10 Education Conferences in 2024 That You Should Be Attending as an Educational Consultant
As an educational consultant, staying on top of the latest trends, methodologies, and technologies in the field of education is crucial to help your students succeed. In this blog, we introduce some must-attend events that promise to enrich your knowledge, expand your network, and inspire your practice. By participating, you gain access to cutting-edge research, innovative teaching strategies, and a community of peers who are as passionate about education as you are. This is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the evolving educational landscape and bring back valuable insights to your clients and colleagues.
The importance of these conferences extends beyond professional development. They are a platform for you to engage with the global educational community, exchange ideas, and form collaborations that can lead to transformative educational projects. Each conference in our list for 2024 offers unique perspectives, ranging from technology integration in the classroom to addressing educational disparities, and from early childhood education to adult learning theories. Whether you're looking to gain new insights into pedagogical approaches, explore emerging technologies, or simply find inspiration from leading educators, these conferences are where you need to be.
1. LitCon
Dates: January 27–30, 2024
Location: Columbus, Ohio
LitCon, the National K-8 Literacy & Reading Recovery Conference, is great for educational consultants specializing in early childhood and elementary education. By attending LitCon, you will be among the first to learn about the latest research findings, critical news, and leading practices in K-8 literacy, with a special focus on how these theories translate into practical application in the classroom. This conference employs workshops, seminars, and discussions to allow you to dive deep into the nuances of literacy education. As an educational consultant, your participation in LitCon is an opportunity to access exclusive resources and methodologies that can significantly enhance your consultancy practice. More importantly, it provides a platform to build special bonds with fellow educators and experts in Reading Recovery and childhood literacy.
Dates: March 4–7, 2024
Location: Austin, Texas
This conference stands out because its content is democratically chosen by participants like you, who vote on thousands of proposals submitted by fellow educators. This unique approach ensures that the final lineup resonates deeply with what educators are truly passionate about and want to explore further. In 2024, the conference is poised to offer an eclectic mix of sessions, predominantly focusing on Teaching & Learning and Equity & Justice tracks. These are complemented by sessions on Leadership for Tomorrow and Arts & Storytelling, providing a well-rounded educational experience. The conference will address the challenges of ethically teaching emerging topics, ensuring that you're equipped to handle sensitive and rapidly evolving subject matters in an educational setting. Another critical area of focus is accessible learning in non-academic environments, an aspect of education that is gaining increasing importance in today's diverse learning landscapes. As an educational consultant, attending SXSW EDU will not only provide you with cutting-edge insights and methodologies but also enable you to connect with a vibrant community of educators and thought leaders.
Dates: March 20–23, 2024
Location: Denver, Colorado
At NSTA Denver 2024, you will immerse yourself in a four-day science and STEM education conference that's designed to significantly shape and enhance your professional expertise. This event is a nexus for educators to share experiences, learn collaboratively, and reconnect with colleagues, fostering an environment rich in knowledge and networking opportunities. You'll have access to a variety of sessions and workshops specifically tailored to hone your skills, ensuring that you stay abreast of the latest trends and best practices in science and STEM education. The Institutes & Courses segment gives you access to deeper dives into specific areas of interest. These structured learning paths are invaluable for refining your consultancy approach and expanding your service offerings. The NSTA Expo Hall is a hub of innovation, where you can explore the latest educational tools and resources, ensuring that your consultancy remains at the cutting edge of educational technology and methodologies. The Opening Keynote Speaker, Dr. Adolph Brown, is set to offer insightful perspectives and inspire new ideas. Additionally, the Teacher Voices Keynote Panel featuring Kamphet Pease, Charles Hayes, Julia Navarro, and Dr. Stephen Pruitt will provide real-world insights from educators at the forefront of science and STEM teaching.
Dates: March 22–25, 2024
Location: Washington, D.C.
At the ASCD Annual Conference, you will explore your role in shaping the future of education. Embracing this year’s theme, “Uniting Minds. Igniting Progress,” you will have the invaluable opportunity to meet and learn from ASCD authors and education experts. These encounters are designed to guide you in improving academic outcomes for all students and provide you with practical solutions to the tough challenges facing your school or district. One of the key focuses of the conference is on creating Equitable Learning Environments. Here, you'll delve into strategies to create conditions that ensure equity and belonging, and how to give every student access to the educational resources and quality teaching they need to thrive in today’s rapidly changing learning landscape. The conference addresses Leading Through Change, offering insights into how you can effectively navigate rapid changes, adapt to shifting social dynamics, and integrate educational technology to support both students and educators. Whether it's through collaborative sessions, interactive workshops, or networking opportunities, this conference is a great way for you to enhance your consultancy practice, stay connected with the latest trends in education, and contribute to the success of your students.
