Presenters

This interactive session is designed to share, demonstrate, and practice advanced problem-solving tools that drive outcomes and action. They also empower and engage all stakeholders through objective facilitation methods that promote meaningful participation and ensure equity of voice. These tools and strategies are useful in all situations that require planning and problem-solving. This includes systemic, organizational, team/group, and individual student planning. Participants will leave with the basic knowledge needed to begin the use of these approaches in appropriate situations. 

A review of the rights and responsibilities of administrators, including HIB, student discipline, interaction with law enforcement, the School Ethics Act, religious accommodation, free speech rights of staff and students, and other legal matters of interest to central office and building administrators.

Learning is a journey where students learn, reflect, and grow. In this presentation, attendees will reflect on their beliefs surrounding grading and how it may or may not celebrate students' journey toward mastery. This presentation, grounded in current research, explores the importance of establishing a grading philosophy and working to implement it so all students can see themselves as successful learners. We will dive deep into long-held beliefs about grading and grade reporting which may unintentionally marginalize students and send messages about performance expectations that may not align with our values or expectations. Finally, we will consider how BOE policies can be reviewed to encourage an environment where all students' success becomes paramount.

Reducing Gender Disproportionality: Observations, Initial Findings and Action Steps To Increase Female Student Enrollment in Advanced STEM Courses

Female student engagement in the STEM fields does not currently match the level at which male students are engaged. Whether it is in high school course enrollment, college, or careers, males outnumber females in terms of enrollment and study of advanced STEM fields, particularly physics, and engineering. Incorporating Advanced Placement Potential as a measure of demonstrated aptitude, this program will review the current research findings and intervention strategies, including action steps to reverse this trend and promote a more proportional, and equitable, enrollment of males and females in advanced STEM courses. Participants will be introduced to the problem of practice that led to the research into the phenomenon of gender disproportionality in high school Advanced Placement STEM course enrollment. The program begins with a lecture/discussion format designed to illustrate identifiable gender-based trends at the local and national level focusing on corresponding patterns of course enrollment data for students with Advanced Placement Physics-C Potential. Then utilizing a protocol developed in the course of the presenter’s action research, this workshop will engage participants in the setting of goals derived from local site-based data.

ABOVE & BEYOND: Exceeding the limitations & expectations of the status quo

“ABOVE & BEYOND” is  a Growth Mindset INSPIRING Leaders to provide More than Exposure but Access to Multiple Opportunities. When EVERYONE is EQUIPPED having Voice, Visibility & Value, EVERYONE is EMPOWERED to SUCCEED. It is then, Student Performance will be Enhanced, Student Achievement will be Increased & failure will Never be… a final option! "ABOVE & BEYOND" incorporates inclusivity & diversity as the key focus by providing paramount points to disrupt & dismantle the limited, 'status quo' expectations for specific groups. Systemic beliefs are replaced with strategies providing Teachers & Students with the understand to have & using their Voice & be Visible & Valued through an equitable education for all.  After this session, participants will be able to: *ESTABLISH the classroom as a Safe Oasis for Relationships… *PREPARE the classroom as a Laboratory with more than Exposure but Access to Multiple Opportunities & Experiences…  ongoing… *MONITOR & ASSESS the classroom as a Proving Ground for Success…  In addition, the presentation is intended to be a turnkey professional development tool, used to apply theory into classroom practice. 

This workshop will guide inclusive school leaders in using Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to foster restorative practices and reduce punitive disciplinary actions. Drawing on a case study from a culturally diverse high school, participants will learn how to shift their systems from surveillance-based discipline to practices that emphasize student strengths and culturally responsive, restorative methods. Leaders will explore strategies for recalibrating faculty practices, promoting racial equity, and improving student outcomes through anti-ableist and anti-racist frameworks. This session is designed to equip school leaders and CST members with practical tools to transform their schools into inclusive, restorative environments.

In this captivating session, participants will delve into the transformative power of structured and maintained lab notebooks, revolutionizing the way they approach science education. Join us as we explore how this invaluable tool can inform written reports and dynamic oral presentations, which will cultivate students’ critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills. Engaging lab activities are the cornerstone for hands-on, inquiry-based learning, but offering students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a real-world context will expand their learning beyond the classroom. The use of lab notebooks provides an invaluable opportunity for fostering a deeper understanding and retention of knowledge in the science classroom while also providing students with an opportunity to demonstrate their critical thinking skills. We will examine how the lab notebooks inform students’ written reports and prepare them for oral presentations in a mock symposium event. The presentation will include practical strategies for implementing these techniques within a high school science classroom. Integration of technology, fostering a collaborative learning environment, and meaningful assessment techniques will also be discussed. Attendees will leave equipped with ready-to-go resources and a comprehensive understanding of how to “level up” their laboratory practices to prepare their students for their future scientific endeavors. 

This presentation will be geared around the research that suggests that integrating culturally responsive pedagogy and best practices within the classroom can make a significant improvement in student engagement, motivation, and overall achievement. Participants will be able to leave with a list of culturally relevant best practices, create choice boards to be used immediately, and begin forming a digital list of culturally relevant new picture books that are not only engaging but offer several opportunities to teach the curriculum while integrating cultural responsive literature. Participants will also develop a list of culturally relevant best practices to use immediately in the classroom, and have sample lesson plans to help with future planning. 

This workshop will immerse participants in a gamified lesson that achieves complete student engagement and motivates students to keep trying until they meet the lesson objectives. Once the lesson is put in motion, the teacher is free to assess and coach individual and teams of students competing to learn the lesson objectives. The structure of the gamification encourages and rewards students that communicate, collaborate and cooperate to achieve their shared goals. This style of lesson is adaptable to all subjects and all levels of student. In contrast to the Bueller Effect where teachers have to pull students along, when using this lesson design students are motivated and often run to the teacher with the next answer. The workshop will also reveal the seven components of a gamified lesson and include potential variations for implementation. 

