NJIP Professional Learning Academies 2025–2026

Empowering Inclusive Practices Across Roles

Join us for a year-long series of role-specific academies designed to support inclusive education across New Jersey schools. Each academy includes 7 high-impact sessions focused on practical strategies, collaboration, and mindset shifts that lead to sustainable change.

Select Your Role:

Teacher Academy

Audience: General Education and Special Educators K–12

This academy supports K–12 general and special educators in developing the skills, mindsets, and instructional strategies needed to create inclusive, engaging, and effective classrooms. Through a practical and research-based lens, participants will deepen their understanding of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), high-leverage practices, behavior supports, collaboration, and data-driven instruction that benefits all learners, including students with IEPs.

Select which date you wish to register for from the list below. Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions as each session will build upon content presented in previous sessions.

To register for more than one session, you must register individually.

Each Teacher Academy will run from 8:30-11:30 am.

  • Date: 9/18/25 @ 8:30 AM

    Register for UDL & Differentiation

    Build a strong foundation in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and learn how to proactively design inclusive learning experiences for all students. UDL is a framework that supports diverse learners by creating flexible environments with multiple ways to engage, access content, and show understanding. Alongside UDL, explore Differentiation—an approach where educators adjust content, process, product, or environment based on each student’s readiness, interests, and learning needs.

  • Date: 10/23/25 @ 8:30 AM

    Register for High-Leverage Practices

    In this session, educators will explore the role of high-leverage practices (HLPs) in creating and supporting inclusive classrooms. Through practical strategies and real-world examples, educators will learn how to apply HLPs to foster student success, promote collaboration, and ensure all students thrive in inclusive settings. This training will empower teachers with the tools to enhance their teaching and drive meaningful inclusion in every classroom.

  • Date: 12/18/25 @ 8:30 am

    Register for Positive Behavior Supports

    Gain practical tools to create a safe, inclusive, and productive classroom culture grounded in student dignity, consistent expectations, and proactive strategies that reinforce positive behavior.

  • Date: 1/15/26 @ 8:30 am

    Register for Service Delivery & Collaboration

    Deepen your understanding of effective inclusive service delivery through co-teaching models, push-in support, and collaborative planning routines that align general and special education goals.

  • Date: 2/5/26 @ 8:30 am

    Register for Executive Functioning

    Implement research-based strategies to support students in building critical skills such as organization, time management, emotional regulation, flexible thinking, working memory, and task initiation.

  • Date: 3/12/26 @ 8:30 am

    Register for Literacy Instruction

    Explore inclusive literacy practices that support all learners in developing decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension skills, with an emphasis on multisensory and scaffolded instruction.

  • Date: 5/14/26 @ 8:30 am

    Register for Grouping & Data Collection

    Explore a range of evidence-based tools and strategies for data collection, progress monitoring, and inclusive groupings. Participants will learn how to effectively use these approaches to support all learners in meeting academic standards and individualized education program (IEP) goals.

Related Arts & PE Academy

Audience: Related Arts, Electives, and Health/PE Teachers

Calling all art, music, PE, health, and elective teachers—this virtual academy is for you! Related arts and physical education classrooms are vibrant, creative, and fast-paced—and they are essential spaces for building inclusive school communities. This professional learning series is designed specifically for educators like you who want to create welcoming, supportive environments where every student can participate, succeed, and thrive.

Throughout this academy, you'll explore what inclusion looks like in your unique teaching context and gain practical, actionable strategies to meet the diverse needs of learners in performance-based and movement-rich settings. You'll walk away with a deeper understanding of how to integrate inclusive practices, support behavior proactively, and foster engagement and belonging across all student groups.

Select which date you wish to register for from the list below. Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions as each session will build upon content presented in previous sessions.

To register for more than one session, you must register individually.

Each Related Arts & PE Academy will run from 12:00- 3:00 pm.

  • Date: 9/18/25 @ 12:00 PM

    Register for Mindset & Inclusion 101

    Learn how your role supports inclusive classrooms, explore your beliefs about inclusion, and understand how every student can belong in every space.

  • Date: 10/23/25 @ 12:00 PM

    Register for UDL/Differentiation

    Explore UDL principles and differentiated instruction strategies to meet diverse learner needs in movement- and performance-based settings.

  • Date: 12/18/25 @ 12:00 PM

    Register for Classroom Management

    Practical strategies tailored to high-traffic and high-energy spaces to support behavior proactively and build student ownership.

  • Date: 1/15/26 @ 12:00 PM

    Register for Motivation & Engagement

    Foster student voice, choice, and meaningful engagement through culturally relevant activities and creative approaches.

  • Date: 2/5/26 @ 12:00 PM

    Register for Supporting Individual Student Behavior

    Move beyond traditional behavior strategies with proactive, inclusive supports for students whose needs aren’t met by Tier 1 classroom management plans. Explore ways to reduce common triggers, create responsive environments, and help students build positive, functional skills—especially in active, creative, and non-traditional learning spaces.

  • Date: 3/12/26 @ 12:00 PM

    Register for Accommodations & Modifications

    Learn how to implement IEP accommodations and modifications with fidelity in arts, PE, and elective settings.

