Educators invited to visit NJIHC at Booth #1485 on November 5–6 at the Atlantic City Convention Center

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — The New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission (NJIHC) is pleased to announce its participation in the 2026 New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) Convention, taking place November 5–6, 2026, at the Atlantic City Convention Center.

Educators attending the convention are invited to visit NJIHC Booth #1485 on both days to explore the Commission’s comprehensive K–12 Italian Heritage Curriculum, classroom resources, lesson plans and professional development opportunities designed to bring Italian and Italian American history into classrooms across New Jersey.

Developed through a Curriculum Infusion Model, NJIHC’s educational resources integrate Italian and Italian American history and contributions into existing subject areas and are designed to align with New Jersey educational standards. The curriculum provides educators with engaging opportunities to incorporate heritage, history, civics, culture, literature, science and the arts into instruction across grade levels.

Among the curriculum areas that will be highlighted at this year’s NJEA Convention are:

• The Creation of America: The Roman Legacy, exploring the influence of Roman law, government, political thought and civic principles on the development of the United States.
• Italians and the Holocaust, featuring lessons on Italian resistance to Nazi persecution, righteous individuals who protected Jewish citizens, Primo Levi and other important historical topics.
• Italian Women Lesson Series, highlighting influential women including Maria Montessori, Mother Cabrini, Samantha Cristoforetti, Maria Gaetana Agnesi and others whose contributions span education, science, mathematics, humanitarian service and leadership.
• An Italian’s Dream, exploring immigration, globalization, cultural exchange and the historical forces that shaped Italian and Italian American identity.
• Lessons examining the contributions of Italians and Italian Americans to science, government, culture, civics, literature and the arts.
• Cross-curricular resources covering topics such as Natural Law, immigration, cultural heritage, world history, character education and American civic development.

“Participating in the NJEA Convention gives us an important opportunity to connect directly with educators from throughout New Jersey and provide them with meaningful resources they can immediately bring back to their classrooms,” said Margaret Fontana, Executive Director of the New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission. “Italian and Italian American history is deeply connected to the broader American story, and our goal is to give educators engaging, accessible and academically meaningful tools to help students understand those connections.”

The Commission’s curriculum is designed not only for Italian-language instruction, but for integration across social studies, history, civics, language arts, mathematics, science, world languages, character education and cultural studies.

NJIHC representatives will be available throughout the convention to speak with educators, curriculum supervisors, administrators and school leaders about how the resources can be incorporated into classroom instruction, professional development and district-wide educational initiatives.

Educators are encouraged to stop by Booth #1485 on Thursday, November 5 and Friday, November 6 to meet members of the Commission, preview lesson materials, learn about professional development opportunities and discover new ways to incorporate Italian and Italian American heritage into their schools.

The NJIHC’s participation in the NJEA Convention is part of the Commission’s ongoing statewide educational outreach and commitment to ensuring that Italian and Italian American history and contributions remain an important part of New Jersey’s broader educational and cultural landscape. The Commission’s public calendar confirms its participation in the NJEA Convention on November 5–6, 2026.

About the New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission

The New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission is dedicated to promoting and preserving the history, culture and contributions of Italians and Italian Americans through education. The Commission develops K–12 curriculum resources, educator professional development, public programs and statewide partnerships designed to foster an accurate, inclusive and non-stereotypical understanding of Italian heritage and its influence on New Jersey and the United States.

For additional information about NJIHC educator resources and curriculum, visit the New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission website.

Media Contact:
Margaret Fontana
Executive Director
New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission
mfontana@njitalianheritage.org