An exciting new year is here! At NCTE, we continue to bring teacher expertise to the forefront of our literacy advocacy work and to bolster a thriving community of like-minded professionals dedicated to improving the teaching and learning of English language arts at all levels of education.
Last year, NCTE members and leaders in the field came together in numerous ways to face challenges, exchange ideas, and dream boldly about our shared mission. Comments from a few regarding their engagement with NCTE include:
“The resources are amazing, but also the community . . . it keeps me feeling like I am growing.” —Abbie Bandstra
“I’m always excited that NCTE really wants to take the step of being the first organization, or the first group of people, to really advocate for teachers.” —Valente Gibson
“My experience on NCTE’s This Story Matters Teacher Corps has introduced me to more wonderful books and authors than I could have ever imagined. While writing and reviewing rationales, I also have conducted countless read-alouds of these books to my students. Their responses and level of engagement have been proof positive that joining this Teacher Corps was a great idea—both for me and for my students!” —Deborah Riddle
The momentum does not stop there! In 2026, NCTE will offer even more opportunities to connect with unique resources and an exclusive network that enables YOU to contribute to the English language arts in new, creative ways.
Join us by:
Leading. Serve on NCTE appointed groups, stand for important elected positions, and apply for innovative teacher cohorts. What role will you play in moving NCTE and literacy education forward in 2026?
Reading. Participate in the National African American Read-In (AARI)—NCTE’s annual effort to encourage communities to read together as part of Black History Month—and contribute to the expansion of NCTE’s book rationale database.
Learning. Build and engage with your community through professional learning events including author talks, members-only webinars, and online series.
Writing. Lend your expertise to the ELA field by writing for one of NCTE’s ten journals, participating in the 2026 National Day on Writing® on October 20, and judging for our 2026 Student Writing Awards.
Presenting. Share your experience and ideas at the 2026 NCTE Annual Convention in Philadelphia. Submit a proposal to make a presentation to colleagues highlighting your challenges and victories . . . and the paths you forged in between.
Supporting. Make a donation to NCTE to help support educators and students and promote the ELA profession—and all it stands for. A gift to the NCTE General Fund or the NCTE Annual Convention Scholarship Fund helps bolster literacy and language efforts nationwide on many levels.
The NCTE network stretches wide and includes many dedicated contributors in all facets of the literacy education profession. Many of our engagement opportunities are available exclusively to NCTE members. The annual membership fee of just $59 provides unlimited access not only to our vast NCTE network and events, but also to thousands of online resources and an entire community of professionals dedicated to sharing their research and expertise toward the vision of advancing ELA access, agency, and impact for all learners.
If you haven’t already, join us and be an active part of all we do.
We look forward to sharing this journey with you as together we imagine, innovate, and inspire each other in 2026!