ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – Thousands of educators are gathering today in Atlantic City for the New Jersey Education Association’s annual conference, where a full lineup of sessions will focus on wellness, cultural awareness, inclusion, and innovative classroom practices.
The statewide event, one of the largest professional gatherings for educators in New Jersey, will feature dozens of workshops, hands-on activities, and wellness opportunities designed to inspire and support teachers.
Throughout the day, sessions will explore topics ranging from mental health and mindfulness to global justice, civics, and cultural representation in schools.
Key Points
- NJEA conference opens today in Atlantic City with sessions on wellness, inclusion, and global awareness
- Workshops cover topics from the Amistad Curriculum to LGBTQ+ representation and restorative justice
- Educators from across New Jersey expected to participate in dozens of hands-on professional sessions
Wellness and mindfulness sessions set the tone
The day begins with a Sound Bath at the NJEA Health and Wellness Area’s Serenity Station from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., where participants will experience the calming effects of singing bowls, gongs, and chimes. At the same time, educators can attend “Awakening the Super Educator: Healing-Centered Tools to Navigate Uncertain Times” in Room 419, presented by Konscious Youth Development & Services (KYDS). The session will provide K–12 educators with mindfulness-based tools to manage stress, build community, and foster belonging.
Integrating culture and history into classrooms
At 11:15 a.m. in Room 315, the New Jersey Amistad Commission will host “Engaging and Infusing the New Jersey Amistad Curriculum: Grades K–6,” an interactive session where teachers will collaborate on best practices for incorporating African American history into elementary lessons.
In Room 301, “Host a Latino Family Conference That Makes a Difference” will guide educators through using NJEA FAST grants to strengthen relationships with Spanish-speaking families, building trust and inclusion through community-based events.
Global learning and restorative education
Another session beginning at 11:15 a.m., “What Can We Learn from Rwanda? Lots!” in Room 407, will explore lessons from Rwanda’s reconciliation process and the country’s use of restorative justice to promote healing and accountability.
At the same time, the NJEA Consortium will host “Drag is Not a Crime – The Past, Present, and Future of Drag” from 12:45 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., examining drag’s history, artistic roots, and ongoing role in activism and social justice.
Afternoon sessions highlight inclusion and representation
At 1:45 p.m., several concurrent workshops will give educators a chance to explore diverse approaches to teaching. In Room 421, “Q-riculum: LGBTQ+ in the English Classroom” will examine how LGBTQ+ themes can be integrated into literature studies, while in Room 317, “Hidden Civics: Incorporating Civics Across Curriculum” will demonstrate how all subjects can contribute to democratic understanding, led by South Brunswick High School English teacher Collin Rossi, with participation from the New Jersey State House Tour Office’s Matthew Murphy and Erica Freeman.
Educators attending virtually can join “What’s in Your Cultural Suitcase?: Building a Culturally Responsive Classroom” at 1:45 p.m., a session led by Wendy Liscow of Arts Ed NJ. The workshop will guide participants through self-reflection on personal cultural influences and the development of responsive, inclusive classroom practices.
Creating neurodiverse and inclusive schools
Closing the day, “Reimagining Inclusion: Mindset Shifts for Equitable, Neurodiverse School Communities” will run from 3:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Presented by Sanaz Hojreh, the session focuses on shifting professional perspectives to better celebrate neurodiversity, affirm student identity, and build belonging in intersectional learning environments.
Educators and NJEA members are expected to participate in sessions throughout the day, with the conference continuing through the week as part of the organization’s statewide effort to strengthen public education and support teacher well-being.