NJEA/BCEA OVERNIGHT WORKSHOP
April 15-16, 2016
Seminar Descriptions
A1 – Organizing Around Special Ed Issues - 1 – 2hr. session
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was reauthorized in late 2004. Learn how
this version of the law differs from the 1997 reauthorization.
A2 – Teacher Evaluation – 1 – 2 hr. session
Learn about the latest developments in teacher evaluation. How could current events impact your
contract and your members’ rights? What can and should your local and members do now to
prepare and organize for the challenges ahead?
B1 – Intro to Bargaining - 1 – 2 hr. session
Learn the basics of bargaining so you and your team can negotiate the best possible settlement
for your local. This session will address all the information negotiators will need and will discuss
the most effective bargaining strategies.
B2 – Advocacy – AR & You – 1 – 2 hr. session
Learn how to improve your skills as an advocate for your members and your local. This session will
address the responsibilities of an Association Representative and will discuss the importance of
advocacy.
C1 - Legal Issues Affecting School Employees - 1 – 2 hr. session
Review of pertinent provisions of school law, labor law, and administrative and legal decisions
affecting members. Topics include: Workers’ Compensation, the Family Leave Act, DYFS and
recent legislation such as the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights and residency legislation. Special
emphasis will be placed on protecting your job.
C2 – Member Engagement – 1 – 2 hr. session
Participants will learn how to assess, connect with and move members to action around the issues
that matter most to them. Many strategies and techniques will be shared that will allow your
local to build capacity and encourage member participation. These same techniques can be used
to connect with parents and the community on a variety of issues.
D1 – Using Social Media and NJEA Web Pages Safely & Effectively to Organize Your Local &
Community - 1 – 2 hr. session
The workshop will focus on tips for school employees when to use internet and social media safely
while also effectively using them as organizing tools for your local and your community.
D2 - Community Organizing/PRIDE - 1 – 2 hr. session
Too often we wait for a crisis to reach out to the public. That’s too late! Building a network of
community support begins now and NJEA PRIDE can help provide the resources and strategies to
make sure your efforts are successful. Learn from and build upon your colleagues experiences
and understand how to tap into PRIDE resources to create and strengthen coalitions with parents
and community groups.
E1 & E2 – Stress Management – 2 – 2 hr. sessions – same workshop offered 2 times
This workshop is for members who are seeking renewed energy and improved self-management
skills to cope with day-to-day pressures in their personal and occupational lives. This program
includes self-diagnostic experiences, opportunities for reflection, discussion and a chance to
make plans to produce you own stress management agenda.
F1 – Leaves of Absence - 1 – 2 hr. session
This seminar will emphasize the relationship between disability/child rearing leaves, FLMAs, FLA
and FLIA leaves with emphasis on stacking leaves through the Collective Bargaining Agreement,
binding past practice, and case law.
F2 – Basic Salary Guide Construction - 1 – 2 hr. session
Salary guide terms, NJEA Best Practices, and current trends will be presented. Successful
salary negotiations techniques will be emphasized such as costing, analyzing and understanding
salary guides. Challenges facing ESP and all inclusive local associations will be discussed, along
with successful strategies on current issues.
G1 – ESP Evaluation Issues - 1 – 2 hr. session
What are the rights of non-certified public school employees as they relate to evaluation and
performance reviews? Topics covered will include what can and should be bargained, professional
development, rebuttal writing, how to find and interpret your local district evaluation policies and
member training and organizing.
**G2 – ESP: Who We Are - 1 – 2 hr. session
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H1 – Retirement Benefits – Pension and Health – 1 – 2 hr. session
This workshop will describe the basics of the retirement system for school employees.
Information on procedures, health benefits, working in retirement, life insurance, types of
retirement, taxes and pension options will be presented. There will be time for Q & A.
H2 – Understanding Your Union & Its Importance to You – 1 - 2 hr. sessions
This workshop answers questions like what your dues dollars pay for; what you are entitled to as
a union member; and what is your responsibility as a member.
**I1 – Generational Organizing – Building Member Capacity & Effectiveness – 1 – 4 hour session
For the first time in NJEA history, we have active members spanning at least 4 generations.
This workshop is designed to create a sensitivity and understanding of differentiated
communication and listening styles, cultural processing of information, generational values, and
identifying “who I am in this, who are they in this and who are we in this.” Come prepared to
learn about your own style and how we can use this understanding to motivate and organize the
diverse generations of members and leaders within our schools.