1. Now That I’m President, What Do I Do? (offered Sessions I & II)
PART 2 – 9/26-27 – 1-½ Day Workshop
For: Newly elected presidents
The job of an effective local president is the most challenging you’ll ever face in your association. This workshop is designed to help newly elected presidents identify those challenges, develop strategies to deal with them, and build a strong, effective association. We will discuss advocacy topics so you leave empowered and with all the information you need to lead your association. This workshop is the first training in an optional yearlong New Presidents Academy – more information will be shared at SLC.
This training begins prior to the start of the conference at 1:15 p.m. Participants should plan to arrive by 12:45 p.m.
* Since an additional training occurs in September, the costs are higher for this workshop.
Commuter: $425
Double Occupancy: $475
Single Occupancy: $600
2. Vital Skills for Local Leaders (offered Sessions I & II)
For: Local association presidents and leaders
This workshop is designed to include not only presidents but members of your executive committee, as well. As local leaders one of the most vital roles you play is that of organizer. In this workshop, you will learn skills from the presenters as well as from each other that will enhance your organizing skills to make your association not only survive but thrive! With the lens focused on membership, advocacy, and communication, you will work to create an organizing plan to implement in your association.
3. Leadership Development 101 – A Beginner’s Guide for Association Leaders (offered Session II only)
For: All members
In this workshop, we will explore principles of effective leadership and team building, effective communication and listening skills, time and stress management, facilitation skills for leaders, the importance of change management, and leadership scenarios for association leaders.
4. Basic Treasurer’s Training (offered Sessions I & II)
For: Local treasurers
In this workshop, you will learn the ABCs of being a local treasurer, including the fiduciary responsibilities of this important association role. We will cover building a budget and fiscal issues, implementing time management tools, taking the fear out of treasury audits and payroll, and laying the foundation for a computerized treasury. Lastly, we will go over the benefits of the Local Association Financial Assistance Program (LAFAP) form and learn how to complete a LAFAP through our online system.
5. Advanced Treasurer’s Training (offered Session II only)
Prerequisite: Treasurers who have completed Basic Treasurer’s Training
This course is designed for the experienced treasurer interested in using Quicken® to maintain the association’s books and conform to Local Association Financial Assistance Program (LAFAP) reporting requirements
Enrollment limited to 18 participants (one per local). Computers will be provided.
6. Grievance Processing I – Grieve, Don’t Gripe (offered Sessions I & II)
For: Any member who is new to grievance processing
This workshop will introduce participants to the basic vocabulary, essential tools, complete process, and changing laws of grievance work from the local association level through court appeals. Problem-solving ideas and strategies will be reviewed through case studies illustrating specific solutions to real problems. Members will be asked to determine whether gripes are grievable or should be handled in other ways.
Participants need to bring a copy of their collective bargaining agreement.
7. Grievance Processing II (offered Session II only)
Prerequisite: Grievance I workshop and/or knowledge in processing grievances
Participants will learn the following grievance processing concepts: past practice, clear versus ambiguous contract language, just-cause standards, management rights, maintenance of benefits, and duty of fair representation. Participants also will be trained on the differences between grievance, an unfair labor practice, a PERC hearing, or a commissioner’s case.
8. Grievance Processing III (offered Session I only)
Prerequisite: Grievance II workshop and/or experience in processing grievances
Learn the skills needed for the local association to present grievances effectively at the board of education level—and learn why such presentations are necessary. Case studies and role playing will be utilized in group activities in order for participants to present a grievance to a board of education. Participants will write and present multiple grievances before simulated boards and make decisions on whether to settle or go to arbitration. This workshop is intended for members currently serving or training to be on a grievance committee.
9. Legal Issues Affecting School Employees (offered Sessions I & II)
For: All members
This workshop is an in-depth review of pertinent provisions of school and labor laws and administrative and legal decisions affecting members. We will examine the impact of school and labor laws on employment, analyze techniques for proper forum selection for dealing with disputes (i.e., role of PERC, the commissioner of education, courts, and agencies), review decisional law and legislative enactments, recognize statute applications/interpretations through case-by-case determination, and examine, analyze, and review association roles.
