October 9, 2026 | Hyatt Regency, New Brunswick, NJ

Shape the Future of Special Education

The New Jersey Association of Special Education Partner Schools (NJASEPS) invites proposals for our 2026 47th Annual Conference. This event brings together educators, administrators, related service providers, and families from across New Jersey to share knowledge, explore innovative practices, and strengthen support for students with complex needs.

We are seeking engaging, practical, and interactive sessions that provide real-world strategies and meaningful takeaways for attendees.

Conference Format

Three (3) 75-minute workshops

One (1) 60-minute roundtable session

You may apply to present either a 75-minute workshop or apply to lead a 60-minute roundtable of a topic of your choosing. 

Sessions will be organized into four content tracks

Conference Tracks & Topics

(1) Teachers & Paraprofessionals

We are looking for classroom-focused sessions, including:

• Behavior intervention strategies and positive behavioral supports
• Writing effective IEPs and progress reports (including the use of AI tools)
• Literacy and math assessments, and best practices in special education
• Maximizing the effectiveness of paraprofessionals (management and supervision)
• Differentiating instruction across grade levels and varying abilities
• Teaching essential life skills to support post-school outcomes
• The role of AI in lesson planning 

(2) Related Service Providers

Sessions may include:

• Social work best practices
• BCBA/behavioral services
• Emerging trends and timely topics in related services

(3) Leadership

We are seeking sessions for current and aspiring leaders, including:

• Advocacy 101 (communicating with legislators and stakeholders)
• Hands-on AI applications (curriculum, evaluations, operations)
• Executive coaching and leadership development
• Transitioning from teacher to leadership roles

(4) Parents

Sessions designed to inform and support families, including:

• Estate planning and guardianship
• Understanding the IEP and student rights
• Transition planning
• Navigating a new diagnosis

Who Should Apply

We welcome proposals from:

• Educators and school leaders
• Related service providers
• Consultants and industry experts
• Advocates and parent leaders

What We’re Looking For

• Practical, actionable content
• Interactive or hands-on elements
• Relevant and timely topics
• Experience working with students with complex needs preferred

Submission Details

📅 Deadline to Apply: May 8, 2026

You may be contacted to discuss your proposal with NJASEPS Staff/Volunteers. Please look out for an email from giannam@njaseps.org. 

Please reach out to Gianna McCloskey, NJASEPS Program Manager with any questions. 

giannam@njaseps.org 

(609) 890-1400 (office)

(609) 238-9958 (cell)