Well, it’s that time of year again! On November 5-6, teachers, retired educators, education service professionals, and hundreds of others who eat, sleep, and breathe all things education will gather at the Atlantic City Convention Center to learn, network, and celebrate. There’s so much to do at the convention, and that’s why it’s a really good idea to have a plan before you go.
The annual meeting features hundreds of professional development (PD) seminars, hundreds of vendors (with lots of freebies to give away), keynote sessions from inspirational speakers, receptions and luncheons, and high-quality entertainment…and that’s just the official agenda. Meet ups, receptions and social gatherings of all kinds are also abound before, during, and after the main program. So here are some highlights and planning tips for you to consider as you map out your 2026 NJEA Convention experience.
Have a great time, and who knows – maybe I’ll see you there.
- Plan Your Professional Development Sessions Ahead of Time
Everyone knows that the annual convention is great one-stop shopping for high quality and diverse PD offerings, with hundreds of professional development opportunities to explore. When you arrive, keep an eye out for where the PD sessions will be held in the convention center, and you will want to follow the designated procedure for getting your credits. A room attendant at each session will register your attendance by scanning your badge. Professional development certificates are issued electronically following eligible sessions. Be sure to have your badge scanned when entering your session so your attendance is recorded. Your professional development certificates can be found in your online PD Transcript, and your participation in convention PD workshops will be uploaded to your individual NJEA electronic transcript.
Advance registration for the convention itself is highly recommended and will help speed up your entry. You’ll need an email address and your NJEA personal identification number (PIN) to register. In-person workshops do not require preregistration, so arrive at your preferred workshop as early as possible to help ensure your seat. It’s also a good idea to have a second-choice workshop in mind in case your first choice reaches capacity. As the convention gets closer, check the official NJEA Convention website for the latest 2026 workshop and program information.
- Check Out This Year’s Featured Speakers and Special Sessions
You may be tempted to sleep in and get a relaxed start on the day, but you really don’t want to miss the convention’s featured speakers and special programming. The convention program is packed, so take a look at the schedule before you arrive and identify the speakers, workshops, and special sessions you most want to see.
- Get Some Great Ideas (and Loads of Free Stuff) in the Exhibit Hall
You may have to plan in a couple of visits over the two days to do the exhibit hall justice. There’s really something for everyone in the ENORMOUS Atlantic City Convention Center hall. Open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Thursday and 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Friday, the hall will introduce you to a wide range of vendors, innovators, union services, and other institutions that may hold potential value for you. Check out dozens of advanced degree programs, shop for great classroom resources, explore the latest in educational technology in the Digital Boulevard section, and discover some cool class trip destinations around the tri-state area. If you haven’t attended before, here’s a reminder to bring a generously sized tote for collecting and bringing home all of the freebies offered by most of the exhibit hall vendors.
And please, by all means, stop by and see the Teachers’ Insurance Plan team at our main booth, #2116! And if you’d like to learn more about your insurance options or get a quote, visit our quoting booth at #2119, directly across the aisle. We’d love to see you!
- Bring Your Kids and Spouse!
So, feel free to ignore this tip if your goal is to have a day or two away from your normal routine. But if you are on the fence about attending because you don’t want to be away from the family, you’ve got options at the NJEA. Childcare is available for children ages 3-14 during the convention. For the latest childcare details, requirements, and registration information, visit the NJEA Convention childcare page. You should also know that your kids (who must be accompanied) and your spouse or partner are welcome to join you on the exhibit floor. NJEA members may pick up guest badges for immediate family members on the second floor of the convention center. Guests ages 18+ will need to show photo identification, and children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- Leave Room in Your Schedule for Something New
With so much happening during the convention, it can be tempting to schedule every minute of your day. But leave yourself some room to explore. You may discover a workshop you hadn’t considered, meet another educator with a great classroom idea, find a new resource in the exhibit hall, or simply run into an old colleague. Some of the best convention experiences are the ones you didn’t plan in advance.
- Stay Current at the Event with the Convention App and Social Media
See all the chatter. Get all the last-minute updates. Have the agenda at your fingertips. This is the way to go. Once you’ve registered, use the CVENT Events app to add sessions to your calendar and help plan your convention experience. Before you head to Atlantic City, check the official NJEA Convention website and NJEA’s social channels for the latest program information, announcements, and schedule updates.
- Make Time to Connect with Other Educators
One of the best things about the NJEA Convention is the chance to connect with educators from across New Jersey. Keep an eye out for receptions, association events, lunches, and other opportunities to catch up with colleagues and meet new people. Check the official 2026 program and information from your local or county association as the convention approaches for additional events and gathering details.
- Know Your Parking Options
If you are planning to stay at any of the major casino hotels in town, travel to and from the convention will be easy. Shuttle service to and from the Atlantic City Convention Center will be available at several locations, including the Borgata, Caesars, Golden Nugget, Hard Rock, Harrah’s, Ocean Resort, Resorts, and Tropicana. If you are coming for the day and plan to park at the Atlantic City Convention Center itself, be warned that, although there is a lot of parking there, it tends to fill up (and close) early. A great parking alternative for you is the Atlantic City High School, from which free parking and complimentary shuttle service will be provided every 15 minutes between 7 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Remember to make allowances for Atlantic City traffic.
Final Thoughts on Making the Most of the 2026 NJEA Teachers’ Convention
The bottom line here is to do what educators do best: have a great plan. Map out your day, choose your sessions carefully, give yourself a little down time and schedule in some social time with a colleague or a new friend you meet at the convention. The list above will help get you started but be sure to take some time looking into the full program to personalize your itinerary. If you have time for the exhibitor area, take a glance through the vendor list to identify the ones you most want to visit and find them on the exhibit floor map. And don’t forget to add the Plymouth Rock Teachers’ Lounge main booth #2116 and our quoting booth #2119, which is directly across the aisle, to your list! Most of all, have a great time!
- Chris West, Ph.D.
