is not a technique or practice. It is a process that involves questioning, problem-solving, communication skills, collaboration, and student choice. This session will walk you through the steps in creating a learning process that will grab the attention and ignite an intellectual spark in your primary through middle school students. – Room: Studio 1 – Strand: C, A, I

Reimagining School Climate & Culture: Lessons Learned from the Pandemic – Dr. Robin L. Moore, Principal / NJPSA Immediate Past President Galloway Township; Jennifer Rushton; Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Greater Egg Harbor Regional School District

The culture and climate of a school speaks to its character, its ability to accomplish the school’s academic goals and should reflect a convivial atmosphere and inclusivity. Whether operating in-person or virtually, school leaders must address and be cognizant of the how societal changes effect school culture, climate and achievement. This workshop will address the processes of establishing or maintaining an effective, convivial and inclusive school culture and climate by examining leadership on all levels, parental involvement, acknowledging diversity, and effectively preparing teachers for delivering instruction that works. – Room: Waves A/B – Strand: CLIMATE AND CULTURE

High School: It’s Not Just About the Grades – Ms. Allison Staffin, Assistant Principal, Cherry Hill High School West; Kwame Morton, Principal, Cherry Hill High School West

Our students must see themselves, their value and potential in all that they do. Research has pointed to the value of relationships in helping students to deal with school related stress and anxiety. We have committed that no child in our hallways, classrooms, and building will be invisible to us. We will focus on what this work looks like at High School West and what can be done in your own buildings. – Room: Luna A – Strand: DEI

Moving the Equity Conversation to Action – Heather Moran, Principal, Logan Township Middle School; George Guy, Principal, Cherry Hill Middle School; George Jackson, Educational Leader and FEA Consultant

The Equity in Action Academy endeavors to Deepen leaders’ knowledge and skills to use and adapt social justice practices to increase system-wide equitable outcomes for all learners. The Academy helps leaders identify a reasonable Problem of Practice (PoP) and receive critical feedback on possible solutions to create an avenue for developing a theory of change and an action plan to resolve issues while and using evidence of impact to assess implementation measures of the PoP which will create a small improvement that can be scaled across the system. – Room: Studio 4 – Strand: DEI

The Principal as Instructional Coach – Tom Conroy, Principal, Brookside Elementary School, Westwood Regional

Principals are asked to do now more than ever. Now with Learning Acceleration at the forefront of leading our schools, the school leader needs to be able to influence the quality of learning in their schools. Being a “coach” can allow today’s leader to combine evaluation, management, and being an instructional leader! This workshop will focus on higher levels of effectiveness and the principles of instructional coaching to support school improvement. – Room: Aqua A – Strand: LEADERSHIP

Your School Counselor & You: Perfect Together – Jessica Smedley - Director of School Counseling, Hillsborough Township Public Schools

Come learn how nurturing the principal-school counselor relationship can help a building grow and thrive! Principals will learn how working collaboratively with their school counselor(s) can result in better outcomes for students. We’ll discuss partnering with school counselors on equity and access initiatives, climate and culture, and social emotional learning. Hear from a principal and school counselor who have partnered on a plethora of community-building and achievement-oriented goals for students, staff, and the school community. – Room: Aqua B – Strand: LEADERSHIP

Why Communication Is the Key to Effective Leadership – Frank Riley, Asst. Superintendent Leadership & Innovation, Long Branch Public Schools; Nicole Esposito, Director of Curriculum, Planning, & Teacher Development, Long Branch Public Schools

Have you ever worked in or visited a school where everyone seemed to be on the same page? From your first interaction with Front Office Staff, to the way that students are walking in the halls, and, maybe most importantly, the manner in which teachers are implementing the school vision in their classrooms – Have you ever stopped to ask how everything became so aligned and connected? In this 60 minute presentation, 2 veteran Administrators will share their tips for success when it comes to creating and maintaining a positive culture. They will detail how the secret to this lies in how communication occurs with all stakeholders on a daily basis. By the end of this session, attendees will be table to take with them strategies on how they can start to change culture and climate just by simply looking at their methods of communication. – Room: Tides C – Strand: PARTNERSHIPS

Fostering a Trauma Informed Environment in Post-Pandemic Preschool Classroom – Rebecca Montgomery, Principal, Early Childhood Learning Center, Freehold; Randi Goetke, Teacher, Early Childhood Learning Center, Freehold

