2026 NJAFPA Spring Leadership Conference
Fearless Leadership:
Strengthening Programs through Connection
DATE:
Friday, March 6, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
LOCATIONS:
Brookdale Community College, 765 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft, NJ 07738
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Keynote Presentation:
Thomas C. Murray
Tom serves as the Director of Innovation for Future Ready Schools, a project of All4Ed located in Washington, D.C. He has testified before the United States Congress and has worked alongside that body, the US Senate, the White House, the US Department of Education and state departments of education, corporations, and school districts throughout the country to implement student-centered learning while helping to lead Future Ready Schools® and Digital Learning Day.
An ASCD best-selling author, Murray serves as a regular conference keynote, was named one of the “Top 100 Influencers in Education” by District Administration in 2024, the “2018 National/Global EdTech Leader of the Year, ” by EdTech Digest, the “2017 Education Thought Leader of the Year, ” one of “20 to Watch” by NSBA in 2016, and the “Education Policy Person of the Year” by the Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2015.
His best-selling book, Learning Transformed: 8 Keys to Designing Tomorrow’s Schools, Today, co-authored with Eric Sheninger and published by ASCD, was released in June 2017. His most recent book, Personal & Authentic: Designing Learning Experiences that Impact a Lifetime, is also a best seller.
Before moving to his role in Washington, D.C., Murray served as an elementary teacher, secondary teacher, middle school principal, elementary principal, and at the district level in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He is most passionate about creating cultures of innovation where teachers are empowered to create the types of learning experiences today’s modern learners need to thrive.
In addition to his role at Future Ready Schools®, Murray works directly with school and district leaders for administrative retreats, opening convocations, and professional learning days. You can connect with Tom at thomascmurray.com and on various social media channels.
Confirmed Presentations:
Shifting Mindsets: Creating a Culture of Innovation, Empathy, and Joy!
The past few years have brought uncertainty at every turn, creating significant anxiety and a loss of sleep for all educators, regardless of position. As we work to innovate and transform the learning experience, how can we create a culture where both students and staff can thrive? How can we work to overcome fear and fail forward when things don’t go as planned?
Grounded in relationships and built upon a culture for learning, personal and authentic cultures of innovation respect the hidden stories with in each individual and are learner-centered by design. Join this fun and interactive keynote for a lot of laughs paired with practical and proven strategies that you can immediately implement with your team.
Regardless of what happens outside our school walls, together, we can work to create meaningful opportunities for those we serve when we hyper-focus on the things that matter most. The work is hard, but our kids are worth it!
- Complimentary Continental Breakfast And Lunch
- Innovative Essa-aligned Programs And Resources In Our Vendor Hall
- Dynamic Professional Development Sessions Focused On Essa Compliance, Annual School Plan Goals, And Enhancing School Improvement Efforts.
Call for Sponsors: Join us in supporting the 2026 Spring Leadership Conference by becoming a sponsor! This is a unique opportunity to connect with educational leaders, innovators, and decision-makers from across the state of NJ. As a sponsor, you’ll gain visibility and showcase your commitment to advancing education and empowering fearless leadership. Your support will play a crucial role in enhancing our programs and creating impactful experiences for all attendees.
Call for Presenters: The conference targets District Administrators, Directors, Program Coordinators, Building Principals, and Teachers involved in federally funded programs (Title I, II, III, IV) aimed at enhancing student achievement. Proposals are invited for 60-minute interactive presentations focusing on best practices in areas such as instructional leadership, science of reading, engagement, student voice, climate & culture, community involvement, chronic absenteeism, data analysis, ESSA allowable programming, and social emotional learning. No promotion of specific businesses or products is allowed. Selected presenters receive two complimentary registrations.