In a recent survey, nearly 90% of board members told the NJSBA they were either very willing (53%) or willing (35%) to participate in online training – and those who are eager for online training are about to get their chance.
On Friday night, during the NJSBA Board of Directors meeting, NJSBA entered into an extraordinary agreement with the Rutgers University Division of Continuing Studies (DoCS) to develop an NJSBA Online University for Continuing Education.
The first courses will be available as soon as January 2020. Over the next two years, Rutgers will help the NJSBA develop 14 online courses. The partnership has two goals – to make Board Member Academy training available around the clock, and to create a lifelong learning portal that will serve multiple audiences, including a wide range of education providers.
“Establishing an online university is aligned with NJSBA’s Strategic Plan goal to build a ‘future ready’ association,” said Dr. Lawrence S. Feinsod, executive director of the NJSBA. “The online university has limitless opportunities for our membership and districts’ staff. Partnering with Rutgers University will enable us to take advantage of arguably one of the nation’s finest online programs, which will provide a great benefit to our members.”
More information about the NJSBA Online University will be available in the Rutgers University DoCS Booth #753 on the exhibit floor at Workshop 2019. The conference takes place at the Atlantic City Convention Center from Oct. 21 to Oct. 24.
Rutgers DoCS will work collaboratively with NJSBA to build online courses, course supplements and enhanced online content.
“We share a common vision for lifelong learning with NJSBA and want to help deliver their professional development content in the most convenient and efficient way possible for learners of all ages,” said Dr. Richard J. Novak, Rutgers vice president for continuing studies and distance education.
The NJSBA Online University will allow its members to learn when it is convenient for them – when they are at home, during lunch or whenever they have time to absorb knowledge.
More information about the partnership will be published in the September/October issue of School Leader magazine.