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Dear NNSTOY Members & Stakeholders,
NTLC 2026 may have taken place on our screens, but the learning, connection, and joy were very real. Educators and teacher leaders from across the country gathered for honest conversations, practical professional learning, and renewed encouragement. Participants explored the challenges facing public education, shared strategies they could immediately bring back to their communities, and reminded one another that none of us is doing this work alone.
Conference Highlights
Student voice took center stage in both keynote sessions. Gerardo Muñoz and five of his former students opened the conference with “Do You Trust Who You Teach? Student Voice and Leadership in Your Classroom & Beyond,” and Jamie Tadrzynski challenged us to consider why student civic media is essential to democracy right now. Together, these conversations reinforced a central NNSTOY belief: students should not simply be the subjects of education policy and practice—they should help shape them.
Our teacher-led breakout sessions were another clear highlight. Presenters addressed educator advocacy, free speech, student belonging, Indigenous representation, financial literacy, educator retention, SEL, civic learning, bias, immigration, STEM instruction, and more. Participants consistently described the sessions as timely, relevant, practical, and inspiring.
And because joy matters, NTLC also included plenty of interactive games and giveaways. Even in a virtual setting, the warmth and energy of the NNSTOY community came through.
The Reviews Are In
The results from our Post-Conference Survey reflect an overwhelmingly positive experience:
- 94.5% rated NTLC 2026 a 4 or 5 out of 5.
- 98.2% said the content was relevant to their work.
- 98.2% said the program reflected issues educators are facing right now.
- 100% described our presenters as knowledgeable, practical, and inspiring.
- 98.2% learned something new.
- 96.3% left feeling energized.
- 94.3% said they are likely to participate in another NNSTOY opportunity.
Participants told us that NTLC offered more than professional learning. It provided hope, affirmation, and the reminder that teacher leaders across the country are facing these challenges and building solutions together.
You Spoke. We’re Listening.
The feedback you gave will help us strengthen NTLC 2027 and shape NNSTOY’s work throughout the coming year. Many thanks to everyone who completed the survey.
Participants asked for longer breakout sessions and more intentional opportunities to connect by region, role, grade level, and shared interest. They also want more ways to engage with NNSTOY between conferences. Additional virtual workshops were the most requested member benefit, followed by grants and fellowships, webinars, regional networking, classroom resources, and advocacy opportunities. Be on the lookout for details about an upcoming series of virtual professional development opportunities with NNSTOY and our sponsor and partners, the National Education Association (NEA) and the NEA Foundation!
We also heard a strong call for NNSTOY to prioritize teacher advocacy, educator wellness, student voice, education policy, and educator retention. We are taking those priorities seriously. NTLC 2026 was not the end of the conversation. It was the beginning of deeper, more consistent opportunities for our members to learn, connect, advocate, and lead together.
Thank You to Our Presenters & 2026 NTLC Team
Our presenters were one of NTLC 2026’s greatest strengths. Participants praised their knowledge, authenticity, practical guidance, and ability to inspire.
We extend our sincere thanks to:
Gerardo Muñoz, Jamie Tadrzynski, Rachel Morrison, Dr. Sheila Ce’Anderson-Echegoyen, Carla Neely, Dr. De’Shawn Washington, Michelle Mickens, Shawna Quenneville, Dr. Rhiannon M. Kim, Jessica Lander, Tracey Nance, Theresa Maughan, Julie Roos, Ernie Rambo, Katherine Bassett, Monica Washington, Elizabeth Cabrera, Jonathan Juravich, Brianna Ross, Lorilei Chavez, Nicole Greene, Ben Tucker, Kristin Record, and Dyane Smokorowski.
A successful conference does not happen without a committed team working behind the scenes. We are grateful to NNSTOY Board President Tim Dove, Dr. LouAnn Ross, and every NNSTOY board member who helped guide our main-stage conversations and activities.
Our deepest thanks to the NTLC 2026 Conference Committee and Moderators: Michelle Mickens, Ali Jun, Riya Nathrani, Beth Maloney, and Renee Jones, and Dr. De'Shawn Washington.
From supporting presenters and managing Zoom rooms to monitoring chats, coordinating activities, and handling the countless details participants never see, your preparation, flexibility, and leadership made this conference possible.
Thank you for sharing your expertise, experiences, and commitment to educators and students. You made every minute matter, and we hope you will join us when NTLC returns in person in Las Vegas, July 11–14, 2027!
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