Communities of Practice (CoP), Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), and Action Learning Groups (ALGs) provide opportunities for New Jersey school personnel to collaborate, share knowledge, and enhance their practice in supporting students with disabilities. These structured learning opportunities foster a working relationship among educators and professionals who share a common interest in improving student outcomes.
The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) Office of Special Education invites school personnel to review the opportunities listed in Table 1 (below) for the 2025-2026 school year and register for the series that best aligns with their role and interests. Participants in each learning series will be invited to attend all scheduled meetings outlined in the table. Participation is limited to ensure meaningful engagement. Please review the offerings below and register for the one that best fits your current role within the district.
Professional Learning Series Offerings and Details
| Learning Series Topic | Intended Audience | Location | Meeting Dates | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autism Spectrum Disorder – Community of Practice | Teachers from grades K-12 who support students with autism in self-contained and inclusive classrooms. | In-Person Learning Resource Center- North (East Orange) | Sept. 30, 2025 Dec. 2, 2025 Feb. 3, 2026 Mar. 31, 2026 | Registration Link for CoP for Autism |
| Applied Behavior Analysis in Public Schools – Community of Practice | Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) who work in public school-based settings supporting students with disabilities. | In-Person Learning Resource Center- North (East Orange) | Oct. 7, 2025 Dec. 9, 2025 Feb. 10, 2026 Apr. 14, 2026 | Registration Link for CoP for Behavior Analysts |
| Data360 Action Learning Group: Improving Outcomes for Students with Disabilities | As a follow-up to the Data360 series, District leaders are invited to participate in small group discussions where participants will explore local special education profile results and determinations. Leaders will have the opportunity to ask questions and develop strategies to drive improvements. This opportunity focuses on applying strategies explored as part of the Data360 Training Series. Intermittent, individual coaching will be offered for those who participate in the action learning group. Coaching will not be a requirement of member participation but will be available upon request. | Virtual Sessions | Dates will be determined based on interest. Sessions will be held virtually for no more than four (4) sessions that are each two (2) hours in length. | Registration Link for the Data360 Action Learning Group (ALG) |
| Educators Who Work in Programs for 18-21-year-olds Community of Practice | Teachers, Transition Coordinators, administrators, and other school professionals who are stakeholders in an 18- 21-year-old program are welcome to join our Community of Practice. The 18-21 CoP is an opportunity to collaborate, learn, enhance, and share ideas with colleagues. | In-Person Learning Resource Center- North Satellite (Wayne) | Oct. 7, 2025 Dec. 9, 2025 Mar. 10, 2026 | Registration Link for CoP for Educators Who Work in Programs for 18-21-year- olds |
| Learning Resource Center- North (East Orange) | Oct. 15, 2025 Dec. 17, 2025 Mar. 25, 2026 | |||
| Learning Resource Center- Central (Trenton) | Oct. 23, 2025 Dec. 4, 2025 Mar. 5, 2026 | |||
| Learning Resource Center- South (Glassboro) | Oct. 21, 2025 Dec. 2, 2025 Mar. 3, 2026 | |||
| Family Engagement: Family/School Partnerships Community of Practice | Teachers (general and special education) will learn to collaborate with diverse families to support the education of students with disabilities, including multilingual learners. By drawing on high-leverage practices and culturally responsive pedagogies, teachers will establish meaningful connections with families to foster a sense of belonging that enhances student learning. Teachers will reflect on the interventions and strategies needed to strengthen family advocacy to navigate tiered support systems. | In Person Learning Resource Center- Central (Trenton) | Oct 6, 2025 Jan 26, 2026 Mar 9, 2026 May 4, 2026 | Registration Link for Family Engagement CoP |
| Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) LEA Train-the- Trainer Pilot Project | The FBA Train-the-Trainer Pilot Project is for a team (4-5) of school district personnel (e.g., administrator, teacher, CST members, BCBAs, etc.). This initiative is designed to build district capacity by training select LEA teams to become internal trainers on the complex FBA process. | In-Person Learning Resource Center- North (East Orange) | Sept. 24, 2025 Oct. 22, 2025 Dec. 3, 2025 | Registration Link for Team- Based FBA Training |
| Learning Lab: Becoming a Sensory Aware Classroom for Students with Autism | For educators, including teachers, BCBAs, and related service providers, the Becoming a Sensory Aware Classroom for Students with Autism Learning Lab offers a deep dive into how sensory needs impact learning and behavior across school environments. This four-part virtual series explores the core components of creating inclusive, sensory-aware classrooms and schools— equipping participants with practical strategies, reflective tools, and an actionable plan to support all learners. | Virtual Sessions | Oct. 3, 2025 Dec. 5, 2025 Feb. 6, 2026 Apr. 3, 2026 | Registration Link for Learning Lab |
| Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) Action Learning Group | A team of 2-3 individuals from each participating local education agency will be provided with the opportunity to join a pilot learning group. Those seeking to improve LRE rates will receive support from a team of OSE specialists to explore their districts’ needs and success gaps. LEA teams will leave with a theory of action for implementation. Before attending, interested leaders must attend the information session to learn more about this process. | Blended Format: In-Person and Virtual Learning Resource Center- Central (Trenton) | Oct. 1, 2025 Nov. 12, 2025 Jan. 7, 2026 Feb. 25, 2026* April 1, 2026 May 13, 2026* *Virtual Session | Registration for Link for LRE Action Learning Group Information Session Information Session will be held June 9, 2025 10 – 11 a.m. |
| Preschool Special Education – Community of Practice | Preschool educators, administrators, and other professionals working with children ages 3-5 in general education, separate, inclusive, or private preschool settings are invited to join our CoP. This CoP provides a collaborative space for preschool professionals to enhance their skills, share best practices, and connect with colleagues dedicated to improving outcomes for children with IEPs. | Virtual Sessions | Sept. 9, 2025 Dec. 9, 2025 Feb. 10, 2026 May 12, 2026 | Registration Link for CoP- Preschool Special Education |
| Speech and Language – Community of Practice | The Speech and Language CoP is for Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) and diverse educators serving students with Speech and Language disorders in New Jersey public schools. The group will collaborate to improve practices that lead to positive outcomes for students ages 3-21, as well as the staff serving those students. | Blended Format: In-Person and Virtual Learning Resource Center- Central (Trenton) | Oct 15, 2025 Dec 16, 2025* Mar. 6, 2025* May 16, 2026 *Virtual Session | Registration Link for Speech and Language CoP |
Contact information
For additional information or help, please email OSEInfo@doe.nj.gov. For additional resources on educating and supporting students with disabilities, please visit the NJDOE Offices of Special Education, the Learning Resource Center Network, and for continued engagement activities be sure to check out the Office of Special Education Engagement websites on a regular basis.
