Professional Learning

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) provides learning opportunities to educators who work with Multilingual Learners (MLs) throughout the school year. This professional development comes in the form of webinars, videos, and college course opportunities. These opportunities are both self-paced and offered on a specific date(s). They are intended for use by both teachers and administrators and can be used as part of the school district’s professional development plan.

The Title III/Bilingual/ESL Unit’s professional development calendar can be found in the Bilingual/ESL Professional Development Calendar, and all NJDOE events can be found at New Jersey Department of Education Calendar of Events. 

Professional Development Offerings – School Year 2023-2024

To support schools to meet the in-service training requirements under the Bilingual Education administrative code (N.J.A.C. 6A:15-1.8), and the Every Student Succeeds Act Title III ESEA Section §3115(c), the N.J. Department of Education (NJDOE) will provide professional development to all educators (N.J.A.C. 6A:8-3.1), who support the academic and English language development of MLs. 

The following educators/personnel should participate in the professional development offerings: 

  • Staff who provide in-class instruction, such as ESL, bilingual and mainstream teachers to MLs
  • Supervise bilingual/ESL/dual language programs
  • Observe and evaluate teachers of MLs
  • Professional development should focus on sustained, job-embedded, and data-driven professional development activities that will support educators to:
    • Implement instructional strategies and appropriate assessments to help MLs meet the NJSLS and the WIDA English language development standards
    • Understand the use of curricula, assessment measures, and instructional strategies for MLs students

The WIDA Self-Paced eWorkshops and webinars package beginning 09/01/2022 is open to all educators who have a WIDA login.

Registration Instructions

Registration will open approximately one month prior to the event on the NJDOE Events Page.

  • Everyone must register only for themselves; people with multiple registrations will be deleted.
  • Ensure your email is entered correctly.
  • Ensure that the information entered is in the correct column and cell. 
  • After registration, if you no longer can attend, contact ML@doe.nj.gov Unit to remove you from the list or alternatively designate a colleague to attend with your credentials.
  • Do not register for training if your schedule does not permit live participation.

Event Date
Special Education English Language Learner Series (MAEC) TBD
Sheltered English Instruction Series (MAEC)
  • Part 1 - March 5, 12, & 19
  • Part 2 - April 9, 16, & 23
Chapter 15 TA Part 1 Presentation-new definitions and the identification process of multilingual learners 9/19/2023
Chapter 15 TA Part 2 Presentation-Understanding ML program design and educator capacity 9/26/2023
Office Hours Chapter 15 TA-Questions about new and updated definitions in Chapter 15 including a shift to asset-based language 10/3/2023
Office Hours Chapter 15 TA -Understanding multilingual learner (ML) Identification 10/10/2023
Office Hours Chapter 15 TA - Understand ML programs and program design 10/17/2023
Office Hours Chapter 15 TA- Understand how to build education capacity 10/24/2023
New and Experienced Bilingual/ESL Supervisors Part A 11/14/2023
New and Experienced Bilingual/ESL Supervisors Part B 11/21/2023
WIDA E-Learning Workshops: Bringing Language into Focus-Expectations, Functions & Features Webinars:11/29 & 12/13 2023
Scaffolding Learning through Language Webinars: 11/28, 12/5, & 12/12, 1-2:30 pm 2023
Alternate ACCESS Overview webinar Webinar: 1/16/24, 1-2:30pm 2024
Expanding Reading Instruction with Multilingual Learners Webinars: Tuesdays - 3/5 & 3/12, 1-2:30pm 2024
Interpreting ACCESS for ELLs Score Reports Webinar: 6/4, 1-2:30pm
Stockton Sheltered English Instruction Online September 1, 2023–August 31, 2024
WIDA Self-Paced eWorkshop Package (Open to all educators, must have WIDA login – e-Learning Courses tile) September 1, 2023–August 31, 2024

Directions

  • Log in to your WIDA Secure Portal Don’t have an account yet? Visit your member/state page on the WIDA website to learn how.
  • Locate the course and click on “Course Details.” Click “Enroll Now.”
  • Complete a self-paced workshop and print your certificate of completion.
  • Questions? Contact the WIDA Client Services Center at (866) 276-7735 or help@wida.us.

This paradigm allows teachers and administrators to provide diverse groups of MLs with access to classroom content while they acclimate to an English learning environment. The six learning threads of the FABRIC paradigm provide a structure that teachers can use to address the needs of MLs. Each section contains research-based recommendations, a classroom example, and application questions. FABRIC can be utilized during sheltered instruction training, professional learning community meetings, pre-service teacher education, etc.

FABRIC

A Brief Explanation of the FABRIC Paradigm

The objective of this resource document is to offer guidance to New Jersey school district administrators on how to expand the recruitment, hiring, and retention of bilingual and English Language Development (ELD) teachers and support staff by implementing the THREAD (Tap, Harness, Reach, Establish, Awareness, Develop) approach. The THREAD approach provides strategies for administrators to creatively address the shortage of certified teachers. Various strands create a THREAD for developing a staffing initiative in school districts that can increase recruitment and retention of bilingual educators. 

THREAD