School of Education Academy Programs Mission Statement
Monmouth University’s School of Education Academy programs are designed to support our partner districts in leading meaningful change in today’s schools. Through the sharing of research-based best practices, district and university collaboration, and solution-focused professional development, our academies continue to bring hundreds of educators to our beautiful campus year after year.
In these challenging times, the School of Education aims to make our Academy sessions more accessible and cost-effective than ever. For the 2026–27 school year, districts will only be required to pay one membership fee to participate in all three academies: Leadership Academy, Special Services Academy, and the BCBA Roundtable.
To attend any of this year’s academy sessions, please ensure your district becomes a member by completing the registration form. Our nominal annual membership fee allows districts to send an unlimited number of guests to each session (space permitting).
Please send questions to MUAcademies@monmouth.edu or Professional Development Coordinator Wendy Gray Morales, Ed.D., at wmorales@monmouth.edu.
Fall 2026 Event Registration
All events are free for Monmouth University Academy member districts! Space is limited—register as soon as possible to secure your spot.
Registration deadlines:
- Leadership Academy Event: Nov. 6
- BCBA Roundtable and Special Services Academy Events: Nov. 16
Questions? Email MUacademies@monmouth.edu or wmorales@monmouth.edu.
Leadership Academy
“From ‘No’ to ‘How?’: Turning School Finance from a Burden into a Leadership Tool”
Nov. 19, 2026, 8:30 to 11 a.m. (breakfast served)
Anacon A/B, Stafford Center, Monmouth University
Presenter: Christopher Mullins, president-elect of the New Jersey Association of School Business Officials and business administrator for the Monmouth-Ocean Educational Services Commission
BCBA Roundtable
“The Power Within: Training Staff to Disseminate Evidence-Based Practices”
Dec. 1, 2026, 9 to 11 a.m. (Followed by a Joint Lunch from 11 a.m. to Noon)
Monmouth University Graduate Center Café
185 State Highway 36, Building C
West Long Branch, NJ 07764
Presenter: Madeline Risse, PhD, BCBA-D, Monmouth University
Special Services Academy
“Putting Our Best Foot Forward In Special Education Litigation (Or, Better Yet, Avoiding Litigation In The First Place!)”
Dec. 1, 2026, 12 to 2 p.m. (Following a Joint Lunch from 11 a.m. to Noon)
Graduate Center Café
185 State Highway 36, Building C
West Long Branch, NJ 07764
Presenter: Alyssa K. Weinstein, Esq., partner, The Busch Law Group LLC
2026–2027 School of Education Academies Calendar
| Date/Time | Event | Location |
| Oct. 8, 2026 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m. | Monmouth University School of Education Academies Combined Kickoff Event with Keynote Speaker Cornelius Minor | Stafford Student Center, Anacon A and B |
| Nov. 19, 2026 8:30–10:30 a.m. | Leadership Academy | Stafford Student Center, Anacon A and B |
| Dec. 1, 2026 9–11 a.m. (BCBA) 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (Lunch) 12–2 p.m. (SSA) | Special Services Academy and BCBA Roundtable | Monmouth Park Corporate Center Cafe, Building C, 185 State Highway 36, West Long Branch, NJ, this location is not on the main campus. |
| Feb. 18, 2027 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m. | Monmouth University School of Education Academies Combined Event | TBD |
| March 11, 2027 8:30–10:30 a.m. | Leadership Academy | TBD |
| Spring 2027 TBD–Small Group Session #2 | Special Services Academy and BCBA Roundtable | TBD |
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