Tantrums, dysregulation, and under-developed social skills plague the students that began preschool this year following the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools received students that presented with increasingly challenging behaviors due to inconsistent school, lack of structure, and limited social interactions as a result of the pandemic. This program will share a road map for how one public preschool successfully received students and provided training to staff to minimize the effects of trauma on students from the pandemic. – Room: Luna B – Strand: SEL

NJTSS Infusing SEL & Mental Health Supports District Wide – Dr. Paul Barbato, Director of Special Services, Dumont Public Schools

Learn about creative ways to infuse SEL and mental health supports within a restorative practice model that incorporates innovative and collaborative efforts with teachers, educational specialists, administrators, and outside organizational affiliations to support NJTSS. – Room: Tides B – Strand: SEL

Personal Learning Hour: Catering to Diverse Student Needs – Melissa Pepe Brause, 6th Grade Language Arts & Social Studies Teacher, Upper Saddle River School District; Erika Zeccardi, K-8 Instructional Coach, Upper Saddle River School District

Personal Learning Hour is a unique approach to enhance instruction and maximize engagement. It empowers students in learning through goal setting, time management, and more! Teachers become facilitators versus sole providers of knowledge, allowing students to gain transferable skills to many aspects of learning. This session focuses on the rationale, implantation, and turn key resources for Personal Learning Hour. The opportunity to get students excited about and invested in what they learn cannot be missed! – Room: Studio 2 – Strand: SUPPORTING ALL LEARNERS

Assessment Overhaul: Utilizing research to support a collaborative decision-making process – Kristina Bormann - Response to Intervention Teacher, Metuchen Public Schools; Meghan Jeney, Response to Intervention Teacher, Metuchen Public Schools; Natalie Franzi Dougherty - Supervisor of Elementary Education, K12 Instructional Technology & K12 ELL, Metuchen Public Schools

Our schools have transformed into data driven systems, but are we assessing the right things? This was a question that one school examined as we audited our ELA assessment practices through a collaborative decision-making process. Learn how we empowered Teacher Leaders at Campbell Elementary School to plan and implement changes aligned with research, all in the midst of a pandemic. – Room: Studio 3 – Strand: C,A, I

NJDOE Update

Come hear the latest news and initiatives of the NJDOE concerning key issues including Assessment, Certification, StaffingInitiatives, and Student Programs! Key leaders at the NJ Department of Education from the Divisions of Teaching and Learning, Educational Services and Field Support and Services will update NJPSA members on current news, initiatives and priorities for the remainder of this school year. NJPSA Government Relations Director, Debra Bradley, will moderate the panel discussion. NJPSA members will have the opportunity to ask questions after initial NJDOE remarks in these three core NJDOE areas of operations. Invited speakers include:

  • Acting Assistant Commissioner Mackey Pendergast, Division of Teaching and Learning Services
  • Assistant Commissioner Kathleen Ehling, Division of Educational Services
  • Assistant Commissioner Dr. Jorden Schiff, Division of Field Support and Services

– Room: Tides A

Legislative Action Lab

Stop by NJPSA’s Government Relations Legislative Action Lab to learn more about the legislative process, the state budget process, NJPSA’s advocacy efforts in Trenton, what the NJPSA PAC is all about, and what the hot topics are under the Golden Dome right now! – Room: Boardroom 1 on Event Side

Thursday, March 24

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Session #3 Workshops

Addressing Students Mental Health Post Pandemic – Dr. Lisa Della Vecchia, Director of Student Services, Delran Public Schools; Shannon Kemp, Supervisor of Special Education, Delran Public Schools

Schools were unsure and uneasy about students returning full time after the pandemic. Although Delran was providing in-person learning all year for the 2020-2021 school year, many students chose an all remote option for a year and a half. In order to combat some of the concerns the district was collecting data on, as addressed in our district-wide mental health committee, Delran developed a school-specific, comprehensive, universal screening programming for social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health issues for students. Universal screening is a commonly used tier one practice to identify students with tier two and three behavioral or mental health needs. Delran implemented a targeted universal screen or mental health check in system for a district wide universal screening program for social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health issues. The multi-tiered system of supports offers students a range of mental health services provided by the district guidance team. With the help of one additional mental health grant, the district is able to service students in-school to support their mental, emotional and behavioral needs comprehensively. – Room: Studio 1 – Strand: SEL

