Learning Forward New Jersey

Play with Purpose: What Play-Based Learning Looks Like in Real PreK–3rd Grade Classrooms

Learning Forward New Jersey is excited to launch a new virtual professional learning series designed for educators and school leaders who want to explore the power of purposeful play in early childhood and elementary classrooms.

Join us as we examine how play-based learning supports:
✅ Student engagement and academic growth
✅ Inclusion and belonging
✅ Creativity, inquiry, and collaboration
✅ Alignment with instructional frameworks, assessment practices, and accountability structures

Whether you're just beginning your play-based learning journey or looking to strengthen your current practices, this interactive series will provide practical strategies and real-world examples you can bring back to your classroom and school.

📅 Series Dates:
October 27, 2026
November 12, 2026
December 10, 2026

🕘 Time: 9:45 AM – 11:00 AM
💻 Format: Virtual (Zoom)

🔗 Register today: https://nj.learningforward.org/2026/05/25/virtual-professional-learning-series-play-with-purpose/

We look forward to learning with you and exploring how purposeful play can help all learners thrive!

☕ FREE Virtual Chat & Chew Learning Session!

Curious about how AI is impacting education and professional learning?

Join Learning Forward New Jersey for an engaging discussion of Heather Lageman's article, Learn to Think Critically About AI: A Tool for PLCs (The Learning Professional, February 2026). Together, we'll explore practical ways to build AI literacy and support meaningful conversations within professional learning communities.

📅 Thursday, July 16, 2026
⏰ 4:00–5:00 PM
💻 Virtual (Zoom)
💲 FREE

Article access and Zoom information will be provided upon registration.

Register here:
https://nj.learningforward.org/2026/03/25/chat-chew-learning-session-7-16-26/

Invite a colleague and join us for a great conversation on one of education's most timely topics!

🌟 Make a Difference in Professional Learning Across New Jersey! 🌟

Learning Forward New Jersey is now accepting applications for our Board and Advisory Board!

If you're passionate about advancing high-quality professional learning, supporting educators, and helping shape the future of education in New Jersey, we encourage you to apply.

Serving on the LFNJ Board is an opportunity to:
✅ Collaborate with educators and leaders from across the state
✅ Influence and support impactful professional learning initiatives
✅ Advocate for equitable learning opportunities for all students
✅ Expand your professional network and leadership experience

📅 Application Deadline: June 1, 2026

Whether you're an experienced leader or looking to take the next step in your professional journey, we'd love to hear from you!

Learn more and apply here: https://nj.learningforward.org/2026/04/06/lfnj-board-applications-now-open/
LFNJ Board Applications Now Open

Please share this opportunity with colleagues who are passionate about professional learning and educational excellence.

Why did the educator bring a ladder to professional learning? 🤔...

Because they were ready to take their practice to the next level. 🚀📈
(And maybe bring a colleague with them 💙)
💙💚🧡

🌟 Join the Leadership of Learning Forward New Jersey 🌟

Are you passionate about professional learning, educator growth, and advancing equitable outcomes for all students?

Learning Forward New Jersey
is now accepting applications for Executive Board (up to 4 positions) and Advisory Board members.

As New Jersey’s affiliate of Learning Forward, LFNJ is committed to strengthening educator practice through advocacy, collaboration, and high-quality professional learning guided by the Standards for Professional Learning. We are seeking leaders who bring diverse perspectives, a collaborative spirit, and a commitment to serving educators across New Jersey.

✨ Why serve?
💙 Help shape professional learning across the state
💚 Collaborate with passionate education leaders
🧡 Advocate for effective and equitable learning opportunities
✨ Make a meaningful impact on educator practice and student success

📌 Application deadline: June 1, 2026
📄 Apply here: https://nj.learningforward.org/2026/04/06/lfnj-board-applications-now-open/

If you’re ready to lead, collaborate, and help move professional learning forward in New Jersey, we encourage you to apply.

LFNJ Board Applications Now Open! | Learning Forward New Jersey Flier for Learning Forward New Jersey Board Applications

💐 Happy Mother’s Day
Today, we celebrate all of the ways care, guidance, and support show up in education.
To the educators who…
💙 nurture
💚 encourage
🧡 advocate
✨ and show up, day after day, for others
Thank you for the many ways you serve as a steady presence, a safe space, and a source of strength.
Whether that role is named or simply felt— it matters. 💛
With appreciation,
Learning Forward New Jersey

🌮 Cinco de Mayo reminds us… celebration matters.
And in professional learning, that same idea holds true.
When learning is engaging, meaningful, and yes—even a little fun—
✨ it sticks
✨ it connects
✨ it transforms practice
At Learning Forward New Jersey, we believe professional learning should do more than inform—
💙 it should engage
💚 it should inspire
🧡 it should move practice forward
Because when educators feel connected to the learning… the impact reaches every student.
👇 What makes professional learning engaging for you?

🥨 Happy National Pretzel Day LFNJ!!!
Sometimes the smallest TWIST can lead to the biggest shift. ✨
In professional learning, growth doesn’t always come from big overhauls—it often lives in those small, intentional changes we make in our practice each day.
💡 A new questioning strategy
💡 A shift in grouping
💡 A different way to check for understanding
At Learning Forward New Jersey, we believe in the power of those moments—
the ones where you try something just a little different… and it makes all the difference. 💙💚🧡
👇 What’s one “twist” you’ve tried lately?

✨ Who We Are: Learning Forward New Jersey ✨

At Learning Forward New Jersey, we believe that great teaching starts with great learning—for educators.

We are a community of educators and partners committed to strengthening professional learning across New Jersey. Our work centers on building educators' capacity to better support all students—through collaboration, continuous improvement, and a focus on equity.

💡 What does that look like in action?
• Meaningful professional learning experiences
• Opportunities to connect and collaborate with colleagues
• Resources that support effective teaching and leadership
• A shared commitment to improving outcomes for every student

Whether you're a teacher, coach, administrator, or educational partner, there’s a place for you in our network.

👉 Learn more and get involved: https://nj.learningforward.org/

We’re excited to share an opportunity to get more involved with Learning Forward New Jersey (LFNJ)!

As New Jersey’s affiliate of Learning Forward, LFNJ is dedicated to supporting educators through high-quality, equity-centered professional learning that strengthens practice and improves student outcomes.

We’re now accepting applications (due June 1st) for:
🔹 Executive Board (up to 4 members)
🔹 Advisory Board

We’re looking for passionate educators and leaders who want to collaborate, grow, and make an impact beyond their own schools or districts.

If you—or someone you know—might be interested, we encourage you to apply and/or share this opportunity!

👉 Apply here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sO7eaTUfrUgvqzGLO9eYjmBbS0Uxa2_E65fAB1ShL24/copy?usp=sharing

Let’s continue building strong professional learning communities across New Jersey 💙