10. PERC Law (offered Sessions I & II)
For: Negotiators, grievance committee representatives, and other association leaders
To assist in negotiations and representation, this workshop will focus on unfair labor practices and court cases outlining negotiability/arbitrability disputes including discipline, transfers, extracurricular assignments, and duty of fair representation. What constitutes past practice, just cause, and relief from unilateral changes in working conditions will be explored in depth.
11. NEW! Navigating Leaves of Absence (offered Sessions I & II)
For: All members
You may be spending a lot of time and energy navigating the complex landscape of leaves of absences. This workshop is designed to help you understand the different types of leaves available, eligibility criteria, the leave request process, employee responsibilities while on leave, and employer obligations. This workshop will provide resources and information when life events happen that impact your job. You will also learn about NEA/NJEA Member Benefits, life insurance, disability insurance, proactive bargaining, and pension and health benefit information.
12. AR – Key to a Strong Organization (offered Sessions I & II)
For: Association representatives; open to all members
Learn the fundamentals and develop skills to become an association advocate. This program concentrates on contract enforcement, basic school law, member benefits, membership promotion, emerging instructional issues, legislative action, and your state and national association.
13. Basic Collective Bargaining (offered Sessions I & II)
For: New and inexperienced negotiators
Master the essential phases of bargaining with particular emphasis on the role of laws in the negotiations process; organization of and preparation for negotiations; negotiations tactics and techniques; the use of mathematics in negotiations; the 2010 bargaining law; impasse resolution including mediation, fact-finding, and superconciliation; job actions and communication; and ratification.
14. Advanced Collective Bargaining (offered Sessions I & II)
For: Experienced negotiators who have completed Basic Collective Bargaining or members who have actively participated in the bargaining process as a member of a team
Advanced Collective Bargaining workshop topics include hot topics at the table, how to get to where we want to go, salary guides (alternative methods of distribution), what to do when the going gets tough, legislation affecting bargaining, and bargaining health benefits.
15. Basic Salary Guides (offered Session I only)
For: New local negotiators preparing for successful salary negotiations
Methods of costing, analyzing, and understanding salary guides will be presented. Successful salary negotiation techniques such as developing comparisons, member input, district’s ability to pay, planning salary guide workshops, and planning a successful ratification will be emphasized. Challenges facing ESP and inclusive local associations will be stressed. We will discuss current issues of importance and present successful strategies.
Participants must bring their current scattergram and collective bargaining agreement, including all salary guides.
16. Advanced Salary Guides (offered Session II only)
Prerequisite: Basic Salary Guides
The workshop will give participants an understanding of how salary guides are constructed and calculated. Participants will construct a base-year cost-out and salary guides for three additional years on an Excel spreadsheet. Knowledge of how a spreadsheet functions is essential. This training will expand on issues raised in Basic Salary Guides, as well as explore additional concerns and techniques.
Enrollment limited to 18 participants (one per local). Computers will be provided.
17. Health Benefits and Pensions for Your Local (offered Session II only)
For: All members
Become your local’s go-to person for all your members’ health benefits and pension questions. Learn the ins and outs of what you need to know when assisting your members in understanding health plan options, minimizing out-of-pocket health care costs, premium sharing contributions, preparing for retirement, understanding their pensions, and more.
18. Managing Conflict Effectively (offered Session II only)
For: All members
This workshop is designed to increase personal and association effectiveness in dealing with conflict in a positive fashion. Participants will learn a variety of techniques that enhance this process by developing new strategies for identifying and handling conflict. Discussion will focus on what causes conflict and how better communication can help prevent or resolve conflict.
19. NEW! Thriving in High-Pressure Environments (offered Session I only)
For: All members
Gain practical tools for managing workplace stress, advocating for your rights, and building resilience in challenging environments. Learn strategies to strengthen solidarity, maintain well-being, and navigate high-pressure situations while ensuring your voice is heard. Together, we’ll build the strength and skills to thrive, no matter the challenges we face.
20. NEW! Governance Fundamentals: Building Blocks for Success (offered Session II only)
For: All members
Understanding the organizational structure of local, state, and national affiliates empowers both new and seasoned union members. This training will help participants grasp key fundamentals of association governance, including constitutions, bylaws, parliamentary procedures, and
equity-centered policies.
