NCTE, author Alane Adams expand partnership to provide additional professional development, peer networking opportunities for K–12 teachers, librarians
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
One hundred English language arts educators will receive funding to attend the largest annual gathering of ELA teachers in the US through a newly expanded scholarship program supported by Alane Adams and the Rise Up Foundation in partnership with the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE).
K–12 teachers and librarians are invited to apply by September 12 for a Rise Up Foundation Scholarship, which will cover registration fees for the 2026 NCTE Annual Convention in Philadelphia this November. Scholarship recipients will also be invited to attend a Convention luncheon, providing unique opportunities to connect with peers, authors, and thought leaders in youth literature and literacy instruction.
NCTE is the professional organization for literacy teachers spanning preK–college. The Rise Up Foundation, founded by author Alane Adams, is dedicated to improving literacy among children in communities that are traditionally underserved. The organizations’ partnership, which began in 2025, is expanding both in size and scope this year—doubling the number of scholarships available and inviting high school educators to apply, in addition to those at elementary and middle schools.
“NCTE and Alane Adams share a commitment to literacy and a vision for uplifting teachers through deeper, intentional peer engagement to build community and share resources,” NCTE Executive Director Emily Kirkpatrick said. “We also believe in providing supports that deepen teachers’ professional practice while honoring their expertise. As evidenced by the enthusiastic response to this scholarship program last year, this approach brings teachers a shared purpose, new insights, and new materials to take back to their classrooms.”
Scholarship recipients will receive full access to the 115th NCTE Annual Convention, including all four days of sessions, keynote speakers, networking events, and the massive Exhibit Hall. They will be invited to attend the Children’s Book Awards Luncheon, the Middle Level Section Luncheon, or the Secondary Section Luncheon. The Convention luncheon series is a cornerstone component of the Convention each year, driven by the expertise of teachers. Recipients will also be invited to attend a special new event hosted by Adams to kick off the Convention.
“The Rise Up Foundation is thrilled to once again connect with teachers who are passionate about literacy and writing instruction at the country’s leading event for English language arts educators,” Adams said. “The dedicated individuals who take time out of their busy lives to learn and grow professionally—all in service to children and literacy—deserve to be met with equally inspiring supports and resources for their classrooms. I look forward to directly engaging with and learning from these teachers through multiple programs and unique opportunities at the NCTE Annual Convention.”
###
About NCTE
The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) is the professional organization for literacy teachers spanning preK–college. Through the expertise and advocacy from its members’ professional research, practice, and knowledge, NCTE has served at the forefront of every major improvement in the teaching and learning of English and the language arts since 1911. For more information, please visit www.ncte.org.
Contact: Allie Ciaramella, NCTE: media@ncte.org
About the Rise Up Foundation
Founded in 2008, the Rise Up Foundation supports literacy-focused classroom initiatives by providing teachers with resources, training, and opportunities that empower them to help students thrive—especially in under-resourced communities. Learn more at www.riseupfoundation.org.
Contact: Lauri Leland, Rise Up Foundation: lauri@riseupfoundation.org