NJAIS offers many different Professional Development opportunities for faculty, administrators, and Trustees.  We aim to be relevant and responsive, and welcome your ideas and participation in these workshops and conferences. 

 

**We have updated the status of our professional development events in response to the guidance of health officials and the needs of our schools.  Please see below for the most recent information for each growth opportunity. Thank you for your support and flexibility. ​​​​**

 

NJAIS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS AND CONFERENCES

EVENT CALENDAR 2019 - 2020

 

 

Webinars and virtual resources added for covid-19 SUpport

 

**  In addition to the webinars listed below, NJAIS has organized several Zoom connects for various professional affinity groups.  For more information and to connect with your colleagues across the association, please contact Rachel Folan, rfolan@njais.org. **

 

 

Leading in a Time of Crisis 
An eSeminar for Heads of School with Michael Thompson and Rob Evans

Friday, April 3, 2020; 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.  

Please join us for this eSeminar for Heads of School.  The time will focus on the challenge of being a school leader in these unprecedented days with a chance to reflect on and share the burdens of leading and to troubleshoot key dilemmas. It has never been more difficult to lead a school, with the many competing and conflicting pressures we are facing as heads, and as schools.  Led by Rob Evans and Michael Thompson, psychologists who have each consulted to hundreds of independent schools, the facilitators can draw on their vast expertise supporting schools, including dozens in the midst of crises of various kinds, and to many more in the days after 9/11 and the 2008-9 financial meltdown. 

Please register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/u50of-6pqDMt0ddg73LO94lVMM9QgktJtg ​​​​​​​

 

 

Fundraising Amidst COVID-19 

Tuesday, April 7; 3:00 - 3:45 p.m.

This webcast for moving forward during times of uncertainty will feature data, real-world examples, and immediate actions to take. Though the global realities and implications of the COVID-19 virus are unprecedented, nonprofits have weathered similar storms by taking decisive action. Graham-Pelton’s President and CEO Elizabeth Zeigler will share firsthand experience guiding nonprofits through turbulent times and will answer the most pressing questions during a 45-minute live webcast.  She will highlight focused examples from independent schools and include tips to take fundraisers virtual if necessary.   

Please register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/vpElduitqjstTqojxPwwjDNkT463AgsJZQ

 

 

COVID-19 and Financial Aid:

Strategies and Insights for the Short and Long Term

Wednesday, April 8; 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

The impact of COVID-19 on all aspects of school operations is deep and complex, including financial aid demand. School leaders need to consider the likely short- and long-term effects this crisis will have on the overall economy, day-to-day financial realities for families, the unemployment picture, and consumer confidence—all of which are strong factors in the decisions families (current and prospective, full-pay and aid-eligible) make about the affordability of independent schools. Join this conversation to gain insights into how the situation could impact financial aid demand and share the questions and approaches you’re considering for how to manage your school’s financial aid strategy through this unprecedented moment.   

Please register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/u50pcu-trj8jGjW8f9fcwWzbHk6kwYV8zQ

 

 

 

Previously planned events postponed or canceled due to COVID-19:

Tuesday, April 7, 2020:
THE AP UNDOING PROJECT
AND
SO... YOU'VE CONSIDERED THE IB PROGRAM??
POSTPONED UNTIL LATE SUMMER 2020
Have you considered phasing out AP courses but worried about the reaction from your constituents?  The leadership team at Lincoln School (RI) has successfully led its community away from AP exams and will share the  effective navigation of this process while maintaining a strong position in a competitive independent school market.  After lunch, join IB expert Blake Spahn of Dwight School to investigate the possibility of the IB curriculum in your school.  You will learn the curricular overview, effects on school culture, and the financial aspects of the IB Program.
For: Curriculum Coordinators, Deans of Academics, Academic Leaders, School Administrators

 

Tuesday, April 7, 2020
LIBRARIAN MEETING
POSTPONED UNTIL FALL 2020
Join other Library Specialists  for this collaborative, problem solving discussion opportunity.  
For: Librarians and Library Specialists
Location: Mount Saint Mary Academy

 