21. NEW! Can’t We All Just Get Along?! A Cross-Sectional Exploration of Belonging Through Educational Elements (offered Session I only)
For: All members
This workshop will address how to create spaces where students can truly show up as themselves. We’ll dive into how building community, engaging authentically, and reimagining the learning environment helps all students feel they belong. From boosting participation to creating room for self-expression, we’ll explore how we can grow alongside our students by confronting our own biases and increasing our cultural awareness.
22. Civil Rights and Racial Justice: History and Current Issues in Education (offered Session I only)
For: All members
This immersive workshop will focus on racial justice and civil rights history and further discuss issues affecting public education and unions today. Participants will hear stories about the long and ongoing struggle for racial equality and equity from NJEA staff, community partners, and a representative from the National Park Service Little Rock Central High School Site. Learn how NJEA and NEA members were and are involved in movements for racial justice and civil rights.
23. Membership Chair Training (offered Sessions I & II)
For: All membership chairs: novice and experienced
During this course, we will examine the calendar of yearly responsibilities, as well as best practices and new techniques to help you meet those requirements. The course will be broken into four parts that will include redesigning your new employee orientation, how to make the membership ask, authentic engagement and follow-up, and member retention.
24. NEW! Educational Support Professionals (ESPs): You Are Essential, You Matter! (offered Session I only*)
For: ESP members
Join fellow ESP members and experts on ESP issues in this lively workshop where you’ll gain the tools necessary to build your career and safeguard your interests. Just as you play an essential role in your school, your contribution to this workshop will ensure its success. Don’t miss out!
*This workshop has a special schedule. Registration is at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 25 and the workshop concludes with lunch on Sunday, July 27.
25. NEW! On the Offense: Educators as Protectors of the Common Good (offered Session II only)
For: All members
This workshop will provide a brief history of the well-funded, decades-long, coordinated attack on public institutions, public unions, and public workers. Learn how to fight back against the widespread disinformation and misinformation that makes contract settlements harder to win, threatens our health and pension benefits, and encourages privatization of our ESPs.
26. Teacher Leadership: Organizing and Advocating for Instructional Practice (offered Session I only)
For: All members
Teacher leadership is the process by which teachers as individuals or collectively influence their colleagues, administrators, and school districts on issues of teaching and learning. This workshop will explore the Teacher Leader Model Standards, which have been adopted by the state of New Jersey as the basis of the teacher leader endorsement. Ways in which members can organize to influence professional practice with their colleagues, in their schools, and in their school districts will also be explored.
27. NEW! From Vision to Victory: Using Participatory Practices for Member-Driven Organizing (offered Session II only)
For: All members
This workshop teaches leaders the art of collaborative and participatory leadership. Learn strategies to engage members, foster collective decision-making, and build powerful, member-driven initiatives. We will discuss how to leverage these practices to build power under any circumstances, from dealing with strife in your association to managing your day-to-day routine. Empower your union with inclusive practices that turn shared visions into victorious outcomes. Unite, organize, and lead with participatory strength.
28. Digital Communication Tools with NJEASites (offered Session I only)
For: Association editors and webmasters with an NJEASites website in the newest Ocean theme
This session will cover how to manage your association’s website using Wordpress, Page Builder and custom NJEA modules. Attendees will learn how to customize their websites, create pages, posts, events, galleries, forms, and more. Also covered will be sending mass emails with Sendy Creator and other digital communications resources.
Enrollment limited to 18 participants (one per local). Computers will be provided.
29. How to Be a Powerful Public Speaker (offered Session II only)
For: All members
Learn how to look and sound your best when presenting to a group. Participants review techniques for preparing and delivering a speech. Each participant will be videotaped for a self-reflection and for group feedback.
Enrollment limited to 18 participants (one per local).
30. Local and County Social Media Managers 101 (offered Session I only)
For: Local association social media editors
Learn how to create and optimize a social media presence for your local or county association. Once established, social media can support your ability to activate your membership, engage your community, and maximize your organizing efforts.
Enrollment limited to 18 participants (one per local).
31. Moneywise Members (offered Session II only)
For: Member Benefits coordinators and all members
This training will encompass all programs and services offered through NJEA Member Benefits. Attendees will learn more about the full referral service of AID-NJEA and important financial matters including life insurance, income protection, supplemental retirement income, and member discounts on everyday items and services.