On May 21, 2026, NJASECD recognized 37 schools for honors received through the State and National Schools of Character Program. These schools were selected after going through a rigorous evaluation process based on Character.org’s “Eleven Principles Framework.” Congratulations to all of our honored schools for their efforts to infuse character, social-emotional competency, and a positive…
NJASECD will offer a summer workshop for school administrators and culture and climate teams called “Bringing Character and Social Emotional Competency to Your School.” The workshop will be held at RIder University on Wednesday, August 19 from 10 to 2 PM. Cost for the workshop is $99. Our keynote speaker will be Tony Cattani, principal…
We are proud to announce the New Jersey schools that are being honored as part of the 2026 Schools of Character Program. We have 3 Emerging Schools, 4 Honorable Mention Schools, 18 State Schools of Character, and 12 National Schools of Character. All of the schools are using the 11 Principles Framework as a school…
The 2025 Fall Workshop presented by NJASECD’s Professional Development Committee was an unqualified success! Representatives from 15 New Jersey Schools met at NJPSA in Monroe Township to learn about the Schools of Character Program and to share ideas and experiences in bringing SECD into their schools. Read more!
The application for the 2026 Schools of Character Program is now available on the Character.org website. The process has changed from past years so it is important for you to take a moment to review the application process. NJASECD has provided a Tips for Applying Presentation which will help you understand the changes. In addition,…
NJASECD is presenting a Fall 2025 Workshop called “Making Connections Through Character Education.” The workshop will be held at NJPSA on October 23, 2025. Registration begins at 9:30 am and the day will end at 2:00 PM. Cost is $65 per person. Topics will include technical assistance for those schools preparing an application to become…
Tom Santo, seasoned character educator, addresses the theme of “Growing Goodness with Character Education” at the 2025 VIrtual Recognition Ceremony for the New Jersey Schools of Character Program on Thursday, May 29, 2025. Check out his inspirational message to our schools and their leaders! Click here to view the recording!
On May 29, NJASECD honored our State and National Schools of Character as well as Honorable Mention and Emerging Schools of Character during a virtual ceremony which featured a “TED Talk” by Tom Santo, a former principal and champion of character education. Remarks by Karen Bingert (NJPSA), Steve Beatty (NJEA), and Kelly Allen (NJDOE) were…
Unfortunately, we have had to cancel our in-person conference on May 29 at Rider University. Too many of our honored schools were unable to attend. In lieu of the conference, we will be holding a virtual Recognition Ceremony for our 2025 New Jersey Schools of Character, Honorable Mention Schools, and Emerging Schools on Thursday, May…
Presenters: Debra Minieri, Maribeth Hall, and Doug Stech, NJASECD Description: Hear about examples from Lakeview School in Denville and Woodmont School in Montville offered by a trio of school counselors with a successful track record in leading their schools as well as others to become State and National Schools of Character. Click here to access…