With the increasing demands of teachers in responsibilities of driving student success, it is important to remember that we as educators are all in this together.  How can we provide our students with the best educational experiences without leaning on our team members and stakeholders for support in our growth?  We can accomplish a truly collaborative environment by building a climate and culture that is grounded in teamwork and coaching for success.  One strategy towards this goal is to develop opportunities for peers to informally observe each other in skills such as instructional practices, classroom management, student collaboration, and increasing engagement in learning practices.  Traditionally, informal observations and walkthroughs are conducted by supervisors and administrators to provide feedback on specific practices.  By providing autonomy for our peers to structure the parameters of these informal walkthroughs on this specific feedback, we can strive towards building a truly collaborative professional environment and reflective culture of shared teamwork and success.  Through this shared philosophy of teamwork, teachers can reflect on multiple observed strategies of their peers and further build their own strategies for increased success in the classroom.  With the pressures of educators from multiple directions in the profession, it is crucial to maintain a positive climate and culture for our staff.  Methods such as this can support teachers in the growth of their practices and can increase morale in that they are empowered through their team members to continually strive for the best for their students. 

Low socioeconomic status, language barriers, cultural differences, etc. do not, of course, automatically doom children to failure.  Many children at risk develop what is called ‘resilience’ - the ability to succeed despite many risk factors.  While this workshop will discuss some of the more common risk factors children face, the emphasis will be on discussing strategies that you as a classroom teacher can use to help them overcome barriers and help them to succeed. 

Getting to the Core of the Matter with MTSS

MTSS—Getting to the Core of the Matter  This 55-minute session will focus on Tier 1 core instruction in ELA, designed to help educators gain a practical understanding of the key components of MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports). Participants will explore essential strategies such as data collection through reliable and valid tools, identifying students in need of remediation, and targeting specific skills and standards for support. The workshop will also cover effective scheduling and the taxonomy of intensive intervention, providing educators with a roadmap to implement MTSS with clarity and confidence.  The session is geared toward empowering educators by equipping them with actionable insights on improving their core instruction. By building a strong foundation at Tier 1, schools can proactively address student needs and enhance overall academic outcomes. Whether you're new to MTSS or looking to refine your current practices, this workshop offers a concise yet comprehensive overview that will leave you with valuable tools to enhance learning in your classroom.  This session will be presented by Jackie Frangis, founder of Elevate Educators and former NJPSA leadership coach for the NJTSS federal grant from 2017-2020. 

Legal Update for General Education Classroom Teachers

A review of legal rights and responsibilities of general education teachers, including HIB and other reporting responsibilities, social media activity, "boundary issues," free speech rights of staff and students, and more!

Leveraging PBL and Design Challenge Approaches to Meet Climate Change Standards for all subjects K-12

Discover how to use project-based learning and engineering design challenges to solve environmental and climate change problems. See how K-12 students can embrace the design process across all subject areas. You’ll learn how to apply the steps of the engineering design process to develop solutions to climate issues.

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) recognizes and acknowledges that all students will not achieve all required New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) in the same manner and/or with the same level of success. Pursuant to final regulation guidelines N.J.A.C.6A:8-5.1(a)ii, district boards of education shall establish a process to approve individualized student learning opportunities that meet or exceed NJSLS. This regulation requires a set of policies and procedures that permit a student or group of students to meet or exceed the core standards in any subject area through alternative activities.   Over the past six years, Northern Highlands Regional High School in Allendale, NJ, has redefined Option II requirements through our Career & Academic Pathways Program. Through this program, Northern Highlands offers all students a unique opportunity to receive a superior education through the use of multiple and diverse pathways, participate in experiential learning outside of the traditional classroom environment, and advance student learning based on student interest and abilities.  Through the Career & Academic Pathways Program, students can meet and exceed NJSLS through customized learning experiences including, but not limited to:  Senior Internships; Community Service and Volunteering; Dual Enrollment Offerings; College Partnerships (individual coursework and/or the ability to earn an Associate Degree; Seated and/or Online Courses for Enrichment/Advancement; Independent Study; CTE Offerings; Apprenticeship Programs; Wellness PE; Work-based Learning; and Travel Abroad. If provided the opportunity, Northern Highlands would like to share the steps in developing a successful Option II program and what one may encounter during that journey. 

The objective of this presentation is to provide an overview of the Discipline Committee's efforts in rebranding the school’s discipline system and building a positive, inclusive school culture. The rebranding initiative aimed to unite the school community through a strong, recognizable identity, fostering a sense of connection among staff and students. We will explain how data-driven decision-making guided our approach to addressing key areas of concern, such as hallway and cafeteria behaviors, and how student input played a role in shaping solutions.  Additionally, the presentation will cover the introduction of preventive and restorative practices, focusing on creating long-term positive behavioral changes. We will discuss strategies like updated signage, bathroom monitoring, and the implementation of restorative circles, which emphasize repairing relationships after infractions. 

The session will be geared for reflection and interaction to help the audience examine their beliefs and behaviors regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion. The participants will be guided to discover opportunities of how the stories of their school communities can lead and inform our work as leaders.  Beliefs, Behaviors, Outcomes  Introduction will utilize participant self-reflection to examine of equity beliefs and mental models. Participants will reflect on relationships & community, examine of the positionality & power dynamics,  reflect on marginalized & minoritized populations  by asking a guiding question, "Whose voice is missing from this conversation?"  In conclusion, participants will reflect on their systems policies and practices that could potentially lead to barriers, breakdowns, or breakthroughs.

Given data such as NJSLA data and MAP data, schools often can compare themselves to the state.  Oftentimes interventions are thrown out to try to improve outcomes.  When we look at base tier 1 instruction and improve this, we can see the biggest growth.  Why not find ways to compare students to themselves and measure their growth. Through the process of reviewing data, teachers will learn how to identify what standards the majority of students are struggling to grasp.  From here, teachers will explore what skills are necessary to master that standard as well as how to identify a researched based strategy to implement. Lastly, the effectiveness of the strategy must be progress monitored.  

Students often struggle when solving mathematics problems, and the struggle can be frustrating for both student and teacher. At times, the teacher can  feel ill-equipped to help the student overcome the struggle and persevere.   In this session, I will explore the results of my study on problem solving, identifying common struggles experienced by participants as well as the scaffolds that, in many cases, were able to help students to make progress in solving those problems. I will talk about ways that scaffolds were offered and the balance between too little scaffolding which leads to frustration or lack of perseverance, and too much scaffolding which can reduce the mathematical demand of the problem.   Although the study was conducted with preservice elementary teachers, many of the struggles that they experienced were also experienced by middle school students in a study by Warshauer (2015). Helping teachers to be aware of places where students struggle can help them to develop scaffolds that help students make progress towards a solution. 

