Educators from six states and the District of Columbia took part in the third forum for State Directors of Judicial Branch Education Offices at the NASJE Annual Conference in Boston, MA . The forum was facilitated by Jennifer Juhler of Iowa.
The goal of this informal session was to reserve time at the conference for discussion of the unique job of state education administrators. Objectives were to exchange resources and wisdom; identify trends and problem solve; and begin and renew relationships among the state directors.
A common trend among the participants was the need to provide e-learning opportunities for their courts. E-learning libraries, learning modules, webinars, and learning management systems were discussed.
Another point of discussion was addressing apathy toward judicial education. Attacks on the judiciary and changes in leadership in some states have put innovative education projects on hold, resulting in educators feeling undervalued within the court system. Participants in the session suggested that NASJE, as an organization, could provide support for members facing such challenges.
Other topics addressed included budget restrictions, paperless courts, training demands related to court case management systems, providing education for court personnel, working with associations, and allowing vendors at conferences.