Tuesday, April 7, 2020:
ART ROUND TABLE
POSTPONED UNTIL FALL 2020
Join other Art Educators for this collaborative, problem-solving discussion opportunity.
For: Visual Art Teachers
Location: The Peck School

 

Tuesday, April 21, 2020
POSITIVE ENCOUNTERS: WORKING WITH TEENS ONE-ON-ONE
POSTPONED UNTIL FALL 2020
The workshop will provide professionals with an update on the latest trends in adolescent sexual behavior, an opportunity to examine personal versus professional boundaries as they relate to disclosure, practice handling teachable moments, and issues related to confidentiality and agency policy regarding sexual health.
For: School Counselors, Nurses, and Social Workers
Location: Blair Academy

 

Thursday, April 23, 2020:
ADVANCEMENT OFFICERS CONFERENCE
EVENT CANCELED 
This annual meeting serves to support the collegiality and professional growth of development professionals.
For: Directors of Development and Development/Advancement Staff
Location: Rutgers Preparatory School

 

Thursday, April 23, 2020:
LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE - DINNER
BUILDING BLOCK V: LEAD
EVENT CANCELED 
This evening (5:00 - 8:00 p.m.) session of the 2019 - 2020 Leadership Institute will provide a closing experience for the cohort.  With a keynote presentation and facilitated conversation, participants will reflect, think ahead, and dive into the question, “How can I make a difference?”
For: Leadership Institute 2019 - 2020 Cohort
 

Friday, April 24, 2020:
ADMITTED OR ACCEPTED: BELONGING IN OUR SCHOOLS
EVENT POSTPONED UNTIL SPRING 2021
**Spring Major Conference**
Our annual JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Conference will explore belonging - In our schools, who feels they have been accepted into our school communities and, thus, who feels they have been admitted, but might not belong.
For: All Educators

 

Wednesday - Thursday, April 29 - 30, 2020:
HEAD OF SCHOOL CONFERENCE
EVENT CANCELED
This annual get-away for Heads of School serves to support professional learning and camaraderie for the leaders of our schools.
For: Heads of School
Location: Nassau Inn

 

Thursday - Friday, April 30 - May 1, 2020:
FINANCE OFFICERS CONFERENCE
EVENT CANCELED
This annual get-away serves to support professional growth, support, and camaraderie for the financial officers of our schools.
For: CFOs, Business Managers, Finance Officers, and Directors of HR.
Location: Nassau Inn

 

Wednesday - Thursday, May 13 - 14, 2020:
ADMISSIONS OFFICERS CONFERENCE
EVENT CANCELED 
This annual get-away serves to support professional learning and camaraderie for admissions teams at our schools.
For: All Admissions Professionals
Location: Molly Pitcher Inn

 

Monday, June 15 - Wednesday, June 17, 2020:
DIVERSITY INSTITUTE AT THE PENNINGTON SCHOOL
EVENT CANCELED 
This experience extends the Harkness principles of collaborative, student-centered learning, and enables educators to help students learn about themselves as they are learning about others. Additionally, you will learn skills and acquire resources to have engaging conversations with your students and colleagues -- conversations that offer academically rigorous, and personally challenging, yet potentially transformative experiences.
For: Classroom Teachers (especially of the humanities) and School Administrators
Location: The Pennington School

 

Completed Programs:

 

 

Tuesday, August 13 - Wednesday, August 14, 2019:
2019 INNOVATION INSTITUTE: INVENT, ITERATE, INSPIRE
For: All Classroom Teachers, Administrators, Technology Integrators, Curriculum Coordinators, and those looking to enhance their innovative instructional practice
Engage and Play with Instructional Tools, Collaborate with Your NJAIS Colleagues, and Energize Your Instruction
Featuring keynote presentations from renowned presenter Kathy Schrock and Emily Ong, Senior Manager of Community Partnerships & Outreach for Girls Who Code; breakout sessions that highlight innovative classroom instruction and curriculum; rapid-fire presentations that showcase innovative instructional practices (with a cocktail reception!); panel presentation for new/novice technology integrators, directors, and specialists; facilitated hands-on work with instructional tools; collaboration with colleagues; FUN!
Location: The Pingry School, Short Hills Campus

