NJASCD Emerging Leader Program
Applications are open!! Please read info below and apply today!
NJASCD Emerging Leader Program
NJASCD is pleased to offer this prestigious recognition and acknowledgement of the incredibly talented educators throughout our state as a way to elevate and amplify their work through the NJASCD Emerging Leader Program. NJASCD’s EL program is an opportunity for educators to join a community that is passionate about teaching, learning and leading and who are dedicated to the whole child and creating transformational learning opportunities for all students. The community will comprise a select group of rising leaders in education who participate in a year-long program where they will have the opportunity to elevate their work within the field and find opportunities to lead, no matter the role in education they serve.
NJASCD invites educators throughout the State of New Jersey to apply to become a part of this cohort of emerging leaders. As alumni of the program, emerging leaders stay connected to NJASCD and have opportunities to engage and contribute to the organization’s mission through leadership roles, professional learning, and initiatives that advance teaching, learning, and leadership across the state.
Who is Eligible to Apply
The NJASCD Emerging Leader program is designed for teacher leaders, early educational leaders and/or those seeking to continue their growth as an educational leader. While this is not an absolute, the program is most closely aligned to recognize and support those who have been in education for approximately 5-15 years and/or are within their first 5 years of an educational leadership role.
Is there a cost associated with the program?
Yes. The cost of the program is $399.
If selected to participate, when is the program?
The NJASCD Emerging Leader program will run from January 2026 - December 2026.
What is the commitment involved in the program?
A press release and announcement of selected candidates will happen in January 2026 and the official kickoff to the program will happen at the NJASCD February Summit. There will be a scheduled meet and greet and mentor/mentee meeting prior to the summit, as well. All selected ELs will need to attend the conference as this sets the stage for the program. The program will include development of individual goals and actions towards meeting those goals, as well as regular meetings with the leader’s mentor. It also includes many benefits, outlined below.
What are the benefits of the program?
There are many benefits included with participation in this program.
The program includes:
Recognition at the NJASCD spring conference and the NJPSA/FEA/NJASCD Fall Conference, on social media, and the NJASCD website
Membership in NJASCD for the one year of the program ($50 value); if already a member, membership will be extended for one year.
Free registration at a NJASCD Conference ($215 value)
Opportunity of publication of an article in NJASCD’s newsletter and on website
Guaranteed presentation slot at an NJASCD conference in the 2026-2027 school year and/or an opportunity to introduce sessions if that is more comfortable for you
Mentor provided from NJASCD and carefully matched to meet the needs of each individual Emerging Leader
Invitation to serve on a committee of the NJASCD executive board
Invite-only meet up
Quarterly meetings with with other ELs and mentors
Have a question?
Please reach out to Jessica Nathan, NJASCD Programs Committee Chairperson/ State Board Member, Kate Lemerich, President NJASCD or Dr. Bobbie Downs, NJASCD Executive Director
Jessica Nathan: jessanathan@gmail.com
Kate Lemerich: info@njascd.org
Dr. Bobbie Downs: executivedirector@njascd.org
When can I apply?
Applications are open now and are due November 30, 2025.