At the heart of every educational initiative is the desire to help all students achieve their fullest potential academically and socially.  The first step in doing this is to create a true sense of belonging for students and staff, both in classrooms and the school at large.  This combines relationship building, culturally responsive practices, self-reflection and other attributes in order to allow all students to be more actively engaged, achieve at a higher level, attend school more regularly, and have better mental health overall.  This workshop will combine personal reflective activities, along with opportunities to work with other participants to engage in guided conversation to assess their own settings through a lens of culturally responsive practices and the agency of students and staff.  Attendees will leave with a better understanding of the power of a sense of belonging, as well as a toolbox of strategies to impact classroom and school climate for the betterment of all.  

Pause and reflect: it sounds easy, but can be difficult to infuse into a lesson.  By integrating simple metacognitive strategies, teachers can increase student engagement in an activity, peer-to-peer interactions, and ultimately, improve academic achievement.  This interactive workshop will provide educators with low-risk strategies that they can immediately use with their students. 

In education, we often focus on student support, but to truly uplift our students, we must first empower our educators—especially new staff. Great teaching starts with great support, and building strong foundations for new staff is the key to thriving schools. This presentation will explore how we can go beyond traditional orientations, offering ongoing support that helps educators grow from the moment they’re hired and throughout their careers. Research shows that when staff feel valued and supported, they stay longer and perform better. Let’s dive into effective strategies to support our new educators and, ultimately, enhance our students’ learning experiences. 

This session will discuss options for high school math redesign including building consensus on the case for reform of high school mathematics and sharing general and specific shifts in curriculum, instruction and assessment to be considered. Participants will be involved in a deep dive of several high school math pathways options.  First, several models from across the country will be shown highlighting different math pathways.  Oregon's 2+1 model, Idaho's Math transitions, New Mexico's model and Washington State's modern Algebra II course will be discussed.  Then, we will dive deeper into the content of each pathway course.  We will conclude with discussion of necessary instruction and assessment changes that must accompany any change in curriculum.  

This workshop will strive to help other educators recognize the benefits of gamifying the classroom, strategies to help accomplish this, and time to work on opportunities for gamifying their own classrooms. Topics to be discussed can be: linking your materials to interests of the students, strategies for how overarching year-long games can be created, and gamifying lessons. 

Participants will be invited to try and practice multisensory strategies such as gentle movement, breathwork, meditation, and sound bathing to:  Better understand the mind body connection and more specifically how the primary states of the nervous system including sympathetic fight/flight responses, ventral vagal social engagement, and dorsal vagal freeze/shut down manifest in the body and our lived experiences Connect with the felt sense of emotions and stress Release stress responses and emotions that are stored in the body These practices will allow participants to: Better understand and regulate their own nervous systems Be more available to co-regulate with others which facilitates a felt sense of safety and reduces the likelihood that problematic behaviors will occur. 

Jennifer Donnelly, New Jersey’s 2024 Hudson County Teacher of The Year, presents resources and ideas for educators to increase engagement in their classrooms. This will be accomplished through an interactive presentation that provides resources and tips for exploring online resources, websites, apps, and personal resources developed by the presenter throughout her career. There will be time within the presentation when the presenter will share personal stories as well as for participants to engage and share. The information and resources shared by a distinguished educator will empower educators to broaden their horizons beyond their classrooms and help them to “step outside the box” to find opportunities that will develop and deepen their skills and practices and find the “master” teacher in them. Participants will also be encouraged to network and share resources that they may of on a shared Google doc through a QR code shared within the presentation and remaining in the shared folder of resources available to participants. 

Have you ever looked around for the adult in the room and then panicked when you realized, you’re it? If so, this workshop is for you! As educational leaders, and “grown-ups”, we are tasked with making decisions that impact our most precious gems…children. This session will focus on the sometimes fraught nature of decision making within the educational world and teach you how to make tough decisions with confidence and integrity.  Together, we will explore various scenarios where tough choices arise, offering practical strategies and tools to navigate them effectively.  By the end of the workshop, participants will emerge equipped with practical insights and actionable techniques to tackle tough choices with poise and purpose. Whether leading teams, managing conflicts, or navigating personal dilemmas, being the adult in the room is not just about making decisions—it's about making the right decisions with wisdom, compassion and guidance from those around you. Join me to hone your skills and embrace the art of navigating tough choices with confidence. 

Are you a data-driven educator in need of reliable information, proven strategies, and innovative questions to make decisions that will have a lasting positive impact on achievement? LinkIt’s comprehensive assessment and analytics solutions provide educators with powerful tools to inform teaching and learning at the classroom, school, and district levels. Participants in this session will explore how LinkIt’s custom Dashboards provide at-a-glace monitoring for different stakeholder roles and drill down to make the data actionable. 

Our presentation aims to provide a deeper understanding of children and adolescents who are balancing dual roles as students and athletes from a mental health and multicultural standpoint. We will provide some education around the experience of student athletes at the college level so that educators can learn how their current students who hope to play their sport in college can prepare. In addition, presenters will introduce and explain strategies they utilize in their work with student athletes to enhance performance and well-being (e.g., mindfulness, grounding, visualizations, recovery). They will teach educators how they can implement these strategies for themselves to increase their well-being and performance as they navigate their dual roles as teachers and people.  

This presentation explores culturally responsive mathematics teaching and its transformative potential to support student engagement and inclusivity within the elementary classroom. Grounded in findings from my recent study, which investigated elementary mathematics teachers’ experiences with a three-year professional development focused on culturally responsive teaching, this session offers practical strategies to embed students' cultures meaningfully into mathematics learning. Attendees will engage in hands-on activities such as evaluating and rewriting traditional math word problems to align with culturally responsive mathematics teaching principles. This interactive session provides educators three actionable tools to implement culturally responsive mathematics teaching and cultivate inclusive, culturally responsive classrooms. 

