Learning Forward New Jersey

09/17/2026

Play With Purpose!

What if play could be a powerful tool for creating inclusive, engaging, and meaningful learning experiences for every student?

Join Learning Forward New Jersey for our three-part virtual professional learning series:

🌟 Play-Based Learning: Creating Inclusive & Engaging Learning Environments

Together, we’ll explore how play-based learning can support:
✨ Engagement & belonging
✨ Creativity & inquiry
✨ Collaboration
✨ Inclusion
✨ Academic growth

We’ll also share practical strategies and resources you can use right away!

📅 October 29 | November 12 | December 10, 2026
⏰ 9:45–11:00 AM
💻 Zoom

Whether you're new to play-based learning or looking to strengthen your current practice, we’d love to have you join us!

👉 Learn more & register here: https://nj.learningforward.org/2026/05/25/virtual-professional-learning-series-play-with-purpose/

09/16/2026

📣 Join Learning Forward New Jersey for our October Chat & Chew!

We’re excited to bring educators together for an hour of conversation, reflection, and connection around an important question:

💭 How can we move beyond simply asking for teacher feedback to truly building teacher expertise into decision-making?

Our October Chat & Chew will focus on Andrea Thomas-Reynolds’ article, “From Input to Influence: Building Teacher Expertise Into Decision-Making,” featured in the August 2026 issue of The Learning Professional.

Together, we’ll share ideas and explore how schools and districts can create stronger systems where educator voice, expertise, and teacher leadership help shape meaningful decisions.

📅 Thursday, October 22, 2026
⏰ 4:00–5:00 PM
💻 Virtual
🎟️ FREE - Registration Required

📖 Article access and Zoom information will be provided when you register.

👉 Register here:
https://nj.learningforward.org/event/chat-chew-learning-session-10-22-26/

💬 We hope you’ll join us and invite a colleague who would enjoy the conversation!

09/09/2026

📚❤️ Our latest issue of Learning Links is here!

Looking for some new ideas, resources, and professional learning opportunities? Be sure to check out the latest Learning Forward New Jersey newsletter!

In this issue, we’re sharing:

✨ Upcoming LFNJ events and professional learning opportunities
💬 The return of Chat ’n Chew
🎲 Our Play with Purpose series
📖 Practical protocols and resources for your professional learning toolkit
🎧 A podcast recommendation

Plus, a reflection on why partnerships matter and how learning together can help us strengthen professional learning for educators and the students we serve.

👉 Check out the latest Learning Links: https://app.smore.com/n/rbcnf

Take a look, find something that sparks your interest, and share it with a colleague! ❤️

Learning Links Newsletter

08/21/2026

Reminder: Register Today! 🎯

Ready to Play with Purpose? Join Learning Forward New Jersey for our upcoming professional learning series focused on Play-Based Learning: Creating Inclusive & Engaging Learning Environments!

Together, we’ll explore how play can support:
✨ Engagement & belonging
🤝 Inclusion & collaboration
💡 Creativity & inquiry
🎯 Practical classroom strategies

📅 October 29 | November 12 | December 10
⏰ 9:45–11:00 AM
💻 Virtual via Zoom

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

We hope you’ll join us and Play with Purpose!

07/31/2026

🎉 Thank you to everyone who joined us for Learning Forward New Jersey's Partner Event!

💡 What an inspiring day of meaningful conversations, shared learning, and strengthened partnerships—all centered on advancing professional learning for educators across New Jersey.

💙 A heartfelt thank you to our incredible partners, facilitators, and participants for bringing your expertise, passion, and commitment to this work. Together, we are building stronger connections that will positively impact educators and students throughout our state.

🏫 We are especially grateful to NJPSA/FEA for generously hosting us and for their continued partnership and support of professional learning.

🌟 Here's to honoring the work, connecting with one another, and aspiring to make an even greater impact together. We can't wait to see you at our next Learning Forward New Jersey event!

07/02/2026

☀️ School may be out, but the learning never stops!

The Learning Forward New Jersey 💙💚🧡 Board came together for a wonderful day of collaboration, planning, connection, and celebration as we welcomed new officers and embraced leadership transitions.

As one season ends and another begins, we look forward to spending the summer planting new ideas 🌱, strengthening relationships 🤝, and preparing for another year of meaningful professional learning and growth.

Thank you to our incredible board members for your dedication and passion for supporting educators across New Jersey. We can't wait to see what the year ahead will bring!

Wishing everyone a relaxing, restful, and joyful summer! ☀️🌻

06/24/2026

🌟 Stay Connected. Stay Inspired. Keep Learning. 🌟

The newest edition of the Learning Links Newsletter from Learning Forward New Jersey is here!

Inside this issue, you'll find:
✅ Upcoming professional learning opportunities
✅ Featured events and networking opportunities
✅ Resources to support educator growth and leadership development
✅ Updates from Learning Forward New Jersey and our partners
✅ Ideas and inspiration to strengthen teaching, learning, and professional practice

At Learning Forward New Jersey, we believe that powerful professional learning leads to improved outcomes for educators and students alike. Whether you are a teacher, instructional coach, supervisor, principal, district leader, or professional learning advocate, this newsletter is designed to keep you informed, connected, and engaged with the latest opportunities across our state.

📖 Read the latest issue: https://app.smore.com/n/mz0y4

💬 What professional learning topics would you like to see highlighted in future editions? Let us know in the comments!

Please like, share, and tag a colleague who would benefit from these opportunities.

Learning Links Newsletter

06/17/2026

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!

06/11/2026

☕ 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!

05/23/2026

🌟 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.