Sharing Your Story Utilizing Social Media and Branding in the Digital Age – Scott Passner, Principal, North Brunswick Township Schools

This class will explore ways educational leaders are developing brands that promote your school community in the digital world. We explore structure and foundations that will impact the way your message is shared with your various stakeholders. The attendees will explore the tools utilized to successfully promote your brand to your staff, families, and community members. – Room: Studio 2 – Strand: PARTNERSHIPS

How Can School Leaders Promote Writing Across the Curriculum? – Kim Tucker, Adjunct Professor & Consultant, Stockton University

When everyone teachers writing, everyone wins. Writing is still the basis for almost all core academic subjects. Today’s students demonstrate learning using different media, but they are all based in written communication. Writing instruction remains primarily the domain of the English Language Arts teachers. This session will provide strategies for school leaders to use to promote writing across the curriculum. – Room: Studio 3 – Strand: LEADERSHIP

Using Smart Goals to Amplify Student Voice – Emily Bonilla, Asst. Principal, Essex County; Donald M. Payne Sr. School of Technology, Essex County Schools of Technology

One of the most powerful tools available to influence academic achievement is helping students feel they have a stake in their learning. Research has shown that the more educators give their students choice, control, challenge, and opportunities for collaboration, the more their motivation and engagement are likely to rise. Many times schools and educational leaders can provide the opportunities for student voice activities, but how do take it one step further to develop our future leaders and shape our school culture? In this session, we will explore the SMART GOALS framework when applied to student voice and activism that will lead to more engagement and student led action within your school community. – Room: Studio 4 – Strand: DEI

School/Family Literacy Program Beginning at Birth – Diane Joyce MA.Ed, Principal of Carson Elementary School, Pennsauken Public Schools; Tara Barnstead M.Ed, EdD.; dfS Reading Specialist of Carson Elementary School, Pennsauken Public School

This session will share a unique and powerful prototype for enhancing your school’s Family Engagement which can be fully supported by Title IV funds. This prototype capitalizes on the literacy and cognitive potential of children by forming partnerships with caregivers during the years when critical brain development occurs: birth through age four. Join us to learn how you can establish and maintain a Family Engagement Program designed to make a significant impact on learning. – Room: Aqua A – Strand: PARTNERSHIP

Emerging Better than Before: Reshaping School Norms and Expectations through Authentic SEL – Erinn Mahoney, Principal, Barclay Brook School, Monroe Township; Maggie Fidura, Assistant Principal, Barclay Brook School, Monroe Township

As we emerge from a global pandemic, there is an immediate need to reestablish school norms and behavioral expectations. The use of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) coupled with authentic SEL instruction allows students the ability to develop the social and emotional competencies needed to meet behavioral expectations. This presentation will showcase our school’s journey in combining PBIS and target SEL instruction to create a positive school climate and culture for students and staff. – Room: Aqua B – Strand: SEL

Post Pandemic PLC’s – John Fritzky, Superintendent, Byram School District; Tracey Severns, Former Mount Olive Middle School Principal and Chief Academic Officer for the NJDOE

Are teachers in your school overwhelmed by how the pandemic has changed your students? From unwanted behaviors to unfinished learning, many teachers are feeling overwhelmed by the needs of their students. In this interactive session, we will provide a step-by-step playbook on how to use PLCs to support teachers, address students’ needs, and improve your school. Specific examples of how the Byram School District has used PLCs to rebound from the pandemic will be shared. – Room: Tides C – Strand: PLCS

Animal Assisted Therapy in the Classroom-a Working Model for Schools – Lenore M. Kingsmore, Principal, Henry Hudson Regional School; Sam Angona, Supervisor of Special Services, Highlands Tri-District

Henry Hudson Regional School in Highlands has been transformed by having a therapy dog in its halls for the past eight years. Students with disabilities and the entire student body gain through the therapeutic benefits from having their own dog in their school. “Hudson”, our therapy dog, enables students to read better, focus more in class, improves attendance and improves social and emotional wellness. This session will enable a principal to begin their own program. – Room: Tides B – Strand: SUPPORTING ALL LEARNERS