This workshop will address current research regarding executive functioning issues in the classroom. Its focus will be the exploration of research and practice of mindfulness, the development of grit, motivation and self-determination.  Discussion will include the strategic teaching of metacognitive skills to promote the awareness of challenges and strengths which will support student ownership of learning.                                          

High-quality feedback is important to student learning (Hattie & Timperley, 2007); however, as the number of students in our classes increases, providing them with this feedback can be an insurmountable task (Lipnevich et al., 2023). One way to foster high-quality feedback without adding to our plates is to support students’ feedback literacy, or the ability of students to process and use feedback to further their learning (Yan & Carless, 2022). While there are many ways to foster feedback literacy, researchers have found that using rubrics is an important practice to support students’ abilities to process and use feedback (e.g., Brookhart & Chen, 2015; Lipnevich et al., 2023). Our presentation will focus on rubric creation in middle and high school Humanities courses. Participants will learn how to most effectively use rubrics in their classrooms. Our session will include ideas on how to make rubrics a useful tool for both students and teachers. We will address topics such as how to use rubrics for both summative and formative assessment, how to foster student feedback literacy through using rubrics, and Artificial Intelligence’s role in rubric creation. This session will be interactive. Teachers who attend are encouraged to bring assignments for which they want to create rubrics and/or rubrics they have created which they want to redesign. 

Trust between administrators and school staff underlies all functions of a school system. When trust relationships are diminished, the influences are systemic. Attentiveness to staff uncertainty, understanding the new context before making changes, and leader consistency and integrity help to develop trust. This presentation will explore findings from a study regarding staff trust of administrators in districts with high administrative turnover. Additionally, best practices from the literature will be reviewed to support current and new administrators in developing trust with their school communities. Participants will brainstorm 1-2 immediate next steps to cultivate safety in their organizations. 

This session will provide participants with a model for developing a unit that teaches students to apply racial, ethnic, and sexual orientation development models to analyze literature and nonfiction. Resources for having students examine and reflect on their own biases, development, and place in American society will be included so that students can connect texts to their lives.                                          

Learning how to build a cooperative relationship with your co-teacher. This session will cover different co-teaching models, how to get to know your partner in crime, problem solving issues, and more. 

As co-teaching partners, we have developed a collaborative approach that integrates evidence-based strategies to address engagement, motivation, and opportunity for all students that come into our classroom, regardless of their ability. With 7 years of experience together, we will discuss the importance of: building a unified vision; sharing planning, instruction, assessment, and data analysis; and effective communication and collaboration through real classroom experiences.  By prioritizing equity and addressing potential challenges, we can create truly inclusive classrooms where all students feel valued and supported. Join us to explore the power of co-teaching and discover how to create thriving inclusive classrooms that empower all learners. 

This workshop is designed for educational leaders and coaches seeking to transform grading practices in their schools. Despite widespread awareness of effective grading strategies, many schools struggle to align theory with practice. This session will equip participants with essential leadership skills to guide their teams through the complexities of grading reform, including four equity moves for leading discussions (Park, 2018). This work will be grounded in the pillars of Grading for Equity (Feldman, 2023), including accuracy, bias-resistant, and motivation.   The workshop will present research on leadership practices promoting equity and inclusion in grading processes. Participants will explore practical approaches to engage educators in meaningful conversations about grading. Through academic research and personal examples from practice, attendees will have a chance to reflect on their schools' grading practices and time will be given to consider how to take the first steps in addressing sticky issues. Join us for this dynamic session to gain the confidence and tools necessary to redefine grading practices in your school community. Together, we can create a more equitable educational landscape that empowers every student to succeed.                                       

Coming Soon!                                          

Garden State Esports (GSE) has evolved into a significant educational initiative within New Jersey, fostering students’ personal and academic growth through competitive and non-competitive gaming. Originally founded during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep students connected, GSE now includes more than 350 schools, supporting nearly 12,000 students and collaborating with 19 colleges statewide. The program leverages esports to teach Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Career and Technical Education (CTE), aiming to build a supportive community that prepares students for diverse futures in workforce, college, military, or trade pathways.  GSE’s structure includes four major annual events, which attract thousands of attendees, feature state championships in popular games like Rocket League and League of Legends, and offer additional interactive experiences such as speed runs and team competitions. GSE also hosts professional development sessions for educators, helping them integrate esports as a teaching tool, and aligns its curriculum to emphasize inclusivity, especially for neurodivergent and underrepresented student groups.  The organization is broadening its appeal by positioning esports within CTE clusters like STEM and Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communications, showcasing esports as a pathway to high-need, high-wage, and high-skill careers. This approach supports its mission to legitimize esports in education and gain backing from government officials, businesses, and sponsors. Through partnerships, such as with Microsoft and SHI, GSE is growing its infrastructure and educational support, continually striving to impact and inspire the next generation of students across New Jersey. 

AEDs are common place now, but do you really know what they do or how to use them? In this class you will learn just that. AEDs aren't to be feared and are very simple to use. NJ requires every school in NJ to have an AED and school employees are a vital link in the chain of cardiac arrest survival. Listen to a young survivor share their story how an AED and quick action saved their life. 

In today’s educational landscape, it’s critical to equip educators with tools to promote a safe and supportive environment that fosters healthy relationships and prevents violence. This workshop is designed to empower K-8 educators with tools from the field of Drama Therapy, focusing on understanding the roots of violence and cultivating positive interactions through role-play, group dynamics, and creative expression. Drama Therapy provides a powerful medium for self-exploration and social-emotional learning, utilizing drama-based exercises that foster empathy, communication, and collaboration. This workshop will introduce educators to foundational Drama Therapy tools and techniques, including role reversals, mirroring, and group improvisations, which can help students recognize and empathize with others’ perspectives. These exercises will also empower students to articulate their feelings and needs, reduce reactive behaviors, and support self-regulation. Through experiential exercises, educators will learn how to create safe, structured environments where students feel seen and valued, reducing aggression and enhancing trust. By the end of the workshop, educators will be equipped with strategies to help students navigate conflicts, express emotions constructively, and develop skills for healthy relationship-building. Emphasis will be placed on practical techniques that educators can seamlessly integrate into their daily routines, thereby fostering a safer, more inclusive classroom community. 

