The New Jersey School Boards Association will feature the best of the best in public school education at Workshop 2025, slated for Monday, Oct. 20 through Thursday, Oct. 23 at the Atlantic City Convention Center.
Co-sponsored by the New Jersey Association of School Administrators (NJASA) and the New Jersey Association of School Business Officials (NJASBO), Workshop is New Jersey’s largest professional development training conference for school officials. It will feature four full days of professional development, hundreds of exhibits, nationally-recognized speakers and numerous networking opportunities.
This year’s theme, “Your Ticket to Big Ideas and Bright Futures,” highlights NJSBA’s focus on encouraging students to “think big” and chase their dreams – no matter how distant they may seem. It is the responsibility of the education community to help students realize that anything is possible. Through hard work, determination and the power of a great education, New Jersey students can achieve their goals.
Workshop is also geared to inspire school officials to adopt a big picture mindset. The training and networking opportunities school officials can take part in at Workshop will provide district teams with tools and professional development needed to support the diverse needs of New Jersey’s more than 1.3 million public school students.
A Grammy Award-Winning Artist Takes the Stage On Monday, Oct. 20, Workshop will feature a keynote session from Grammy award-winning hip-hop violinist, tech entrepreneur, music producer and the founder of Symphony of Brotherhood, Miri Ben-Ari.
The Israeli-born, Bergen County resident, served as the “UN Goodwill Ambassador of Music” to the United Nations and as a TED speaker. She has collaborated with other award-winning artists such as Wyclef Jean, Alicia Keys, Britney Spears, Maroon 5, Patti Labelle, Donna Summer, Janet Jackson, John Legend and more, according to her website.
Symphony of Brotherhood is known to bring students together while transforming school auditoriums into a high-energy hip-hop concert, featuring interactive and uplifting music that actively engages student participation. The award-winning high school program is designed to foster positive relationships while promoting a message of unity. Delivered in partnership with New Jersey Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way, this program is designed to inspire positivity and peace. Join Ben-Ari for a musical, uplifting keynote address about the lessons she has learned from the symphony program and ways schools can unite for the greater good of students and public education.
A World Champion Quarterback Shares His Game Plan for Success NJSBA is pleased to welcome world champion quarterback, broadcaster and entrepreneur, Joe Theismann, as its keynote speaker at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22.
Theismann is the former star quarterback for the now-Washington Commanders. He spent more than two decades working for ESPN and the NFL Network as an NFL analyst. He also is an entrepreneur.
The South River, N.J.-native, Theismann, was selected as the NFL’s Man of the Year in 1982 for his community service and dedication to the health and welfare of children. Before his career took off and led him to the University of Notre Dame, where he finished second for the Heisman Trophy in 1970, Theismann was a star player in baseball, basketball and football at South River High School.
Succeeding in today’s ever-changing world of education requires school officials to be prepared for anything. Theismann will share his “Game Plan for Success,” from setting goals to correcting errors each step of the way. Learn how to adapt quickly to unexpected situations when faced with a “blitz.” When school officials bring their own game plan back to their districts, even the best defense will be unable to stop them.
State Education Chief Address New Jersey’s Commissioner of Education Kevin Dehmer also is slated to speak at Workshop at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22. As the state’s top executive school officer, Dehmer will provide an overview of the current state of education and the latest information for public school leaders from the New Jersey Department of Education.
Hear from Key Legislators during a Legislative Panel On Tuesday, Oct. 21 from 1 – 2:30 p.m., members of the NJSBA Governmental Relations team will lead a moderated panel discussion about various educational issues with representatives of the state Legislature, offering insights into the latest developments regarding education from the State House.
Recognition of New Jersey’s Unsung Superheroes NJSBA will host its 3rd Annual Unsung Superheroes in Education Awards at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21. This award celebrates district staff who work tirelessly in New Jersey’s public schools and often go without recognition or thanks, while bettering the lives of their students and peers. Crossing guards, bus drivers, custodians, librarians, nurses and cafeteria staff are just some of the people who will be recognized on stage in front of thousands of attendees.
Student Talent on Full Display Workshop will showcase the talents of New Jersey’s school students with performances from some of the finest student groups on Tuesday, Oct. 21 and Wednesday, Oct. 22. Hear beautiful music echoing through the convention center and watch other artistic expressions on the exhibit floor. The student art gallery will feature artwork recognized for excellence by prestigious art programs and competitions from around the state. Additionally, a screening of the “Best of the Fest” student films from the Garden State Film Festival is planned.
The STEAM Tank™️ Challenge Finals Education in STEAM – science, technology, engineering, arts and math – for New Jersey’s public school students is encouraged and celebrated through this popular program. NJSBA is pleased to welcome the top teams from its elementary and middle school divisions to compete. The elementary school finals will take place on Tuesday and the middle school finals on Wednesday. Both events will run from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on the exhibit floor.
The Return of EDTalks NJSBA is excited to bring back EDTalks, a space for experts in the education community to share inspiring 20-minute talks to present ideas that support student and district success. EDTalks are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday on the exhibit floor.
Mandated Training Opportunities Workshop will make it easy for school officials to fulfill their training requirements while experiencing everything the conference has to offer. Training sessions in Governance II-IV will be available.
Earn Professional Development Credits NJSBA Board Member Academy credits toward board member certifications, Qualified Purchasing Agent credits for school business administrators, and professional development credits for certified educational facilities managers will be offered. NJSBA recommends district teams split up to attend as many sessions as possible to gather ideas to bring back to their districts for further exploration.
Extra! Fall School Law Forum Scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 23, hear from the state’s leading experts in education law as they discuss timely, important topics in school law today. *Registration for the Fall School Law Forum is separate from that of Workshop 2025 and must be handled by your district’s school business administrator.
Send Your Entire Team and Save To help extend training to as many members of your district as possible, NJSBA offers a special group registration rate of $2,300, which covers 25 team members. Districts may include the school board, business administrator, superintendent, facilities managers, curriculum professionals, IT staff, principals, human resource professionals, communications team members and other district employees in their group registration. Team members may stay for one day or all four days. The individual member rate is $550 per person.
When school officials register for Workshop, they will be joining thousands of other school leaders who affirm their commitment to public education. Visit workshop.njsba.org to learn more about this year’s conference.
What’s New at Workshop 2025
Fresh Features Planned for This Year’s Annual Conference
Amid the buzz of conversation and collaboration from your informative professional development training sessions and social events, be sure to visit the Workshop Exhibit Hall, where NJSBA will be offering some new features including:
The Midway This area will be one of the most exciting locations on the exhibit floor! Following NJSBA’s theme, the Midway will feature different carnival-inspired games and interactive activities to engage in some friendly competition with your district team.
Expanded Lunch Options NJSBA is pleased to broaden its lunch selection by offering a variety of cuisines from local food trucks. Located at the back of the exhibit floor, the food truck court will feature a dine-in area for attendees to enjoy their meals.
Photo Fun House Step right up to a variety of photo options! A new Photo Fun House area, prominently located near the food trucks, will allow attendees to let loose and show their personalities through an interactive photo booth, carnival photo style! Opportunities even include a few fun house mirrors.
BINGO Mobile App Game Everyone loves a good game of BINGO! This new game, hosted within the Workshop mobile app, will offer chances to win great prizes. Join the fun and try to complete a board as you walk through the expansive exhibit floor.
Deryn Younger is a marketing specialist for New Jersey School Boards Association. She can be reached at dyounger@njsba.org.