Cultivating a Culture of Thinking & Wonder Through Making, Metacognition and Moments! – Jeanne Muzi, Principal, Slackwood Elementary School, Lawrence Township Public Schools

Planting the seeds of curiosity and cultivating critical thinking are two of the most important goals for elementary educators since these competencies must be well-established as students head into middle school, high school and beyond. In this session participants will learn ways to capitalize on Making and Makerspace hubs to build connections throughout content areas with cross-curricular experiences while developing students’ abilities to reflect and problem solve. All attendees will leave with a creativity action plan! – Room: Tides A – Strand: C, A, I

A Supportive Framework for Integrating Sustainability into Instruction and Operations – Véronique Lambert, Schools Program Coordinator, Sustainable Jersey; Erica DeMichele, K-12 Supervisor of Science, Technology, Engineering, Sustainability and Co-STEM, Delran Township Public Schools

Learn about this free certification program for New Jersey public schools that offers how-to guidance, grants, and other resources to advance sustainability in all sectors of a school district. New program initiatives include climate change education, food waste management, and digital learning. Get a view into how one district effectively mobilizes resources to support sustainability and gain certification for all of its schools. – Room: Waves A/B – Strand: C, A, I

ScIP to Success – Tracey Marinelli, Superintendent, Little Falls Township Public Schools; Jill Castaldo, Principal, Little Falls Township Public Schools; Nicole Dilkes, Principal /Curriculum Coordinator; Tiffany Sellitto, Grade 3 teacher at School 3, Little Falls Township Public Schools; Lynn Donovan, Language Arts Teacher, Little Falls Township Public Schools

One of the easiest ways to increase positive culture and climate is to make sure everyone has a seat at the table. High functioning ScIP (School Improvement Panel) Committees can not only create an environment where teachers and staff feel valued and supported but also focus on staff self-care and professional development. Learn how to empower teachers to celebrate best practices, share professional development, and ScIP to success. – Room: Luna B – Strand: CLIMATE AND CULTURE

One District's Journey to Creating an In-District Therapeutic Program to Address Student Anxiety and School Refusal – Jessica Gluck, Assistant Director of Special Services, Westwood Regional School District; Ray Renshaw, Director of Special Services, Westwood Regional School District

This session addresses our response to the rise of mental health challenges among high school students through the creation of an in-house therapeutic program. Presenters will discuss the process of creating and progress monitoring a specialized program that meets the needs of students who suffer from severe anxiety, depression and school avoidance. – Room: Luna A – Strand: TBA

Legislative Action Lab

Stop by NJPSA’s Government Relations Legislative Action Lab to learn more about the legislative process, the state budget process, NJPSA’s advocacy efforts in Trenton, what the NJPSA PAC is all about, and what the hot topics are under the Golden Dome right now! – Room: Boardroom 1 on Event Side

Workshop Sessions

Friday, March 25

10:15 am – 11:15 am
Session #1 Workshops
Featuring a special workshop with Zaretta Hammond

Zaretta Hammond Break Out Session – Teacher Educator & Author of Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain

In this follow up to the keynote discussion, Ms. Hammond will focus on the practical aspects of the “less is more” strategy grounded in brain science and the whole child equity frame to help maintain effective teaching and learning during major disruptions in school. She’ll offer implementation suggestions for leaders to help ease the stress many teachers are feeling while working to meet progress on content standards without sacrificing their commitment to equity. – Room: Salon C – Strand:

How to Lead a School so that Social-Emotional Competence and Character Helps Your Valued Outcomes to Happen – Maurice J. Elias, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology and Lab Director, Rutgers Social-Emotional and Character Development Lab

The presentation will focus on the leadership functions required to become a school that uses social-emotional skills and character to achieve valued outcomes of academic, mental health, and civic excellence and address pervasive issues of cultural and other diversity, equity, and trauma (including those linked with poverty and COVID-19). We will outline seven processes that accomplish this through dedicated and sustained distributed leadership over three to five years and discuss practical ways to attain them. – Room: Aqua A/B – Strand: SEL

Pension/Retirement Workshop – Robert Murphy, NJPSA Assistant Executive Director and Director of Retirement Services; Paul Rothman, Financial Management Corp.