Not Your Granny's Grammar: Mid-century modern may work for furniture but not for grammar learning-- there's a better way.  Together let's explore an irresistible design to grammar study and the language standards so that grammar takes its rightful place in literacy instruction. 

Dive into the vast body of research known as the Science of Reading.  Learn the importance of Phonological Awareness (PA) and the positive effect it can have on every student's decoding and encoding skills. You will walk away from this workshop ready to assess your students' current PA abilities and implement drills to strengthen their skills. 

In this interactive session, participants will explore practical strategies to build "antifragile" confidence—a resilient mindset that grows stronger in the face of challenges. Through structured goal-setting and reflective exercises, attendees will identify past successes and analyze obstacles they’ve overcome. Utilizing the "Flip the Switch" protocol, "Win or Learn 1,2,3," and the powerful "Bring It On, I'm Excited" mindset, participants will learn how to reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth. By the end of this session, attendees will leave with a toolkit of strategies to confidently approach new challenges and inspire a resilient culture in their own lives and workplaces. 

The Scaffolding for Success workshop will equip educators with the tools and insights needed to support students of diverse backgrounds and abilities in succeeding with the DBQ format. This workshop will explore the nuanced considerations, accommodations, and scaffolds crucial for empowering Multi-Lingual students, Students with Disabilities, and all students to excel with DBQs. Participants will be guided through essential strategies for effectively engaging students learning English as a new language or requiring special education accommodations. With a focus on differentiation and inclusivity, educators will be empowered to design DBQ experiences that inspire critical thinking and meaningful learning for all students, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities. 

Teaching is one of the most rewarding, yet demanding professions. In this session, we'll explore practical strategies for cultivating resilience and managing stress in a way that nourishes both body and mind. Drawing from the latest insights in wellness and mindfulness, we'll discuss the body's natural responses to stress and how small, intentional practices can help you reset, recharge, and thrive. This session will introduce simple yet powerful tools to help teachers build inner strength and sustain their energy. Through light chair yoga and accessible breathing exercises, you’ll learn techniques that can be easily incorporated into your workday, whether you’re in the classroom, at your desk, or on a break. These practices are designed to support emotional well-being, reduce physical tension, and increase mental clarity. Most importantly, this workshop will remind you that taking care of yourself is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Together, we’ll explore how small shifts in your daily routine can lead to lasting changes in your resilience, energy, and sense of joy. You’ll leave feeling refreshed, empowered, and equipped with a toolkit of strategies to stay grounded and present in the midst of your busy day-to-day life. Join us for a fun, interactive, and life-affirming session that will leave you feeling inspired and ready to take on the world—one deep breath at a time! 

Discover how to integrate movement into math lessons for PreK-4 students to enhance understanding and engagement. This interactive workshop will provide hands-on activities and games that combine physical movement with key math concepts like counting, patterns, shapes, and measurement. Educators will leave with practical strategies to create a more active and inclusive math environment that aligns with learning standards. Perfect for those seeking fresh, dynamic approaches to teaching math! 

Writing instruction is not a one-size-fits-all thing, but it is often taught that way.  The goal of this session is to provide attendees with an understanding of the significance of the writing skills outside of what is seen on the page, as well as to provide techniques for getting to know their students as writers for the purpose of targeting class and individual needs to inform their writing instruction.  Using an analogy between teaching writing and coaching high jump, the presenter will create a unique picture to illustrate the importance of recognizing and honoring each writer's unique "bar height, approach, and jump." This comparison offers a comprehensive perspective on writing instruction beyond what is visible in a written piece by demonstrating the significance of aspects such as beliefs, motivation, confidence, ability to plan and more. Attendees will learn to identify writers' strengths and select skills within their zone of proximal development in order to provide targeted instruction. Participants will explore three assessment techniques: observation, conferring, and writing analysis. The session will demonstrate how observation and conferring uncover skills like engagement, planning, and revision by watching writers in action and asking specific, writer-focused questions. Writing analysis will address areas such as phonics, organization, elaboration, and language conventions. These practices will be integrated to identify and develop the most impactful skills for each writer. Attendees will receive resources to support the implementation of techniques in the classroom and will walk away feeling empowered to facilitate growth in their writers. 

This session provides an overview of how our school opening practices were thoughtfully developed and successfully implemented. At the heart of these practices is the work of our Consistency Committee—a teacher-led team that has been instrumental in creating a cohesive and supportive school culture.

Granting young people, especially young people of color, agency in their school helps students be more engaged and motivated while also allowing them to develop a sense of pride, accomplishment, resilience, and control. This session will help educators consider the power of granting students the ability to take responsibility for their learning environment.  This session will allow educators to explore ways of involving students in making and executing decisions regarding the daily operation of the school. We will focus on how students can be empowered and allowed to have a sense of responsibility for and accountability to their schoolmates. Students who learn this sense of responsibility and accountability in the K-12 setting are better suited to succeed in the postsecondary world. In this session, educators will be challenged to consider ways in which they can step back so students can step up. Educators will leave with an understanding of the importance of providing students with a sense of agency, examples of how to put this into practice, and the motivation to review school operations for opportunities to empower their students. This session is based on the living educational model of St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark, NJ which has a 50+ year history of educating and empowering young men and, more recently, young women. 

We’ve all heard it—"classroom management is the cornerstone of a successful learning environment." But while structure and organization are important, they’re not enough. Classroom management alone won't guarantee student engagement or effective content delivery. The real key to success? Building meaningful relationships with students. Join me for an inspiring conversation where we challenge the belief that classroom management is the ultimate goal. Instead, we’ll dive into how authentic connections with students can completely transform your teaching approach. By investing in relationships, you’ll find that content delivery becomes more effective, classroom behavior improves naturally, and student engagement soars. In this session, we’ll focus on practical, actionable strategies to connect with students in ways that make a difference. From simple daily interactions to impactful long-term rapport-building, we’ll uncover the magic that happens when educators truly understand their students. It’s time to move beyond just managing classrooms. Let’s tap into the power of genuine human connection to inspire, motivate, and elevate our students. Together, we can unlock the full potential of our classrooms and create environments where every student feels seen, heard, and eager to learn. Get ready to transform your teaching through the power of relationships.                                         

Restorative Justice is a mindset and a set of practices grounded in relationships and accountability. This interactive session will introduce the practice of restorative chats which can be used in schools to address harm and challenging behavior, help students understand the impact of their actions on others, take meaningful accountability, and strengthen key SEL skills. Participants will observe different examples of restorative chats, learn the fundamentals of a successful chat, and be given the opportunity to role play scenarios. Participants will leave with strategies to facilitate a successful chat. 

