By Vicki Serreino
It’s that time of the year when we are getting ready for the NJEA Convention in Atlantic City. Behind the scenes, we are working hard to bring you the best possible experience and are so excited to welcome you to Atlantic City on Nov. 9 and 10. From the keynotes to our special film festival event to the expanded Wellness Areas to NJEA Main Street to the fantastic exhibitors to goat yoga (yes, the baby goats are coming back!) to the hundreds of professional and career development workshops, you are not going to want to miss one minute of Convention this year.
As we gear up for the 2023 NJEA Convention, anticipation electrifies the air as each passing day bringing us closer to a truly unforgettable experience. Our exceptional keynote speakers are at the foundation of this excitement. They promise to add an extraordinary dimension to the convention experience.
The four keynote speakers—Spike Lee, Ani DiFranco, Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg and Alisha De Lorenzo—will not just be individuals on a stage, but bridges to a world of insight, diversity and empowerment. Their presence aligns seamlessly with the convention’s theme: Learning, Equity, Justice, offering perspectives that pierce through divisions, weaving connections through the threads of art, film, music, culture and community.
Now, picture this—a film festival right in the heart of the convention! Join us as we premiere Voices Unveiled—the 2023 NJEA Convention Film Festival. This thoughtfully curated event aims to amplify diverse experiences as we inspire empathy, provoke insightful discussion and deepen collective understanding of our shared humanity. It’s a film festival that isn’t just entertainment, but dives deep into topics that matter in education and society. Voices Unveiled will provide educators with the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions and talk-back opportunities for select films.
But wait, there’s more! The convention has a heart that cares about educators as whole human beings. Let’s face it, educators aren’t robots—they’re real people with real challenges. That’s where the Wellness Areas come in—mindfulness exercises, meditation sessions and yoga sessions (with and without baby goats). Talking about mental health isn’t just an extra. It is an essential ingredient in the recipe for thriving educators. It’s more than getting your stretch on. It’s about recognizing that a healthy body feeds a healthy mind.
Throughout the exhibit floor, look for celebrity appearances, 10,000+ book giveaway from BookSmiles, book signings and more. It’s going to be a whirlwind of experiences that encapsulate the essence of the event.
The 2023 NJEA Convention promises to be a blockbuster movie with a dash of indie charm. With Spike Lee at the helm, the spotlight will be on the power of stories in education. It isn’t just a convention; it’s a convergence of ideas, a fusion of film and pedagogy that will leave everyone buzzing with inspiration. And those Wellness Areas? They are the nurturing embrace that says, “We care about you.”
Here’s to an event that won’t just tick boxes, but will ignite fires—fires of learning, of growth, and of a passion for education that will burn brighter than ever! We can’t wait to see you in Atlantic City this November.
Vicki Serreino is an associate director in the Professional Development and Instructional Issues Division and is the NJEA Convention Coordinator.