 

Monday, August 12 - Thursday, August 15, 2019:
INSTRUCTIONAL SKILLS WORKSHOP
For: New Teachers, Veteran Teachers, and Administrators
This workshop is designed to define and demonstrate effective teaching skills for independent school educators. The program’s sessions review the principles of learning and offer suggestions for translating the latest research into practical classroom applications.
Location: The Pingry School, Short Hills Campus

 

Monday, August 19, 2019:
PROGRAM AND DINNER FOR ATHLETIC PROFESSIONALS
For: Athletic Directors, Coaches, and Physical Education Teachers
Join Coaches, Athletic Directors, and other athletic professionals from across the association for an evening of connection, collaboration, and commitment to NJAIS athletes and teams.  Featuring Dr. Nate Zinsser, Director/Performance Psychology Program at West Point.
Location: The Pingry School, Basking Ridge Campus

 

Thursday, August 22, 2019:
LUNCH BUNCH FOR HEADS OF SCHOOL
This is an informal gathering of Heads of School in order to connect, collaborate, and build camaraderie before another school year begins. Featuring the beautiful scenery of South Jersey!
For: Heads of School
Location: South Jersey

 

Wednesday, September 18, 2019:
WEBINAR: BECOMING A CONNECTED EDUCATOR; USING SOCIAL MEDIA IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE
Learn acceptable use practices; Find teachers, coaches, conversations, and classrooms in your discipline; Connect to students and families; Advertise your school and build a personalized resume; See examples from Instagram and Twitter
For: All Educators
Zoom link available after registration

 

Wednesday, September 25, 2019:
LEGAL ISSUES FOR SCHOOLS
This full-day experience serves to educate and empower schools with the intricacies of school law.  Learn from legal experts who will present current challenges confronting schools and how to proactively create strategies that can limit liability exposure.  
For: Heads of School, Finance Officers, Human Resource Officers, and Other School Administrators
Location: Peddie School

 

Wednesday, September 25, 2019:
SUMMER AND AUXILIARY PROGRAMS ROUND TABLE
Join other Summer and Auxiliary Program Directors and Coordinators for this collaborative, problem-solving discussion opportunity.  
For: Summer and Auxiliary Program Directors
Location: Gill St. Bernard’s School

 

Thursday, September 26, 2019:
AUTHENTIC INPUT AND INSPIRED OUTPUT IN THE WORLD LANGUAGE CLASSROOM
In this interactive workshop, participants will engage in how learners at any proficiency level can tap into the power of using authentic resources to serve as rich input. Join us as we explore various types of authentic cultural resources to better inform students’ knowledge.
For: Teachers of World Language, all grade levels
Location: Princeton Montessori School

 

Thursday, October 3, 2019:
BEYOND POWERPOINT: EdTECH FOR THE HUMANITIES CLASSROOM
This experience will explore how EdTech is used effectively in English and History classrooms in order to enrich classes and benefit students.
For Teachers of English and History, Grades 5 - 12
Location: Gill St. Bernard's School

 

Tuesday, October 8, 2019:
LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
BUILDING BLOCK I: EXPLORE
This opening session of the 2019 - 2020 Leadership Institute cohort will begin its collaborative journey, orient personal leadership styles,  and dive into the landscape of school leadership.
For: Leadership Institute 2019 - 2020 Cohort
Location: Dwight-Englewood School

 

Wednesday, October 16, 2019:
WEBINAR: CYBERSECURITY
Join this webinar for the latest “need-to-knows” to protect your school.
For: Tech Directors, Business Managers, and School Administrators
Zoom link available after registration

 

Friday, October 18, 2019:
TEACHING CIVILITY IN AN AGE OF CONFLICT
**Fall Major Conference**
Featuring Keynote Speaker Anne Nelson, award-winning author and playwright, professor at Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs, this experience serves to support schools in navigating the current social and political landscape.  Sessions include case studies in civil discourse, building a center of civic engagement, debriefing incivility in our schools, unpacking implicit bias, helping schools face current events for all grade levels, and more.
For: All Educators, all grade levels
Location: Delbarton School

 