Effective communication between teachers and parents is crucial for fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment for students. This workshop aims to equip elementary school teachers with practical strategies for enhancing communication with parents, creating stronger partnerships, and ultimately improving student outcomes. Participants will explore a variety of tools and techniques to bridge communication gaps, including the use of digital platforms, parent-teacher conferences, and regular progress updates. Emphasis will be placed on developing culturally responsive communication methods that respect diverse family structures and backgrounds.  The session will cover key topics such as building trust and rapport with parents, addressing challenging conversations with empathy and professionalism, and using positive reinforcement to engage families in their child's education. Teachers will also learn how to set clear expectations for communication, making it consistent and purposeful. Strategies for managing communication in both individual and group settings, as well as dealing with sensitive or difficult topics, will be discussed through case studies and role-playing activities.  By the end of the workshop, teachers will have a toolkit of effective communication strategies that can be adapted to their unique classroom contexts. Participants will leave with practical tips for enhancing their relationship with parents, fostering a sense of shared responsibility, and creating a collaborative approach to student success. This interactive session will help teachers feel more confident and prepared to engage with parents in ways that are positive, productive, and impactful for student learning and well-being. 

Based on Voices from the Land, designed by the Monarch Teacher Network and a lesson plan written by Robin Anderson, the goal of this workshop is to help students develop a relationship with and respect for the natural world, as well as for other people and cultures.  This working is specifically designed with our ESL population in mind. It has been noted that many students within the ESL/ML population struggle to feel part of the greater school community. This workshop is designed to connect cultural experiences from their country of origin the beauty of nature found in New Jersey, allowing students to feel more connected to their school communities. Activities allow students to explore natural areas, reflect on the natural materials and create ephemeral art, create poetry that expresses the “voice” of the art. Emphasis on storytelling, art, nature, language, and making community connections will be explored. The workshop will be presented in English and Spanish.                                 

This workshop provides participants with both the theory and hands-on practice to improve their emotional regulation skills, both individually and in connection with others. Whether for personal growth or in a professional context (e.g., as a parent, teacher, support staff and administration), these skills can enhance emotional intelligence, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.   Participants will learn about their own process and how it impacts relationships in their own lives, while also being able to recognize cues and develop a responsive plan to assist students. Topics covered include:  a brief understanding of the autonomic nervous system, self soothing versus co-regulation, recognizing and responding to emotional regulation attempts, and recent research on teaching happiness. 

This presentation is designed to teach knowledge and skills to foster a classroom environment that invites discussions on difficult topics through modeling. As the facilitator, I will provide opportunities for the participants to engage in discussions about difficult topics (i.e. abortion, gun rights, LGBQT+ discrimination, racism) using the skills being presented. Participants will also be provided with an opportunity to ask questions and share experiences with each other so we can all learn from each other. The strategies we provide are not the only effective ones to use, so we will look to learn from each other. The presentation, which will include slides used with students, will be shared with participants. 

How Comprehensible Input Facilitates Ease in Language Learning

This presentation introduces Comprehensible Input (CI)—a simple but powerful way to help people learn a new language. Designed for anyone curious about how language learning works, this session will explain CI in an easy-to-follow and practical way. The techniques and strategies are appropriate for educators to support all learners, including those acquiring English or another language. The presentation will begin by defining what CI is: Making language accessible and engaging for students and showing how CI mirrors the way we naturally learn our first language. By providing them with input that is slightly above their current level, students will be able to understand most of the information with support from visuals, gestures, and context.  Both the benefits and challenges of using CI in the classroom will be addressed, and solutions to some common challenges will be offered, like using visuals, repetition, and personalization to meet everyone’s needs. Real-world examples will be provided, and attendees will see activities like storytelling, using gestures (Total Physical Response), and rephrasing ideas to ensure everyone understands. We’ll explain how teachers can use these methods to make learning fun and effective. Participants will leave with simple, ready-to-try ideas they can use right away.

Coming Up for AIR

Coming UP For AIR is a mental wellness and signs of suicide program. Our goal is to educate professionals to understand the signs and symptoms of children who may be living with the onset of these biological brain illnesses. It helps professionals become more understanding, empathetic and kind towards those who struggle with biological brain based illnesses. We want staff to understand that NO ONE chooses to have a mental illness. Dogs are part of our programming.

Beyond "Turn and Talk": Strategies to Spark Engagement, Discussion, and Critical Thinking

This professional development session equips educators with practical, research-based strategies to enhance student engagement, promote rich discussions, and cultivate critical thinking skills. Too often, classroom dialogue falls into predictable patterns that limit deeper exploration and collaboration. This workshop will empower teachers to break away from traditional routines by introducing dynamic, ready-to-implement methods that energize students and foster active learning.    Participants will explore techniques such as structured academic conversations, peer-led inquiry models, and discussion frameworks and protocols. The session will also delve into strategies to scaffold discussions for diverse learners, ensuring that every student feels confident to contribute meaningfully.    Through interactive demonstrations and hands-on practice, teachers will learn how to create a classroom culture that values curiosity, evidence-based reasoning, and respectful dialogue. They’ll leave with adaptable templates, discussion prompts, and tools designed to encourage deeper student engagement and spark critical thinking across subject areas. Whether you’re teaching elementary or high school, this session offers actionable solutions to help your students move beyond surface-level responses and actively engage in meaningful learning. Get ready to see your classroom transformed into a hub of thoughtful conversation and collaboration! 

Join us for an engaging workshop designed to empower educators and leaders with the resources and insights necessary to promote professional growth and enhance leadership skills. Whether you're an emerging leader or an accomplished professional, this session offers valuable strategies to elevate your practice.  In this dynamic workshop, participants will explore the connection between professional learning and leadership focusing on innovative approaches that promote a culture of collaboration and professional growth. Throughout the session, attendees will gain practical skills in creating and sustaining professional learning communities, fostering an environment where every member is both an educator and a learner by emphasizing the importance of reflective practice.  Participants will learn how to leverage their strengths and address challenges with resilience and creativity, ensuring they can lead with confidence and inspire those around them.   By the end of the session, you will leave with a plethora of ideas to support professional learning in your district. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and enhance your leadership journey.                           

