New Jersey Statewide Recruitment of Visionary Educators

The Power of the Pivot: NJ STRIVE members gather for Professional Development Day 2026

School human resources leaders from across New Jersey came together for NJ STRIVE's annual learning day.

A speaker addressing attendees seated at tables with a large screen behind

September 25, 2026

The Power of the Pivot graphic: Plant. Adjust. Accelerate.

This year's theme, The Power of the Pivot, borrowed its playbook from the football field: plant your foundation, adjust with purpose, and accelerate. Members brought that spirit to every session.

The keynote speaker addressing a full room with his arms open
The keynote opens the day.

Every presentation was excellent, and the participating vendors gave members plenty of time to ask questions and learn throughout the day. Sessions included a presentation from Dr. Ken Shulack and Todd Lawrence of NJ School Jobs.

A special thank-you to our homegrown cheerleader, Ivy Harrington, Miss New Jersey 2025, who energized the room at the start of the day.

Ivy Harrington, Miss New Jersey 2025, cheering with pom-poms beside the NJ STRIVE sign on the entrance doors
Ivy Harrington, Miss New Jersey 2025, opened the day with a cheer.
Five attendees posing together in game-day jerseys
Attendees lining up at the game-day lunch buffet
The Red Rover vendor table
Red Rover
A presenter beside a slide reading “What you permit, you promote.”
Two attendees talking in the lounge between sessions

Follow-up resources: view and download the photos, and visit the event site for presentation slides. The full program is on the Professional Development Day page.

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