Learning Links
Learning Forward New Jersey Newsletter - March 2025
Welcome to the fifth edition of Learning Links!
Feeling the spring vibes? So are we! Welcome to March, a month of renewal and fresh starts. Let's make it a great one!
Like bees buzzing around a freshly bloomed flower, children are bursting with energy and eager to explore the world around them.
Please mark your calendar for our Day of Learning (Conference), on March 11, 2025.
Register Now for the Day of Learning
Chat and Chew
FREE
Date: April 9, 2025
Topic: Street Data Meets the Science of Reading
4:00 - 5:00 pm
"Teachers affect eternity; no one can tell where their influence stops." - Henry Books Adams
LFNJ - Part of the NJDOE Working Group on Educator Evaluation
LFNJ has been invited to participate in the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) Working Group on Educator Evaluation. This opportunity places us at the table to impact vital conversations shaping the future of educator evaluation in New Jersey. President-Elect, Greg Jablonski, will be representing LFNJ.
In the Spring of 2024, Governor Murphy created the Educator Evaluation Task Force, to review administrative code. The Task Force published their review on Sept. 30, 2024.
The Task Force identified three areas for enhancement: SGO practices, highly effective educator options, and ways to take advantage of the flexibility within the current code. Along with other stakeholders, LFNJ has been tasked with identifying ways to leverage flexibility within the code 6A:10-2.4.
This offers an excellent opportunity to refine evaluation policies, procedures, and professional learning. The code outlines the minimum requirements for teaching staff evaluations, allowing districts to tailor their approaches through stakeholder collaboration. Key provisions include defining roles, creating effective rubrics, establishing methods for data collection, and ensuring professional learning aligns with individual and schoolwide growth objectives. However, in many cases, observations only occur within the walls of a classroom in traditional settings; that paradigm only represents a fraction of what educators do for our students.
We value the insights and expertise of our members and truly appreciate your valuable feedback, as it greatly aids us in enhancing our committee's efforts.
Thank you for your dedication to advancing professional learning and educator growth. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on New Jersey’s education landscape.
Spotlight on Entire Board
2024 was an incredible year for LFNJ, filled with exciting milestones! We set a record for ‘Chat & Chew’ virtual event registrations, expanded our reach with a quarterly newsletter connecting with educators across the state, and secured key grant funding to fuel professional learning and member engagement. A key highlight of the year was the addition of several new board members, injecting fresh perspectives and renewed energy into the organization. These achievements have strengthened our community and paved the way for our ambitious plans for 2025!
The LFNJ Board is committed to providing members with high-quality professional learning opportunities, valuable resources, and a strong support network throughout the year. We can’t wait to build on this momentum in the year ahead!
· More Chat & Chew virtual events
· Annual conference (Day of Learning) March 11, 2025: Become a Learning Architect: Design & Implement Professional Learning with Impact
· Expanded access to high-quality resources to strengthen professional learning
· Annual Awards. Recognizing outstanding contributions to the field of education within the New Jersey learning community:
o The Distinguished Service Award (LINK) and
o The Emerging Professional Award (LINK)
· LFNJ appointment to the NJDOE's Educator Evaluation Task Force.
The LFNJ Board is committed to providing members with high-quality professional learning opportunities, valuable resources, and a strong support network throughout the year. We're eager to keep the progress going and make an even bigger impact in the year ahead!
Day of Learning - March 11, 2025
https://nj.learningforward.org/2025/02/06/new-lfnj-annual-awards/https://nj.learningforward.org/2025/02/06/new-lfnj-annual-awards/https://nj.learningforward.org/2025/02/06/new-lfnj-annual-awards/Click Here to Register!
Get ready for an inspiring day of professional learning!
Join LFNJ’s dynamic conference on March 11th at NJPSA, where we will ignite your passion for designing and delivering impactful professional learning! This event is built to engage, challenge, and empower educators and administrators with fresh strategies and innovative approaches to shaping meaningful learning experiences.
Connect & Collaborate – Engage with like-minded educators and leaders from across the state in a thought-provoking, interactive environment.
Elevate Your Practice – Discover new tools and frameworks to design professional learning that truly makes a difference in your schools and districts.
Be Inspired – We’re thrilled to welcome Fredrick Brown, President/CEO of Learning Forward, as our virtual keynote speaker! His expert insights into professional learning and leadership will inspire you to drive meaningful change in your educational community.
At LFNJ, we are committed to providing high-quality professional learning experiences that are thought-provoking but also energizing and actionable. Walk away from this Day of Learning with new ideas, renewed motivation, and a clear vision for making an impact.
Mark your calendar and join us for an unforgettable learning experience!
Location: NJPSA (add address)
Registration Link: Click Here to Register!
New Jersey Learning Forward Affiliate Learns Together about AI
New Jersey Affiliate Learns Together about AI
Learning Forward - The Professional Learning Association
Blog // Technology // New Jersey affiliate learns together about AI
How might students use AI to help them think? This was one of the questions discussed during a recent “Chat n Chew” online gathering hosted by the New Jersey Learning Forward affiliate.
Learning Forward affiliates are local chapters across the U.S., Canada, and India, founded and maintained by area professional learning leaders who are deeply committed to furthering excellence and equity in professional learning.
New Jersey’s affiliate meeting brought together members and guest educators to discuss and learn about AI implications in the classroom. This meeting was part of an ongoing virtual series on the latest in the field of educator learning.
An article in The Learning Professional, “AI is here. Let’s learn to use it wisely,” served as a focal point for the nearly 40 educators present. Attendees appreciated a surprise appearance by the expert featured in the article, A.J. Juliani, an author, educator, and keynote speaker at Learning Forward’s recent national conference.
Rosemary Seitel, a technology-savvy school administrator and Learning Forward New Jersey board member, hosted the resource-packed, interactive session, developed in collaboration with Bobbie Felip. Juliani and Seitel discussed how educators can take advantage of the AI opportunity and be proactive about practices and guidelines while we are early in its advent and use.
To read the entire blog, click on:
New Jersey Affiliate Learns Together about AI
Resource Link
Learning Forward New Jersey
Mission Statement
Learning Forward NJ builds the capacity of educators to implement and support professional learning to equitably serve all students, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.
Learning Forward New Jersey Membership Options
Learning Forward New Jersey is excited to offer two membership options for educators: Standard and Advantage.
The Learning Forward New Jersey Standard Membership is free! This membership gives you access to our quarterly newsletters and email invitations to upcoming events.
The Learning Forward New Jersey Advantage Membership costs just $15. This membership allows access to a shared folder of resources, discounted early registration to our annual conference, invite-only events, and a digital badge for your email signature. Advantage Members are also eligible for yearly honors and rewards. This membership can be obtained in two ways. Click here to complete the membership form and directions for where to send your form and payment. Or, choose Learning Forward New Jersey as your affiliate when you renew your membership with Learning Forward.
Email: learningforwardnj@gmail.com
Website: nj.learningforward.org
Location: New Jersey, USA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LearningForwardNewJersey
X/Twitter: @LearnForwardNJ