As our population of multilingual learners continues to grow, teachers, child study teams, and administrators are faced with the question of whether an observed difficulty is related to language acquisition or if it is something more. Additional misunderstandings are fueled because the codes governing MLs and Special Education were developed separately, and very few people have comprehensive knowledge of both fields.   To address this important need, NJPSA convened a committee of experts to develop guidance for the collection of data and the provision of services, as well as a roadmap for communication among different stakeholders. In this session, two of the co-authors of that guidance will review important sections of the document in an engaging Q&A format based on some of the most common scenarios. Bring your questions! 

Explore how AI tools can transform lesson planning and boost student engagement in this 55-minute professional development session, AI Tools to Enhance Planning and Engage Students. This course highlights practical ways to simplify your teaching workflow while creating dynamic classroom experiences.  Learn how AI can save time by automating tasks like lesson plan generation, differentiated instruction, and grading. Discover how to engage students with personalized learning, interactive simulations, and real-time feedback.  The session includes live demonstrations of AI platforms designed for educators, with opportunities to explore their application in your teaching practice. Collaborative activities will help participants share ideas and solutions in a supportive environment.  By the end, you’ll gain strategies to integrate AI into your classroom, enhancing efficiency and creativity. Join us to see how AI can make teaching more impactful and rewarding for both you and your students. (Fun fact: this abstract was AI generated based on the title of the workshop. Reviewed and edited by K.Hamilton) 

Engaging students through interactive discussions and activities is key to fostering critical thinking and active learning in the classroom. This presentation explores strategies like debates, Socratic seminars, jigsaw activities, and fishbowl discussions. Debates encourage students to articulate and defend their viewpoints, developing persuasive skills. Socratic seminars promote deep, reflective thinking through guided questions and dialogue. Jigsaw activities allow students to become experts on specific topics and teach their peers, enhancing collaborative learning. Fishbowl activities create dynamic discussions where students observe and participate in a rotating format. These methods encourage engagement, boost participation, and develop essential communication skills.                          

Artificial intelligence is transforming education, offering tools to enhance both teaching and learning experiences. This professional development session introduces educators to practical ways of integrating AI, specifically ChatGPT, into their classrooms. Participants will explore how AI can save time, boost creativity, and personalize support for students, while also learning strategies to teach students how to use these tools responsibly. The session will cover a range of applications, from generating lesson plans, discussion prompts, and differentiated materials to helping students brainstorm ideas, clarify concepts, and refine their writing. Teachers will gain insights into how ChatGPT can streamline administrative tasks, support struggling learners, and spark innovative teaching methods. Participants will also learn how to guide students in using AI ethically and effectively, focusing on critical thinking, originality, and evaluating AI-generated content. By addressing concerns like plagiarism and misinformation, educators will leave confident in their ability to empower students to use AI as a tool for learning rather than a shortcut. This hands-on session will include live demonstrations, interactive activities, and practical examples tailored to various grade levels and subject areas. Attendees will leave with ready-to-use strategies, tips for integrating AI seamlessly into their workflows, and ideas to foster a forward-thinking, tech-savvy classroom environment. Let’s embrace AI to enhance education and prepare our students for the future! 

By creating a repertoire of digital and hands-on games, educators can excite students about exploring spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and reading. Most of these activities are ready-to-go and adaptable by grade level and ability; some emphasize group play while others stress competition with oneself. All are designed to engage even the most reluctant student, with the opportunity to challenge even the most gifted pupil. 

You Can Fly!

Discover how our innovative Aviation Program can seamlessly integrate into a variety of subjects, from Language Arts to Science. In this engaging workshop, you'll explore creative ways to connect flight-related concepts with core curriculum, making learning exciting and relevant. Participants will get hands-on experience with our state-of-the-art flight simulator, offering a taste of the wonder of aviation. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to sign up for a real flight experience, taking your newfound knowledge to new heights!

High-Impact Tutoring: How to Successfully Implement and Drive Real Results

Join Tutored by Teachers, a NJ-approved vendor, to explore how to implement High-Impact Tutoring that accelerates learning and drives successful outcomes. Learn best practices for delivering intensive tutoring including literacy instruction aligned to the Science of Reading. Discover strategies to overcome common challenges, measure progress effectively, and support diverse students, including English Language Learners, those with literacy gaps, and students in classrooms affected by teacher vacancies. 

Piece by Piece: Breaking Down Division with Partial Quotients

Does the term "partial quotients" make you uneasy? Do you rush through or skip these lessons to get to the standard algorithm? In this workshop, we’ll demystify partial quotients and dive into why it’s a crucial conceptual step before teaching the standard algorithm in Grade 6. You’ll learn how breaking division into smaller, manageable parts builds a solid foundation, making long division more intuitive. Leave ready to help your students (and yourself) confidently tackle partial quotients!

This workshop is designed to empower educators to let go of the unrealistic "superhero" expectations and instead maintain balance, self-care and sustainable success.  This workshop will provide interactive and reflective opportunities for educators to learn practical strategies for managing their professional and personal lives without compromising their well-being.  This session will focus on redefining success, setting healthy boundaries fostering emotional resilience which will cultivate a thriving mindset that supports their lives.                     

How can vocabulary, knowledge and writing work together to aid all aspiring learners in becoming more prepared and proficient readers?  Unpack how these interconnected components work hand in hand to develop confident students ready to embrace new topics and tackle rich, challenging text. This session will dive into the interconnectedness of reading, writing, speaking, and listening and how equitable experiences will aid all striving readers.   Understanding how both language comprehension and word recognition impact student reading and writing proficiency can help teachers utilize equitable, high-quality instructional resources to address students' needs.Components of the Reading Rope that are often underemphasized in the journey to build skilled readers will be highlighted.  Attendees will also explore practices, examples, and review tools that align to those critical areas through examples from CKLA (Core Knowledge Language Arts) which is a tier 1,  high quality, core instructional program. We will explore how a comprehensive approach to instruction can put students on the road to becoming skilled readers and writers. Attendees will be able to 1) explain the Simple View of Reading and Writing/the importance of language comprehension and word recognition and 2) Identify practices they can implement in their school to improve reading and writing performance.  This session will support both adopters and non-users of the Core Knowledge Language Arts K-5 curriculum from Amplify Education. 

