NJASCD Emerging Leader Program

The application window for the class of 2023 has been closed.

Please check back to apply for this program in the future!

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. The community will comprise a select group of rising leaders in education who participate in a two-year 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 first cohort of emerging leaders. As alumni of the program, emerging leaders stay connected to NJASCD and have opportunities to connect with ELASCD (the national emerging leader affiliate) and ASCD (the national organization).

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 $699 for the two years.

When can I apply?

The application window for the Class of 2023 was open from September 1, 2022 - October 23, 2022. The next application window will not be until fall 2024 for the Class of 2025.

If selected to participate, when is the program?

The first cohort of the NJASCD Emerging Leader program will run from January 2023 - December 2024.

If selected as an NJASCD Emerging Leader, how does this affect the ASCD Emerging Leader application process and entry into the program?

While this is certainly not a prerequisite, your involvement in NJASCD’s Emerging Leader program can be noted on your application for the national ASCD Emerging Leader program. Your experiences in the state-level program can only help your application.

What is the commitment involved in the program?

A press release and announcement of selected candidates will happen prior to January 2023 and the official kickoff to the program will happen in 2023 at the NJASCD Whole Child Conference. All selected ELs will need to attend the conference as this sets the stage for the two-year 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 most important of which are the professional values the program will have, based on your committed interest and participate, for years to come. 

The program includes:

  • Membership in NJASCD for the two years of the program ($100 value); if already a member, membership will be extended 

  • Free registration at Whole Child Conference in year 1 of the program ($175 value)

  • Free registration at one NJASCD conference of EL’s choosing in year 2 of the program ($175 value)

  • Opportunity of publication of an article in year 1 of the program in NJASCD newsletter and/or on website

  • Guaranteed presentation slot at a year 2 conference and/or an opportunity to introduce sessions at a year 2 conference

  • Mentor from NJASCD for the two years for access to NJASCD

  • List of past ASCD Emerging Leaders from NJ provided as support and access to ASCD national

  • Invitation to ELASCD members and friends meeting of the executive board

  • Invitation to NJASCD members and friends meeting of the executive board

  • Raffle entry for a limited number of free registrations to ELASCD’s “Better Together” conference

  • Invite-only meet ups at ASCD’s Empower conference (March, 2023 and March, 2024)

Have a question?

Please reach out to Kathryn Lemerich, NJASCD Secretary/Executive Board Member or Kimberley Markus, NJASCD Executive Director