  • Date: 5/14/26 @ 12:00 PM

    Register for Assistive Technology

    Explore assistive technology options that support inclusive practices and learner variability in creative, performance, and movement-based disciplines. Learn about augmentative/alternative communication systems that provide support to students with more complex communication profiles. This session will be presented by TCNJ’s Assistive Technology Center.

CST & Related Services Academy

Audience: CST Members, SLPs, OTs, PTs, BCBAs, and other related services providers

This academy equips Child Study Team members and Related Service Providers with the tools to enhance compliance, IEP quality, collaboration, and inclusive service delivery. Focusing on mindset shifts, integrated supports, and meaningful family partnerships, participants will explore how to align services with the Least Restrictive Environment and better support student progress in inclusive settings.

Select which date you wish to register for from the list below. Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions as each session will build upon content presented in previous sessions.

To register for more than one session, you must register individually.

Each CST & Related Services Academy will run from 8:30-11:30 am.

  • Date: 9/16/25 @ 8:30 AM

    Register for Basic Compliance - NJAC Chapter 14

    Stay current on basic compliance as it relates to case management and special education law in New Jersey.

  • Date: 10/21/25 @ 8:30 AM

    Register for LRE & IEP Process

    Understand the LRE decision-making process as outlined in regulations and case law. Examine ways to ensure the Least Restrictive Environment is prioritized and reflected in IEPs with fidelity.

  • Date: 12/2/25 @ 8:30 am

    Register for IEP Writing & Progress Monitoring

    Strengthen IEP writing around Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP), goals/objectives and other key components of the IEP. Understand the importance of monitoring student progress in a way that is meaningful and data-oriented.

  • Date: 1/13/26 @ 8:30 am

    Register for Special Education & Specially Designed Instruction

    Understand the purpose and foundation of special education services and how specially designed instruction differs from general education frameworks like differentiation. Develop strategies to support educators in delivering appropriate special education services across settings.

  • Date: 2/3/26 @ 8:30 am

    Register for Family Partnerships

    Learn strategies to build trust and authentic collaboration with families, especially when navigating complex needs and engaging families in the IEP process in a meaningful way.

  • Date: 3/10/26 @ 8:30 am

    Register for Integrating Related Services

    Move away from pull-out only models of service delivery by exploring how related services can be integrated within general education classroom settings.

  • Date: 5/19/26 @ 8:30 am

    Register for Mindset Shifts

    Reflect on shifting mindsets to become leaders of inclusion and equity in schools through strengths-based practice.

Administrator Academy

Audience: School & District Leaders

This academy is designed for building and district-level administrators committed to equity and inclusive practices. Leaders will explore special education law, scheduling for inclusion, effective observation tools, and strategies for supporting and sustaining co-teaching, SDI, and UDL. Through each session, administrators will develop their capacity to lead mindset shifts, align systems, and build inclusive school communities where every learner is valued and supported.

Select which date you wish to register for from the list below. Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions as each session will build upon content presented in previous sessions.

To register for more than one session, you must register individually.

Each Administrator Academy will run from 12:00- 3:00 pm.

  • Date: 9/16/25 @ 12:00 PM

    Register for Disability Law

    Develop a strong understanding of the laws and regulations surrounding the education of students with disabilities - Section 504, IDEA & NJAC Chapter 14.

  • Date: 10/21/25 @ 12:00 PM

    Register for Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

    Understand the legal foundations of inclusive education, including key components of IDEA, FAPE, and LRE.

  • Date: 12/2/25 @ 12:00 PM

    Register for Inclusive Scheduling

    Learn how to build master schedules that support inclusion, co-teaching, and time for collaboration.

  • Date: 1/13/26 @ 12:00 PM

    Register for UDL & Differentiation Look Fors

    Understand how to identify observable indicators of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and differentiated instruction during classroom walkthroughs and coaching sessions. Look for strategies that provide multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression to meet diverse learner needs. Support teachers in reflecting on how their instructional choices remove barriers and enhance student access while ensuring that SDI is not replaced.

  • Date: 2/3/26 @ 12:00 PM

    Register for Specially Designed Instruction & Co-Teaching Look Fors

    Understand how observation tools and feedback protocols support inclusive practices that ensure SDI is evident, aligned with IEP goals, and implemented with fidelity. Look for individualized content, instructional methods, or delivery strategies that are documented in the IEP and delivered by special education personnel. Identify how SDI differentiates from general education practices and understand how data can guide reflection and professional development.

  • Date: 3/10/26 @ 12:00 PM

    Register for CST & Related Services

    Strengthen team alignment with Child Study Team and related service providers to support integrated, student-centered decision-making. Understand the roles and responsibilities of Child Study Team members and related services providers.

  • Date: 5/19/26 @ 12:00 PM

    Register for Leading Mindset Shifts

    Learn how to lead with purpose and cultivate a culture of equity, access, and shared responsibility.

Collaborate. Learn. Lead for Inclusion.

Spots are limited. Join your academy and be part of New Jersey’s movement toward equity and inclusion in every classroom!