The development of early literacy skills is crucial for the academic success and overall well-being of students. This session aims to empower educators with innovative strategies that integrate physical coordination activities to enhance literacy development. By combining movement with literacy tasks, we can engage students in a holistic learning experience that supports both their cognitive and physical growth.   In this 55-minute session, participants will actively explore a variety of coordination activities designed to support early literacy skills. These activities include crossing the midline exercises, fine motor skill development, and sensory integration techniques. Attendees will learn how to implement these activities in their classrooms to improve students' reading, writing, and comprehension abilities.   Key areas of focus will include:   Engagement: Utilizing fun and interactive activities to capture students' interest and make learning enjoyable.   Motivation: Encouraging students to participate actively in literacy tasks through movement-based activities.   Practice: Providing opportunities for repeated practice of literacy skills in a dynamic and engaging manner.   Opportunity: Creating inclusive activities that cater to diverse learning needs and abilities.   Well-being: Promoting physical activity as a means to enhance mental and emotional health.   Equity: Ensuring all students have access to effective literacy support through adaptable activities.   Resilience: Building students' confidence and perseverance through successful literacy experiences.   By the end of the session, educators will be equipped with practical tools and strategies to integrate coordination activities into their literacy instruction, fostering a brighter and more inclusive future for their students.             

Educational leadership demands an unsustainable level of self-sacrifice, with many leaders feeling pressured to be everything to everyone. This interactive session addresses burnout among educational leaders and provides a transformative framework for sustainable leadership through wellness and self-care.  Participants will engage in guided self-reflection to identify patterns contributing to 'superhero syndrome' - the compulsion to consistently prioritize others' needs while neglecting their own wellbeing. Through evidence-based strategies and practical exercises, leaders will learn to recognize and interrupt the cycle of people-pleasing and perpetual burnout that threatens both their effectiveness and personal fulfillment.  The session introduces a wellness framework that empowers leaders to establish healthy boundaries, implement sustainable self-care practices, and lead authentically without compromising their impact. Participants will develop personalized action plans incorporating proven wellness tools for immediate implementation.  By examining the intersection of leadership effectiveness and personal wellbeing, this session challenges the notion that sacrifice equals success. Leaders will leave equipped with practical strategies for maintaining excellence while prioritizing their health and happiness.  This transformative session provides educational leaders with the tools, permission, and community support needed to break free from burnout and lead from a place of strength, balance, and authentic purpose.              

Participants will engage in hands-on activities designed to help students articulate their feelings through creativity and reflection. These activities are simple to implement, adaptable across grade levels, and encourage emotional expression in a non-intimidating way. Educators will experience the activity as both facilitators and participants, gaining insight into its impact and purpose. Educators will leave with clear instructions for integrating this activity into their classrooms, along with a digital resource pack containing variations of the activity to suit different learning needs.Whether you're a teacher, counselor, or administrator, this workshop offers valuable tools to build emotional resilience in students while creating a compassionate classroom culture. By the end of the session, you'll feel more confident in presenting grief-related lessons in your classroom. 

This presentation explores strategies for enhancing the overall testing mindset within a school community. Drawing on my experiences as a curriculum supervisor and high school vice principal, as well as my dissertation research and current educational studies, I will share insights and lessons learned in transforming state testing practices. I will discuss strategies implemented at both the department and school-wide levels to improve student performance and foster a positive mindset toward state testing. Additionally, I will share the personal and professional experiences that led me to investigate state testing data and develop these impactful strategies.

Did you know that exercise grows brain cells? Join the Past President of the National Physical Education Association to learn about the power of physical activity to improve attendance, behavior and academic performance.

Research has demonstrated that engaging students in the learning process increases their attention and focus, motivates them to practice higher-level critical thinking skills, and promotes meaningful learning experiences. But how do you know if your students are truly engaged and learning? Participants will take a deeper dive into what student engagement is and how educators might ‘hit a brick wall’ by simply not focusing on all the components of Student Engagement, including the microenvironment and the “science” behind the classroom design. Explore how holistic approaches to learning environments foster student engagement, collaboration, and achievement, ensuring educational spaces are not just built for today, but prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

Ignite literacy success in your classroom! Join Grace Biener, Level 5 IMSE OG Master Instructor, for a dynamic webinar that explores the crucial connection between automaticity in foundational reading skills and overall reading achievement. Delve into the science of reading and the impactful Orton-Gillingham approach to unlock student potential. Discover practical strategies and engaging activities to enhance phonemic awareness, decoding, and encoding skills while mastering techniques for intensifying reading and spelling instruction. Leave equipped with the knowledge and tools to foster confident, fluent readers.

Our immigrant students and families are under tremendous stress as a result of increased immigration enforcement and anti-immigrant sentiment in our communities. Even individuals with US citizenship are afraid of being caught up in immigration actions. This workshop will provide valuable resources for all who care for this vulnerable student population and their families. From an individual to a systemic level, it will provide a roadmap for how to ensure that students and families feel safe at school. Everyone from registration staff, office staff, instructional and support personnel, and administration has a role to play in creating a safe and welcoming environment.

As more of our students present with anxiety and we focus on incorporating more SEL into our instruction, we must find new ways to assess learning. These assessment strategies must (1) allow us to measure what they know and (2) limit the effects of performance anxiety. These assessments need to be just as rigorous as our current tests and quizzes, easy to grade, and mindful of student stress. We all want our students to succeed. We want tests and quizzes to be “Got it!” moments, not “Gotcha!” moments. Based on cognitive and social psychology insights, we will teach you three low-stakes, no-cost, short assessment strategies that can be used in individual or group assessment settings. These strategies are based on principles of interval repetition, distributive processing, and interleaving. Together, these principles provide a framework for designing your own low-stakes assessment. We will show you three specific ways that you can use them in your classroom tomorrow and how you can continue to build such assessment methods in the future.