Thursday, October 24, 2019:
FINANCE OFFICERS WORKSHOP
This annual meeting serves to support the collegiality and professional growth of finance professionals.
For: CFOs, Business Managers, Directors of Finance, and Directors of HR
Location: The Hun School of Princeton

 

Thursday, October 24, 2019:
EQUITY AND INCLUSION PROGRAM AND DINNER
An annual gathering for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion warriors, this event features a keynote presentation followed by dinner and opportunities to connect and collaborate on behalf of JEDI initiatives in our schools.
For: All Educators who work on behalf of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiatives
Location: The Hun School of Princeton

 

Friday, October 25, 2019:
ADMISSIONS OFFICERS WORKSHOP
This annual meeting serves to support the collegiality and professional growth of admissions professionals.
For: All Admissions Professionals
Location: Kent Place School

 

Tuesday, October 29, 2019:
DEPARTMENT CHAIR WORKSHOP
This full-day workshop serves to support department chairs in areas of pacing change and building partnerships across departments, giving feedback to colleagues, and more.
For: Department Chairs
Location: Far Hills Country Day School

 

Friday, November 1, 2019:
EDUCATION AMBASSADOR PROGRAM WITH FUJITSU
This shared initiative promotes education-wide collaboration and to discuss current trends facing educators spanning the K - 12 spectrum.
For: Teachers, Curriculum Coordinators, EdTech Leaders
Location: Rutgers Preparatory School

 

Tuesday, November 5, 2019:
COLLEGE COUNSELOR MEETING
This experience will feature expert presentations and collaboration with colleagues in order to support and strengthen our college processes.
For: College Counselors and Advisors
Location: Wardlaw + Hartridge School

 

Friday, November 8,  2019:
ADVANCEMENT OFFICERS WORKSHOP
This annual meeting serves to support the collegiality and professional growth of development professionals.
For: Directors of Development and Development/Advancement Staff
Location: Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart

 

Friday, November 8,  2019:
WORKSHOP FOR MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS PROFESSIONALS
This workshop will engage topics such as building collaboration across offices, social media marketing, and crisis communication plans, as well as time for networking and discussions with other MarCom professionals. 
For: Marketing and Communications Professionals and related roles
Location:  Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart

 

Wednesday - Thursday, November 13 -14, 2019:
LOWER SCHOOL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
This conference will support school leaders working with students preschool through grade five.  The experience will allow for collaboration, networking, and growth as leaders and learners.
For: Early Childhood and Lower School Division Heads and their leadership teams
Location: Molly Pitcher Inn

 

Thursday - Friday, November 14 - 15, 2019:
ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
This conference will support school leaders who steer the culture and curriculum of their institutions.  The experience will allow for collaboration, networking, and growth as leaders and learners.
For: Academic Leadership Teams including, but not limited to, Deans of Academics, Deans of Faculty, Upper and Middle School Division Heads, Assistant Heads, and Directors of Curriculum.Location: Molly Pitcher Inn

 

Sunday, November 17, 2019:
*Snow date Sunday, November 24, 2019*
LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
BUILDING BLOCK II: SERVE
This session of the 2019 - 2020 Leadership Institute will explore the role of governance in schools, examining the question, “What is a Trustee and how do trustees serve our schools?”.
For: Leadership Institute 2019 - 2020 Cohort
Location: Morristown-Beard School

 

Sunday, November 17, 2019:
*Inclement weather date: Sunday, November 24, 2019*
TRUSTEE ENRICHMENT DAY
NJAIS' annual Trustee Enrichment Day is a benchmark event for new and experienced Trustees. This is a valuable opportunity for administrators and Trustees alike to experience a broad range of speakers and workshops to support strong governance for our schools.
For: Trustees, Heads of School, and Executive Administrators
Location: Morristown-Beard School
 

Tuesday, November 19, 2019:
WEBINAR: DESIGN THINKING
Join us to learn about how you can incorporate design thinking into any classroom, focusing on a model called Agency by Design.
For: All Educators
Zoom link available after registration

 

Tuesday, December 10, 2019:
READING AND LEARNING SPECIALIST ROUND TABLE
Join other Reading and Learning Specialists for this collaborative, problem-solving discussion opportunity.
For: Reading and Learning Specialists and Support Teams
Location: Rumson Country Day School

