The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) is encouraging its members to attend the upcoming NJEA Convention, highlighting a range of activities and opportunities available for all education professionals in the state. The event will feature hundreds of workshops, an extensive exhibit floor, and special programming designed for various member groups.
Organizers emphasize that the convention is not just for teachers but welcomes every district employee and job category. "There are workshops and exhibits specifically designed for educational support professional (ESP) members, members who speak Spanish, retired members, aspiring educators, higher education members and so many more! With hundreds of workshops, booths, social events and organizations, there’s something for every NJEA member at the Convention!"
Attendees will have the chance to meet NJEA's new officer team: President Steve Beatty, Vice President Petal Robertson, and Secretary-Treasurer Tina Dare. Members can learn about their vision for the organization's future.
A highlight of this year's convention is a keynote address by Malala Yousafzai. According to organizers: "NJEA is proud to welcome Malala Yousafzai, the co-founder of the Malala Fund; founder of Extracurricular; Nobel Laureate; best-selling author and producer to the NJEA Convention. Yousafzai will be the featured speaker on Thursday in Hall A at 9:45 a.m. Hear more about her life of activism, which began at age 11 when she anonymously blogged about life under the Taliban in Pakistan’s Swat Valley, particularly the ban on girls’ education. At age 15, she was shot in the head by the Taliban for speaking out. After months of surgery and rehabilitation in the United Kingdom, she founded the Malala Fund to continue her campaign to see all girls in school. A year later, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition for her work for education and equality."
The convention also includes a film festival titled Voices Unveiled aimed at fostering empathy and discussion through diverse perspectives. Screenings will take place Thursday from morning until 4 p.m., and Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by reflection sessions.
Members are encouraged to explore benefits such as discounts on products and services as well as financial planning resources provided by NJEA Member Benefits partners located along Aisle 1900 on the Exhibit Hall floor.
Health and wellness activities are available through expanded areas featuring experiences like MudGirls Studio Hands-On Experience, Balanced Body Area, and Serenity Station. Some require advance registration.
Childcare services are offered via KiddieCorp at $20 per child per day so attendees can participate fully in convention events.
For those seeking leisure time after convention hours or wishing to explore Atlantic City’s amenities—such as dining or shopping—NJEA Member Benefits can help secure deals with local retailers.
The event provides networking opportunities across professions within education—allowing bus drivers, teachers, cafeteria workers and others to connect statewide.
Finally, attendees can visit Resilience and Reflection Row on the exhibit floor—a space blending art, music and healing—to engage creatively during their time at the convention.
