Civic Leadership and SEL: Lessons from NJ Changemakers with New Jersey Hall of Fame

Civic Leadership and SEL: Lessons from NJ Changemakers invites educators to explore how the powerful, personal stories of New Jersey Hall of Fame inductees can serve as catalysts for meaningful social-emotional learning and authentic civic engagement in today’s classrooms. By examining moments of courage, empathy, advocacy, and ethical decision-making in the lives of New Jersey leaders, educators will uncover practical ways to help students build self-awareness, social awareness, and a sense of agency.

Drawing from the lives and legacies of Peter J. McGuire (Father of Labor Day), Dorothea Dix (mental health reformer), David Mixner (political activist, author, and playwright), and Clara Maass (public health pioneer), participants will analyze how these changemakers confronted injustice, advocated for vulnerable communities, and took action in times of social and public health crises—making abstract concepts such as fairness, wellness, and justice tangible and relevant for students. 

Educators will compare and contrast AI-powered lesson generators, including MagicSchool and Curipod, and create SEL or civic action lessons and student activities using inductee stories, leveraging AI scaffolding to differentiate instruction for diverse learners. This workshop empowers educators to transform local legends into catalysts for empathy, critical thinking, and civic participation—helping all students see themselves as the next generation of changemakers.