 

Wednesday, December 11, 2019:
ADVISORY GROUP WORKSHOP
**Program Full**
Please contact Rachel Folan, rfolan@njais.org, if you would like to join the wait list.
This experience includes a workshop that provides participants with the new skills for challenging conversations, a plan for the creation of norms, and an advisory lesson draft.  It will also showcase current NJAIS exemplary advisory programs.
For: All Educators
Location: St. Benedict's Preparatory School

 

Thursday, December 12, 2019:
WHAT THE TECH IS GOING ON?!
NJAIS Technology Steering Committee is pleased to offer its annual “What the Tech is Going On?!” event, created to foster collaboration and sharing of creative technology initiatives. This 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. event will include a showcase of technology-based programs followed by a cocktail meet-and-greet. Bring your questions, projects, and curriculum ideas to discuss with our team of technology professionals.
For: All Educators
Location: Delbarton School

 

Thursday, January 16, 23, and 30, 2020
ENGAGING IN THE CONVERSATION: LOWER SCHOOL TEACHERS  WORKSHOP SERIES
This experience is a three-session online series for teachers committed to changing their classroom libraries.  Join us in this interactive class where we will be reviewing criteria for choosing books, analyzing current trends in children’s literature, and discussing new titles.
For: K - 6 Classroom Teachers
Location: Via Zoom Connect

 

Wednesday, January 15, 2020:
*Snow date Wednesday, January 22, 2020*
LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
BUILDING BLOCK III: INSPIRE
This session of the 2019 - 2020 Leadership Institute will explore pathways to leadership, continue to build connection within the cohort, and examine steps to build leadership opportunities.
For: Leadership Institute 2019 - 2020 Cohort
Location: Gill St. Bernard’s School

 

Tuesday, January 28, 2020:
*Snow date Thursday, January 30, 2020*
DIVISION HEADS ROUND TABLE
Join other Middle and Upper School Division Heads and Academic Leaders for this collaborative, problem-solving discussion opportunity.
For: Division Heads and Academic Leaders, grades 5 - 12
Location: Saddle River Day School

 

Wednesday, January 29, 2020:
PROGRAM AND LUNCHEON FOR HEADS OF SCHOOL
Enjoy lunch and connection with your Head of School colleagues and a presentation by guest speaker, Kevin Ruth, Executive Director of ECIS.
For: Heads of School
Location: Far Brook Schoo

 

Wednesday, February 5, 2020:
*Snow date: Thursday, February 6, 2020*
SUPPORTING ALL LEARNERS: DIVERSE LEARNING AND STUDENT WELL-BEING
This day-long experience will include sessions that support the recognition of diverse learning - what diverse learning looks like in your classroom, strategies to support diverse learners (and all learners), and approaches to student academic support and social-emotional well-being.
For: All Educators, especially School Administrators and Learning Support Teams
Location: Purnell School

 

Wednesday, February 5, 2020: 
SCHOOL ARCHIVES AND SPECIAL COLLECTIONS  ROUND TABLE
Every independent school has a history. How do you care for and manage yours? This inaugural roundtable discussion is a great opportunity to make connections with others who are charged with preserving and protecting their school's priceless historical resources.
For: School Archivists and Comparable Roles
Location: The Pennington School

 

Tuesday, February 11, 2020:
*Snow date Wednesday, February 12, 2020*
HISTORY AND ENGLISH ROUND TABLE
Join other History and English teachers for this collaborative, problem-solving discussion opportunity.
For: Teachers and Leaders in History and English, grades 5 - 12
Location: The Pennington School

 

Wednesday, February 12, 2020: 
*Snow date Thursday, February 13, 2020*
VAPING: RETHINKING SCHOOL POLICY
With a vaping pervading adolescent behavior, how do we help the kids who are addicted?  Is this a discipline problem or a health problem, or a combination of both? Do we need to rethink school policy?  This experience offers the opportunity to discuss how to handle this crisis how to create school policy in order to support students and families.
For: School Administrators
Location: The Pingry School (Basking Ridge)