Are you bored of the typical professional development where you are being talked at instead of participating? There is a new movement in education, finding its beginning in 2010 when a group of educators gathered in Philadelphia, without a schedule or plan, for a computer science “unconference.” This original group created sessions on the spot based on the interests and experiences of the educators in the room. These breakout sessions had no keynote speakers; all participants became part of the presenting and learning. The day was learner driven, personalized, and highly interactive.
These teachers were inspired by what they learned from each other, and together birthed the Edcamp movement: participant-driven professional learning unconference events that provide professional development nationally and globally. These events are recognized by the US Department of Education and are free, open to educators of all subjects and levels, and always participant-driven, and facilitated. With Edcamps popping up all across our county, it is easy to find a local meeting at varying times of the year. Read below for information about some New Jersey Edcamps meeting this summer. Check them out!
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Edcamp First Year
Description: While all Ed-camps are educational community run events, this Edcamp is devoted to our newest colleagues. You have so many questions, and we are here to answer them and help you. Remember, the conversation is totally up to you. Edcamps are participant-driven and all sessions will be chosen and facilitated by you. All teachers’ experiences are welcomed and needed here.
Who: all teachers
Where: Passaic County Technical Institute, 45 Reinhardt Road, Wayne, NJ 07470
Dates: August 17, 8:00AM-1:00PM
Price: Free
Registration: Edcamp1styearRegistration
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Edcamp Jersey Shore
Description: Edcamps allow educators and administrators to learn and support one another, drawing from their own wisdom, experiences, and expertise. At Edcamp Jersey Shore, many of us finish the day with our toes in the sand at the beach just down the road- after all, it is summertime!
Who: all teachers
Where: Monmouth University Student Center, 400 Cedar Ave, West Long Branch, NJ 07764
Dates: August 22, 8:30AM-12:00PM
Price: free
Registration: EdcampshoreRegistration
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Edcamp-back-to school
Description: When the new school year is just days away, we will all need to get our heads out of the summer clouds and back into our classrooms. What does that mean to you? Come on out and help to decide what is on our agenda for the day. We will build a session board of topics and you will choose which best fit your needs and experiences. Come make it a great day and help us all get ready for the new school year!
Who: all teachers
Where: Somerville High School, 222 Davenport Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
Dates: August 27 2019 8:00AM-12:00PM
Price: free
Registration: EdcampbacktoschoolRegistration
Jessica Cicalese Kurtz is a veteran middle school engineering and science teacher at Toms River Schools. She has experience as a curriculum developer, teacher trainer, and is a regular contributing writer to NJ-teachers.com.