Whether your retirement date is within a year or further down the road, this seminar is designed to help you better understand your Pension, the changes in the Retirement Tiers, Chapter 78 and how they may impact you. This seminar will address: The five Retirement Tiers, The retirement application process and nine pension options, Health Benefits and Medicare, Employment after Retirement and Social Security and Long Term Care Insurance. – Room: Waves A/B

Legal Requirements Related to Addressing Student and Staff Mental Health – David Nash, Esq. - Director of Legal Education and National Outreach; John Worthington, Esq.- Education Law Specialist; Geta Vogel, FEA Consultant; Representatives of NJPSA's Mental Health and Wellness Committee

This session will review the many legal obligations that arise as we work to support students and staff members struggling with mental health and social and emotional wellbeing. The session will review the legal duty of care to engage in the interactive process and provide reasonable accommodations for staff members struggling with mental health. Participants will also learn about legal obligations and protocols for conducting both risk and threat assessments for students who may pose a danger of harm to self or others, and the due process rights available for students and staff related to mental health needs. – Room: Luna A/B

Friday, March 25

11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Session #2 Workshops

Building Communities Through Restorative Practices – Robyn Ivanisik, Climate/Culture Specialist, Hamilton Township School District

Restorative practices develop relationships within the classroom and manage conflicts by repairing the harm. Building a sense of community in the classroom helps students become self-confident, engaged learners. The 6 building blocks of restorative practices enable students to engage in active, interested learning, encourage student collaborations within a positive learning community through modeling core values and help develop positive behaviors for all. Restorative practices support teacher effectiveness, higher student achievement, and improved school culture. – Room: Studio 1 – Strand: SUPPORTING ALL LEARNERS

The Role of Student Wellness in Academic Success – Judy LoBianco, Executive Director, Society of Health & Physical Educators NJ (SHAPE NJ)

In this presentation, participants will explore the ways that a focus on a culture of student wellness through the WSCC model (Whole School, Whole Child, Whole Community) provides opportunities for not only academic achievement, but better attendance and student behavior. Harnessing the power of health and physical activity provides opportunities for deeper relationships and stronger intellectual engagement. – Room: Studio 2 – Strand: SEL

Beyond Woke: Doing the Work to Address Trauma, Build Cultural Capacity and Create Opportunity for Positive Relationships in our Schools – Tracie E. Morrison, Assistant Principal, South Orange Maplewood School District

COVID19 exposed the trauma, inequity and racial injustice experienced by students of color and their families on a daily basis. It is no longer acceptable to simply be woke or aware of current issues. School leaders must now move into action. As we look to the uncertain future of schooling, prioritizing a sense of connectedness and belonging above rigor will be the hallmark of increased student outcomes of success. – Room: Studio 3 – Strand: DEI

Celebrating Language Learners with Teacher Inquiry Groups – Dr. Jennifer Wnuk, Supervisor K-12 English & K-5 Mathematics, Jefferson Township School District; Derek Sica, Supervisor, Music, World Languages, ESL, Tomorrow's Teachers, Family & Consumer Science, Gifted & Talented, and Multimedia Broadcasting and Journalism Academy, Jefferson Township School District

During this workshop, participants will explore how to celebrate language learners by implementing teacher inquiry groups in their districts. General education teachers often claim that they are not sufficiently prepared to implement the specialized instruction necessary to meet the needs of ELL students who are mainstreamed into their classrooms. A solution to this problem is to provide teachers with authentic, collaborative, and ongoing professional learning opportunities, such as inquiry groups. – Room: Studio 4 – Strand: PLC

What Women Want: Starting and Sustaining Supports for the Success of Women Leaders – Sue DeNobile, Superintendent, Rochelle Park School District; Shauna DeMarco, Superintendent, Tenafly Public Schools; Jeanene Dutt, Principal, North Warren Regional School District; Sarah Bilotti, Superintendent, North Warren Regional

Attendees will learn how Bergen County Women in Educational Leadership (BCWIEL), a robust group with specific goals to support women administrators in Bergen County, was established and growing. We will share how BCWIEL’s model was used to start a WIEL group in Warren-Hunterdon County. Highlighting shared experiences, suggestions, and obstacles for establishing a successful WIEL group, attendees will acquire a roadmap for starting, or sustaining existing, supports for women in leadership in their community/county. – Room: Aqua A – Strand: LEADERSHIP

