SAVE THE DATE
October 28, 2026
NJACTE and the New Jersey Department of Education are pleased to announce the 1st Annual New Jersey Conference for Educator Preparation scheduled for October 28, 2206. This year’s theme, Evidence-Based Culturally Sustaining Pedagogies and Literacies: Empowering Educators, Transforming Classrooms, will bring together educator preparation professionals to explore research, innovative practices, and collaborative approaches that strengthen educator preparation programs.
The call for proposals is open through September 4, 2026. We invite proposals that highlight evidence-based practices, research, innovative program initiatives, and practical applications related to culturally sustaining pedagogies and literacies.
Suggested proposal topics include:
- Developing Whole-Program Commitment to Culturally Sustaining Pedagogies: What does it look like to prepare candidates effectively in culturally sustaining pedagogy? How have educator preparation programs responded to the NJDOE culturally responsive practices requirements? How have programs strengthened literacy pedagogy and preparation?
- Culturally Sustaining Practices in Course Curricula: How are culturally sustaining pedagogies integrated across content areas? How have faculty revised literacy courses to address the culturally responsive practices requirements, and what course-specific changes have been implemented?
- Developing Culturally Sustaining Literacy: What impact have literacy course revisions had on preservice teachers’ confidence and ability to enact culturally responsive practices? How can educator preparation programs navigate today’s evolving educational landscape?
- Culturally Sustaining Practice in the Current Political Climate: How has this work become more challenging since 2020? What strategies can educator preparation programs use to sustain culturally responsive practices amid increased public attention and politicization of literacy and equity initiatives?
