2009 Fall Conference Highlights
The annual 2009 Fall Conference entitled Celebrating Leadership and the Art of Engagement sponsored by NJPSA/FEA/NJASCD was a huge success this week offering educational administrators the opportunity to learn, share, and grow through collaborative networking and informative workshops. This was an inaugural year for the Fall Conference held at the new FEA Conference Center in Monroe Township on October 21st and 22nd.
Approximately 300 school leaders, community businesses and corporate sponsors were in attendance for the two-day event and were engaged in several workshops and activities. Sessions covered a wide variety of topics including ways to improve and enhance curriculum for all students focusing on 21st century skills, implementation of professional learning communities, and improving secondary schools in light of New Jersey’s secondary school re-design initiative.
Conference highlights included keynote speakers Thomas R. Guskey, Professor Emeritus from University of Kentucky who presented Differentiating Instruction with Mastery Learning, and Robert Marzano, Co-Founder and CEO of Marzano Research Laboratory who presented The Art and Science of Teaching; A Comprehensive Framework for Effective Instruction.
An Awards Luncheon was held each day as a focal point for the conference. On October 21st, Commissioner of Education Lucille Davy distributed awards to outstanding educational leaders throughout the state. The 2009 Visionary Leadership Awards were given to Ms. Joan Zuckerman, principal of Antheil Elementary School in Ewing, N.J.; Dr. James Hickey, principal of Old Bridge High School in Old Bridge, N.J.; Mr. John Hahola, assistant principal of North Hunterdon Regional High School in Annandale, N.J., and Mr. Frank Noppenberger, supervisor at East Brunswick High School in East Brunswick, N.J. The Dr. Ernest L. Boyer Outstanding Educator Award sponsored by NJASCD was given to Dr. Adele Macula, associate superintendent of Jersey City Schools, in Jersey City, N.J.
On October 22nd, The 2009 NJPSA/FEA Youth Leadership Institute awards were given to the winning team at Bound Brook High School for demonstrating their leadership by implementing a program enhancing their school. The winning students were Elizabeth Vasquez, Patrick Hoben, and Peter Shaker. Invited guests included Dr. Edward Hoffman, superintendent, Dan Gallagher, principal, Mr. Kevin Sullivan, mentor, Ms. Trudy Doyle, Somerset Executive County Superintendent, and Mr. Carey Pilato, Mayor of the Borough of Bound Brook. Sponsor TD Bank presented a generous check for $10,000 to further the advancement of the Youth Leadership Institute.
The conference offered opportunities to celebrate success and share experiences during this entire two-day event. Community sponsors included TD Bank, VIRCO, Linda Dixon Books, Presentation Systems, Lightspeed, Scientific Learning, and Read MTI.
Conference Photo Gallery