Creating Culturally Responsive, Equitable Classrooms & Curricula: Looking Through the Lens of Content – Brooke Benavides - Coordinator, ELA K-12, Nutley Public Schools; Dr. Julie Glazer, Superintendent, Nutley Public Schools

It’s imperative to challenge inequities to make meaningful changes in our schools. During this workshop, participants will reflect upon strategies that they can use to create spaces in which our students are empowered and their identities are affirmed. Looking through the lens of English Language Arts, the presenters will share their experiences, as well as tools and strategies any content area can utilize, to create more culturally responsive, equitable classrooms and curricula. – Room: Waves A/B – Strand: C,A,I

Real World Social Emotional Support for Students and Teachers – CJ Reynolds, High School Literature Teacher, Boys' Latin of Philadelphia Charter High School

Learning about how you can implement social and emotional support for your students can be a far cry from implementing it in your classroom. In this session, we will work through best practices that teachers and their teams can immediately put into place in their classrooms to help their students and colleagues through trying emotional times. – Room: Tides A – Strand: SEL

Sustainable Jersey Digital Schools and the Future of Learning – Ayisha Robinson, Principal, Essex County West Caldwell Tech/ Essex County Schools of Technology; Laurence Coccom, Program Consultant, Sustainable Jersey Digital Schools; Emily Bonilla, Vice Principal, Essex County Donald M. Payne Sr School of Technology/ Essex County Schools of Technology

Learn from school leaders how their digital learning policies and practices helped them meet the opportunities and challenges of learning and teaching in a digital world, and how they achieved Digital Schools Star Recognition (successor to Future Ready Schools-NJ), and Sustainable Jersey for Schools Certification. Attendees will dive into several components in this certification, including empowering students with technology, SEL integration, personalizing professional learning for the entire school community, and employing change management and equity practices. – Room: Tides B – Strand: FUTURE OF LEARNING

Parents and Principals: A Perfect Partnership – Robert Acerra, Director of Member and Board Services, New Jersey PTA; Candy Fredericks, President, New Jersey PTA

When parents and principals work together, they can lead the way to success for all students. The PTA (or other parent groups) and the principal must strengthen their ties to support the education of all children. A working partnership between the principal and the PTA, dedicated to all youth, can enhance family life and improve education throughout the communities we serve. Join representatives from New Jersey PTA as we take a deep dive into this partnership. – Room: Aqua B – Strand: PARTNERSHIP

Supporting College Readiness Through Academic & School Library Partnerships – Gary Marks, Jr., Reference & Outreach Librarian, William Paterson University; Ewa Dziedzic-Elliot, Media Center Library Specialist, Lawrence Township Public Schools; Neil Grimes, Education & Curriculum Materials Librarian, William Paterson University

Research data shows that first-year college students often lack the essential research skills and the ability to articulate their information needs to successfully transition to college. Effective and well-funded school library programs, including certified media specialists, are essential to developing partnerships with Academic Librarians to ensure that high school students are prepared for college. One high school and two college librarians will share related research and experiences for how students can be prepared for academic research. – Room: Luna B – Strand: PARTNERSHIP

Financial Literacy, Career Readiness, and Key Skills for Success – Christy Biedron, Director of Education, Junior Achievement of New Jersey

The 2020 NJSLS 9 revisions address the skills and habits of mind your students will need for success in our rapidly changing world. As the NJDOE’s partner for financial literacy, Junior Achievement education staff will guide you through the revised standards and strategies to implement them in your classroom. – Room: Luna A – Strand: C, A, I

Legislative Panel Discussion with Members of the NJ State Senate and General Assembly

Legislative Panel Discussion with Members of the NJ State Senate and General Assembly, moderated by NJ Spotlight’s John Mooney. Confirmed Legislative Panelists include:

  • Assembly Education Chairwoman Asw. Pamela Lampitt, Assembly Education Committee Member
  • Asm. Eric Simonson, Majority Whip and Budget Committee member
  • Asw.Carol Murphy, Joint Committee on the Public Schools and Budget and Appropriations Committee Member
  • Senator Michael L. Testa Jr.
  • Senate Higher Education Committee Member Sen. Vincent Polistina

– Room: Tides C (Water Club)