These Are The 15 Best Teacher Conferences In America
By David Luther Sep. 28, 2017Last Modified and Fact Checked on:
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Top 15 Teacher Conferences to Attend in 2026
Educational conferences remain a vital avenue for teachers to enhance their professional development and stay informed about the latest trends in education. With the evolving landscape of teaching, from the integration of technology to new pedagogical approaches, selecting the right conference can significantly impact your career. We’ve curated a list of the most essential conferences across the United States, ensuring a diverse geographic representation. Below are the top fifteen conferences that can give you a competitive edge in the education job market.
TCEA
Deeper Learning Conference
SXSWEdu
OETC
Empower
Edcamp
NCSC
OLC Innovate
ASU GSV Summit
Serious Play Conference
iNACOL
DevLearn
ExcelinEd National Summit on Education Reform
Digital Initiatives Symposium
ISTE
Even if you cannot attend, exploring conference programs provides insight into the future of education and the key discussions shaping it. Is your conference listed among the top fifteen? Read on for our detailed overview.
1. TCEA
Why you want to go: TCEA features over 900 presentations, workshops, and events spread across five days, making it one of the most comprehensive conferences available. As technology continues to shape educational leadership, attendees can engage in workshops covering everything from 3D printing to coding, making this a prime networking opportunity for educators at all levels.
2. Deeper Learning Conference
Why you want to go: This conference aims to deepen learning experiences for students through interactive workshops and hands-on activities. Despite being relatively new, it fosters a community focused on innovative educational practices.
3. SXSWEdu
Why you want to go: Known for its vibrant atmosphere, SXSWEdu gathers a community of education stakeholders to advance teaching and learning. With targeted workshops and extensive attendance, this conference in Austin is a must for anyone serious about education.
4. OETC
Why you want to go: OETC focuses on fostering partnerships and promoting collaboration, making it ideal for educators across all levels. The conference includes hands-on learning experiences and showcases innovative educational technology.
5. Empower
Why you want to go: Sponsored by ASCD, Empower is tailored for educators in various roles, offering practical strategies and solutions for real-world teaching challenges. The conference format encourages collaborative discussions and diverse event options.
6. Edcamp
Why you want to go: Edcamps are free, participant-driven events where educators choose the topics discussed. This format fosters collaboration and dialogue, making it an empowering experience for attendees.
7. NCSC
Why you want to go: The National Charter Schools Conference provides a networking platform for charter school leaders and educators. With numerous breakout sessions, it addresses both general educational practices and challenges unique to charter schools.
8. OLC Innovate
Why you want to go: OLC Innovate offers a hybrid format, making it accessible for virtual attendees. With a focus on online learning best practices, this conference is crucial for educators navigating the digital education landscape.
9. ASU GSV Summit
Why you want to go: This summit assembles educators and tech leaders in Salt Lake City to explore innovative educational technologies and practices. Attendees gain insights from top experts in learning and talent development.
Why you want to go: Focused on the intersection of gaming and education, Serious Play Conference attracts innovative educators and industry leaders looking to leverage games for effective learning. It’s a unique opportunity to explore data-driven improvements in educational programs.
Why you want to go: iNACOL is pivotal for K-12 educators interested in competency-based, blended, and online learning. The conference gathers thousands of educators and experts to discuss innovative practices and tailored professional development.
12. DevLearn
Why you want to go: DevLearn focuses on enhancing the learning experience through technology. This conference is a hub for developers and educators to discuss advancements that shape the future of organizational learning.
13. ExcelinEd National Summit on Education Reform
Why you want to go: This summit, hosted by the Foundation for Excellence in Education, focuses on transformative education strategies and societal reform. It attracts a diverse audience, including policymakers and thought leaders, for sessions addressing pressing educational issues.
14. Digital Initiatives Symposium
Why you want to go: This budget-friendly conference at the University of San Diego features workshops on digital repositories and the evolving role of technology in library sciences, catering to educators interested in digital initiatives.
15. ISTE
Why you want to go: ISTE is one of the largest gatherings of education professionals, focusing on the latest tools and strategies for enhancing the educational experience. With over 16,000 participants and 1,000 sessions, this event is perfect for educators, administrators, and industry representatives alike.
Conclusion
Conferences are invaluable for networking and professional growth, and research consistently shows that teacher effectiveness is the most significant factor influencing student achievement. The insights gained from attending these events can surpass the benefits of smaller class sizes or curriculum changes.
Moreover, these conferences offer exposure to cutting-edge educational technologies, which are crucial in today’s dynamic learning environment. For more resources and insights tailored for educators, visit Zippia. Are you a recent graduate seeking teaching opportunities? Explore the best states and cities for teaching jobs, or discover exciting career paths for former teachers.
David Luther was the Content Marketing Editor for the Zippia Advice blog. He developed partnerships with external reporting agencies in addition to generating original research and reporting for the Zippia Career Advice blog.
David obtained his BA from UNC Chapel Hill.
