Empowering Education Ecosystems: TRANSFORM for Tomorrow

Are you ready to take your professional learning journey to the next level? TRANSFORM is the must-attend event for educators who are passionate about creating inclusive and innovative learning environments.

Choose your own professional development adventure to transform your work in public schools. At the NJEA TRANSFORM Conference you’ll find programs designed for instructional practice, educational support professionals, special education, hope and healing, technology and teacher leadership. The adventure begins April 20 and continues this summer with the NJEA IMPACT Conference on July 17.

Keynote speaker

Elena Aguilar, a writer, leader, teacher, coach, and podcaster. She is the author of seven highly acclaimed books: The Art of Coaching (2013), The Art of Coaching Teams (2016), Onward: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in Educators (2018), The Onward Workbook (2018), Coaching for Equity (2020), The Art of Coaching Workbook (2020) and The PD Book: 7 Habits that Transform Professional Development (2022). She has also frequently contributed to Edutopia, ASCD’s Educational Leadership, and EdWeek Teacher.

Elena is the founder and CEO of Bright Morning Consulting, an organization committed to helping individuals and organizations create the conditions for transformation. She has taught tens of thousands of folks how to have conversations that build a more just and equitable world. Elena can be heard demonstrating these conversations on the Bright Morning Podcast.

Conference schedule 

7:30 – 9 a.m. Registration, Breakfast, Wellness Activities & Exhibits
9 – 10:15 a.m. Welcome & Keynote Presentation
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions: Choose one of eight
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Lunch & Wellness Activities
1:45 – 3:45 p.m. Breakout Sessions: Choose one of eight
3:45 – 4:30 p.m. Prize Giveaway, Networking Event, Wellness Activities & Exhibits

Cost & registration 

COST: $109 for NJEA members – includes program, breakfast & lunch. Preregistration required.

The conference provides five hours of professional learning credit.

Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Only registered participants may attend. No on-site registration.

Purchase order registrations are not available online and must be placed with the conference
registrar, Krista Orellana, at korellana@njea.org. Questions? Email pdevents@njea.org.

If you have a special physical, communication, dietary, or other related need which may require assistance or accommodations to permit or facilitate your attendance/participation in the conference please contact Krista Orellana, at korellana@njea.org.

Breakouts

A.M. breakout (choose one) 

1. An Introduction to AI – NJEA PDII Division
2. Beyond Barriers: UDL & Inclusive Learning for All – NJ Coalition for Inclusive Education
3. Circle Practice for Early Elementary Students – NJEA A.C.C.E.S.S.
4. Creating a School Environment Where All Can Thrive: The Awesome Combination of Strong SEL Skills & a Positive School Climate – SEL4NJ
5. Cultivating Restorative Classrooms: Nurturing Educator Reflection & Transformative Practices – NJEA A.C.C.E.S.S.
6. Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: Print & Digital Resources – NJ Association of School Librarians
7. Leading by Convening: A Blueprint for Authentic Engagement – SPAN Parent Advocacy Network
8. Teacher Leader Academy session – Open to TLA staff & community ONLY

P.M. breakout (choose one) 

1. Advocating & Organizing: Resource Challenges, Policies, & What You Can Do to Engage Your Community to Effect Change – NJ Association of School Librarians
2. Building Community for Connection & Learning – Facing History & Ourselves
3. Collaboration for Building a Community of Writers – NJEA Teacher Leader Academy
4. Designing Instruction to Meet Diverse Needs – NJ Coalition for Inclusive Education
5. From Mandates to Movements: Building Inclusive Classrooms – NJEA Curriculum Consortium
6. Inclusion is a Mindset – NJEA Teacher Leader Academy
7. Leading & Learning with Joy – NJEA Teacher Leader Academy
8. My Disability Roadmap: A Film Screening & Talkback

Additional details

Choice Wellness, LLC will conduct activities including Tai Chi, Chair Yoga, Sound Bath and Guided Meditation

Wellness schedule 
Choice Wellness LLC. activities with Andrew Nolan
7:45-8:15 a.m. – Chair Yoga
8:15-8:45 p.m. – Chair Tai Chi
12:30-1 p.m. – Guided Meditation
1-1:30 p.m. – Healing Serenity Sound Bath
4-4:30 p.m. – Hypnotic Impact Sound Bath

BookSmiles: Banned on the Run

BookSmiles will distribute 2,500 FREE books with titles found on many banned books lists. Every member will leave the conference with a minimum of 10 books for their classroom libraries.