NJAEA’s perspective
By Matthew Yuro
The New Jersey Aspiring Educators Association (NJAEA) had a wonderful time at the 2024 NJEA Convention, held in Atlantic City on Nov. 7 and 8. Together, aspiring educators learned new skills to add to their toolkits through professional development opportunities and over 200 workshops to choose from.
In addition, NJAEA showcased our brand-new logo and name by hosting a social media contest, where aspiring educator members entered to win a lime green Stanley cup by following our Instagram account and tagging us in any story posts. Kean Ocean President Kylie Smith won.
NJAEA also held its first unofficial business meeting at the 2024 NJEA Convention. NJAEA President Bianca Nicolescu, Vice President Matthew Yuro, and Secretary Chelsea Berwick presented updates on the NJAEA program, as well as some upcoming events to look forward to in the spring semester. We highlighted local chapter accomplishments, the Aspiring Ed PodSquad Podcast and hyped up the upcoming NJAEA Conference, happening on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
Why aspiring educators attend the convention
This year, over 100 aspiring educators from across the state attended the 2024 NJEA Convention. Below are some testimonials from the aspiring educator point of view on their experience at the convention.
“Going to the NJEA Convention showed me how many facets go into shaping New Jersey public schools. Along with centering on current and upcoming teachers, I discovered that NJEA also represents school psychologists, support staff (ESPs), retirees and more.”
– Catherine Gonzalez, SNJEA at TCNJ Secretary
“Convention was a day full of new insights. I learned how to incorporate new technologies and ideas into the classroom and how they can support us as teachers and our students. In an evolving world, the classroom will evolve as well. I left Convention this year with many considerations and new ideas for my future classroom.”
– Cara Grabowski, SNJEA at TCNJ Social Media Chair
“My experience at NJEA Convention was great because I was able to go to different workshops and learn about classroom management techniques before getting into the classroom. I also got to go to various booths and hear what great things are being done for our schools in regard to social-emotional learning, which is crucial!”
– Kylie Smith, KOEA President
“By attending the NJEA Convention, I was able to network with other educators in the profession, as well as continue to grow my passion of learning as a future educator. Hearing from the inspirational keynote speakers this year was a huge highlight on my convention experience.”
– Matthew Yuro, SNJEA at TCNJ President
“My favorite part of the 2024 NJEA Convention was having the opportunity to meet members through interviews on the Aspiring Ed PodSquad Podcast. The stories of their journey to becoming an educator and the impact that they have on students were all energizing, motivating and inspiring!”
– Chelsea Berwick, SNJEA at TCNJ Vice President
Matthew Yuro is the vice president of NJAEA and an NEA Director representing aspiring educators nationally on the NEA Board of Directors.