Professional Development Philosophy
The AT Center at TCNJ strives to partner with teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, parents, and other stakeholders who support individuals using Assistive Technology (AT) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in NJ. We are centered around the belief that hands-on learning, collaboration, and capacity building are essential to fostering growth and success. We are committed to creating opportunities for active engagement, where learners can directly apply new concepts and skills in real-world contexts.
Collaboration is a cornerstone of this process, as it allows individuals to share insights, challenge perspectives, and collectively problem-solve. We believe in building capacity by empowering others with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to take ownership of their own learning and contribute to the development of their peers.
Reflecting on the best practices in instructional design, the AT Center’s professional development opportunities provide foundational knowledge of AT/AAC to help schools improve outcomes for all students.
All of our Professional Learning Opportunities are funded by the NJ DOE, Office of Special Education and are FREE.
Audience:
Our primary audience is educators and staff in schools across the state of New Jersey. We strive to work with all stakeholders to help increase inclusion efforts across the state.
- Gen Ed Teachers
- Special Ed Teachers
- Paraprofessionals
- Related Service Providers
- Families and Caregivers
- Administrators
Professional Development Services:
The AT Center offers a wide variety of professional development workshops, including customized professional learning experiences and ongoing coaching and mentorship to fit your district’s needs.
- Interactive Workshops (both in-person and virtual)
- Community of Practice and Study Groups
- Online Office Hours
- Ongoing Coaching and Development
Professional Development Topics:
Foundational Knowledge: The purpose of these PD opportunities is to build capacity and understanding for sustained change in how AT/AAC is considered and implemented in school districts throughout NJ.
- AT/AAC Consideration in the IEP and the SETT Framework
- AT and the UDL framework
- AT and Accessible Educational Materials (AEM)
- AAC Foundations and Consideration
- AT/AAC for Early Intervention
- AT/AAC for Transition
- Creating Accessible Educational Materials
Device, Disability, or Task specific Knowledge: The purpose of these PD opportunities is to focus on specific tools and the implementation of those tools in the classroom/community.
- Use What you Have: Built in Accessibility Features
- How do I make my Google Classroom Accessible?
- Tools for specific tasks (organization, literacy, math, etc.)
- Tools to support a specific disability category
Join us for our FREE Upcoming Virtual Events!
AAC 101: Introduction to AAC (4/23/25)
This is an introductory level webinar to explore Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). This presentation will be given by Sarah Brown, a New Jersey licensed and ASHA certified speech language pathologist. Topics will cover the basics of AAC including- What it is, who should use it, common myths and misconceptions, and more!
The Role of AAC in Supporting Language Development (4/24/25)
This presentation is a beginner-friendly webinar to explore the relationship between Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and typical language development. This presentation will be given by Sarah Brown, a New Jersey licensed and ASHA certified speech language pathologist. Topics will cover- How language develops, early language strategies, benefits and barriers to AAC implementation, and more!
Integrating AAC Into Daily Routines (4/28)
Join us for “Integrating AAC Into Daily Routines,” a beginner-friendly webinar exploring the relationship between Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and routine-based intervention. This presentation will be given by Sarah Brown, a New Jersey licensed and ASHA certified speech language pathologist. Topics will cover- Why routines are important for language development, types of routines, how to incorporate AAC, and more!
AAC in the Inclusive Classroom: How School Based Professionals Can Support AAC Use Outside of Speech Sessions (4/29/25)
Join us for “AAC in the Inclusive Classroom: How School Based Professionals Can Support AAC Use Outside of Speech Sessions,” an informative webinar created for school-based staff seeking practical strategies to support Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) use throughout the school day. This presentation will be given by Sarah Brown, a New Jersey licensed and ASHA certified speech language pathologist. Topics will cover- Special education law, tips for making AAC more accessible in the classroom, recommended AAC resources, and more!
Types of AAC and How to Acquire it (5/21/25)
Join us for “Types of AAC and How to Acquire It,” an informative webinar created for teachers, parents, and professionals seeking more knowledge in how to obtain Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). This presentation will be given by Sarah Brown, a New Jersey licensed and ASHA certified speech language pathologist. Topics will cover- Types of AAC, advantages and disadvantages of each type, the evaluation process, funding and more!
AAC Best Practice (5/22/25)
Join us for “Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Best Practice,” where we will explore key strategies for supporting effective communication for AAC Users. This presentation will be given by Sarah Brown, a New Jersey licensed and ASHA certified speech language pathologist. Topics will cover- Who uses AAC and why, common myths and misconceptions, vocabulary selection and more!
Register for any of these upcoming sessions!