NJEA Professional Development and Instructional Issues Division
By Chrissi Miles, Ed.D.
In a climate where narrow policies and divisive rhetoric threaten both democracy and the well-being of our communities and schools, the NJEA Professional Development and Instructional Issues (PDII) team remains steadfast in championing equity, igniting hope and fostering authentic connection in public education. In all that we do, PDII begins with why: every learner deserves a curiosity-driven environment, every voice is valued and every educator is empowered to help students—and themselves—flourish in a healthy system.
Professional development
Amid shifting educational landscapes and the urgent call for more equitable schools, PDII remains focused on a simple but powerful goal: create meaningful learning experiences that spark growth, empower organizing around critical issues and nurture leaders who drive positive change. True to our “why,” we recognize that real transformation happens when educators share expertise, collaborate on solutions and commit to the well-being of every student. Below, we highlight core aspects of PDII’s work that carry this purpose forward.
PD affiliate programming
At the local and county levels, our affiliate programming addresses the evolving realities that educators face every day, from classroom climate to fostering inclusive classrooms and prioritizing social-emotional learning to embracing rapidly developing tools like artificial intelligence (AI).
Across 70+ diverse topics—equity, mental health, AI integration, teacher leadership, behavior support and more—PDII’s offerings for affiliates maintain one overarching goal: to provide spaces where educators not only deepen their practice but also activate their collective power. We ensure that everyone, from teachers to educational support professionals (ESPs), has the support, resources and inspiration to make a lasting impact in their schools and communities.
Virtual and blended learning
Through its Virtual Series, PDII provides flexible professional learning from August through May on topics ranging from addressing book deserts, LGBTQIA+ inclusion and representation, to harnessing technology ethically and responsibly. By removing geographic barriers, these sessions bring educators together for authentic dialogue and shared discovery.
In partnership with the NEA, PDII’s Blended Learning programs offer extended six-week, virtual courses—including Multilanguage Learners 101, Advocating for MLLs and Culturally Relevant Pedagogy for MLLs—giving educators time to apply new strategies, reflect on their experiences and refine their practice.
Looking ahead to 2025-26, both initiatives will continue uniting educators across the state around inclusive, forward-thinking approaches that elevate every learner’s potential.
For more information and to register for sessions, visit learning.njea.org
Communities of Practice
Newly introduced in the 2024-25 school year, PDII’s Communities of Practice (CoP) is a commitment to cultivating shared learning and collective wisdom. These monthly Power Hour sessions invite educators into a welcoming, reflective, virtual space where they can connect around practical challenges and emerging trends, discuss tested strategies and drive innovation from the ground up. Guided by values of inclusivity, equity, collaboration, innovation, empowerment and sustainability, each CoP revolves around high-interest and high-need themes—such as Thriving, Not Just Surviving, Leaning into Artificial Intelligence, and Social Emotional Learning.
The Power Hour format is intentionally conversational, creating an environment where questions are celebrated, resources are freely exchanged, and new perspectives and connections emerge through open dialogue. By offering their collective expertise, participants expand their support networks and sharpen the tools they need to serve their communities.
Whether an educator is seeking practical strategies or hoping to champion broader change within their school or district, these Communities of Practice provide a vital space for growth—reminding us that, together, we can transform challenges into opportunities and keep our passion for public education alive and vibrant.
Learn more here.
NJEA Convention and conferences
The NJEA Convention stands apart as a premier gathering for high-interest workshops, transformative keynote sessions, immersive learning experiences and meaningful networking. Each year, the convention prioritizes a diverse range of sessions and robust member engagement, ensuring that every participant finds fresh ideas to bring back to their school communities.
To submit a workshop proposal for consideration, visit njea.org/conventionproposal.
Beyond the Convention, the PDII Division hosts two additional annual conferences—Transform and Impact. The upcoming Transform Conference on April 5 features keynote speaker Malcolm Jenkins—author, entrepreneur, executive producer, philanthropist and racial justice advocate—whose powerful perspectives will set the stage for a day of exploration and renewal.
Looking ahead to July 16, the Impact Conference will feature keynote Dr. Shelley Moore, a globally recognized expert on inclusive education whose strengths-based, responsive approach offers transformative insights into designing for all learners.
At both Transform and Impact, attendees can engage in wellness activities such as yoga, sound baths and guided meditation, all while choosing from workshops that range from Fostering Connection and Resilience: Trauma-Informed Practices for Inclusive and Restorative Classrooms to Understanding Youth Mental Health. Strengthening its focus on literacy and equity, PDII has also partnered with BookSmiles to provide each attendee with at least ten free books for their classroom libraries.
