I am so looking forward to joining thousands of other educators, administrators, curriculum coordinators, teacher educators, and education professionals in Houston, Texas for the NCTE Annual Convention. Here are some things you can to do to prepare for this conference.
- Join the #nctechat Twitter Conversation on Sunday, November 11, 2018, at 8 p.m. ET. The topic for the chat is the Convention theme, “Raising Student Voice: Speaking Out for Equity and Justice.” This chat always gets me even more excited about the upcoming Convention!
- Go through the physical program book, online program PDF or searchable program, or download the mobile app (iOS or Android) and plan your schedule. It’s nice to know what each day might look like. Of course, be sure to have some back-up sessions or events selected. It’s helpful to refer to the map as well.
- Plan to attend the General Sessions to see and hear nationally known speakers.
- Make sure to wear your badge. It’s what you need to get into the Exhibit Hall and attend sessions and events.
- Visit NCTE Central, the NCTE bookstore, to purchase thought-provoking texts about literacy research and practice. While you’re there, browse our journals and other professional learning resources and talk with our staff about any membership questions you may have.
- Check out our new initiative called Build Your Stack. We will feature 35 unique sessions in the Exhibit Hall with authors and educators talking about their favorite books and how to use them in the classroom..
- Engage with colleagues during and after the NCTE Annual Convention via social media! Engage in conversations and discussions in NCTE Connects. Connect via the NCTE Facebook page to see posts and pictures. Follow the NCTE Twitter, using the Convention hashtag #NCTE18. Follow along on Instagram to see photos and videos from the Convention and other gatherings.
- Make time to visit the Exhibit Hall. The Exhibit Hall is a place where you can meet authors, find resources for your classroom, and talk with other attendees.
- Wear comfortable shoes and consider wearing layers. You will be walking a great deal, from your hotel to the Convention Center, to and from sessions and meetings, and throughout the Exhibit Hall. Dressing in layers helps adjust to differing room temperatures.
- Take time to visit the city! Houston has a vibrant arts and culture scene. Read more about what Houston has to offer here.
But most of all, enjoy yourself! I hope to see you at the 2018 NCTE Annual Convention as we look at “Raising Student Voice: Speaking Out for Equity and Justice” in Houston.