While the deadline to register for the Transform Conference has passed, visit njea.org/impact to register for the Impact Conference.
The ACCESS program
The NJEA ACCESS Model—A Community Collective for Equitable and Sustainable Schools—provides a holistic approach for schools centering on healing-centered education, trauma-informed care, mindfulness, meditation and educator wellness. Through collaborative leadership, ACCESS encourages educators to co-create strategic improvement plans that reflect restorative practices, social-emotional well-being and the unique needs of each school community.
By seeing schools as interconnected communities, ACCESS lays the groundwork for sustainable improvement—grounded in the conviction that when educators and students feel safe, supported and seen, lasting progress becomes a genuine possibility.
Join the ACCESS program for a four-part virtual series, beginning April 30: Community as a Source of Wellness.
NJEA Teacher Leader Academy
The TLA elevates classroom educators—distinct from supervisory roles—as agents of meaningful change. Through collaboration and reflective practice, participants gain pivotal coaching, communication and data-informed decision-making skills, all viewed through an equity lens.
Recognized by Thomas Edison State University, the program awards 12 graduate credits upon successful completion. By fostering a supportive, peer-driven community, the TLA empowers teacher leaders to drive best practices, champion personal and professional growth, and strengthen the impact that of person-centered teaching and learning across New Jersey’s schools.
We are actively accepting applications for the next cohort of Teacher Leaders, for more information, visit www.njea.org/tla
NJEA Consortium
Funded by an NEA grant, the NJEA Consortium embodies a collective commitment to cultivating community, action, justice and understanding within New Jersey’s public schools. At its heart, the Consortium aims to develop and curate peer-reviewed, shareable curricular resources that encompass the Holocaust, Amistad, LGBTQIA+, Persons with Disabilities, and Asian American Pacific Islander mandates—ensuring that classrooms statewide reflect the richness and diversity of our communities.
Members of the Consortium engage in meaningful professional learning experiences, community engagement events and collaborative design processes to produce representative resources that affirm every student’s identity. Ultimately, the NJEA Consortium models how dedicated educators and partners can unite around shared values of equity and inclusion—shaping curricula that uplift historically marginalized voices and creating the conditions for deeper understanding, empathy and social justice in every school community.
For more information, contact Consortium@njea.org.
Policy and advocacy
PDII plays a pivotal role in shaping education policy in New Jersey by ensuring that educators’ experiences and expertise inform decisions. Through close collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE), the State Board of Education (NJSBOE) and participation in various Governor’s Task Forces, PDII brings a powerful collective voice to discussions on certification requirements, special education regulations, recruitment and retention efforts, educator effectiveness measures and more.
By advocating for educators in policy development, PDII fosters a deeper sense of ownership within our membership. Listening sessions, testimony preparation and coordinated responses invite teachers and ESPs alike to share firsthand insights on the challenges and opportunities they encounter in their day-to-day work.
Led by the NJEA Policy Team, these efforts highlight one of PDII’s central commitments: to ensure that educators are not just subjects of policy but active partners in its creation. When educators are at the table—analyzing data, providing testimony and crafting recommendations—policy decisions become more grounded in the realities of the classroom and more effective in driving positive change for all.
You can learn more about the State Board of Education, including an easy-to-use public comment tool to let the State Board know where you stand on a variety of issue. Scan this QR code to learn more.
Dr. Chrissi Miles is the director of the NJEA Professional Development and Instructional Issues Division. She can be reached at cmiles@njea.org.
The power of unity and shared humanity
Public education stands at a crossroads and core values like equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging are increasingly under attack. The PDII division remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering educators, uplifting student experiences and strengthening school communities.
Through an intentional blend of professional development opportunities, healing-centered programming, leadership cultivation, engaging conferences, the collaborative work of the Consortium and expert-driven policy advocacy, PDII illustrates the power of unity and shared humanity in action.
By coming together—educators, students, families and broader communities—we not only resist divisive narratives but also nurture an educational landscape where every learner’s identity and potential are honored, respected and celebrated. As educators, our collective efforts stand as a testament to what is possible when we align our talents and resources around a shared purpose: cultivating just, inclusive and thriving public schools that serve as beacons of democracy and hope. Let’s not back down.
For more information on NJEA’s initiatives and resources, please visit learning.njea.org.