Dates: May 28–31, 2024
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
The NAFSA 2024 Annual Conference & Expo, hosted by NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the world's largest association dedicated to international education and exchange, is a great conference to attend. The conference is scheduled to take place in the vibrant city of New Orleans, LA from May 28 to 31, 2024, this conference is set to be the most exciting and diverse global gathering of professionals from across the field of international education. As a participant, you will be immersed in an environment bustling with international educators from all corners of the world, each bringing unique insights and experiences. The conference is not just about learning; it's about establishing and building upon institutional partnerships, fostering resilience, renewal, and community in the field. Sessions at NAFSA 2024 are developed by peers and led by international education leaders and changemakers, ensuring that the content is relevant, forward-thinking, and actionable. Whether it's through formal sessions or informal conversations, the relationships you build here will be essential to your work as an educational consultant, providing you with a wealth of resources, ideas, and support.
Dates: June 26–28, 2024
Location: Long Beach, California
As an educational consultant, the Online Teaching Conference is a great opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the world of digital education. This conference is a unique gathering of faculty, staff, and administrators who are at the forefront of developing innovative and effective online education. Its focus spans a wide range of crucial areas including curriculum, pedagogy, and the use of technology, all aimed at enhancing online instruction, learning, and student success. Attending this conference will provide you with insights into the latest trends and methodologies in online teaching, enabling you to better support the institutions and educators you work with. The Online Teaching Conference is more than just a professional development opportunity; it is a vibrant forum for you to network with colleagues, both new and familiar. This gathering is an ideal platform for you to connect and share knowledge, where you can both impart and receive best practices in the realm of online education. You will have the chance to engage with experts and peers in discussions and workshops, absorbing strategies that have proven effective in various educational settings.
Dates: July 8–11, 2024
Location: San Diego, California
At the Visible Learning Conference, you will explore the intricacies of post-pandemic teaching. This conference is more than just a series of talks; it's a comprehensive support system that leverages your expertise as an educator. It enables you to make informed decisions about the content, ideas, and skills that you want your students to acquire and master. As you participate in the various sessions of the conference, you will delve into the key elements of Visible Learning: teaching, leading, learning, and equity. What sets this conference apart are the quality implementation sessions, meticulously designed to translate research findings into tangible actions. These sessions ensure that every student benefits from the best possible education. You will have access to expert speakers, a wider range of breakout sessions with multiple opportunities to attend, and dedicated team time for collaboration.
8. ISTELive 24
Dates: June 23–26, 2024
Location: Denver, Colorado
ISTELive 24 is one of the world's most influential education conferences. Hosted by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), this conference is a hub where educators and education leaders from around the globe converge to participate in hands-on learning, exchange best practices, and absorb insights from the brightest minds in the field of education and beyond. This conference is not just about attending sessions; it's about actively engaging with new tools, resources, and strategies that can revolutionize the way you support and guide the educational institutions and educators you work with. You'll have the chance to connect with a diverse community of professionals, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences to the table. The conference offers a multitude of sessions covering a wide array of topics, from the integration of technology in classrooms to the latest research in learning science, ensuring that you remain at the forefront of educational innovation. Whether it's through keynote presentations, interactive workshops, or informal networking events, ISTELive 24 provides you with numerous opportunities to learn, grow, and collaborate.
Dates: July 21–24, 2024
Location: Orlando, Florida
The GYTO (Get Your Teach On) Fest is a comprehensive event that you, as an educational consultant, should not miss. Spanning four days, this festival is packed with content-rich workshops designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge to create rigorous and engaging lessons. Additionally, the fest features inspiring keynotes from some of the most influential educators and motivational speakers in the field. The festival also includes hands-on workshops tailored specifically for your role, conducted by top educators and administrators who are experts in their respective areas. These workshops provide practical, actionable strategies that you can implement immediately, making your teaching or consulting more effective and impactful. The GYTO Pre-Game Celebration, hailed as the Education Celebration of the Year, is another highlight of the fest. Kicking off on Sunday night, this party is a fantastic opportunity to network, relax, and get pumped up for the learning ahead. Don’t forget the GYTO swag – with so many free goodies from sponsors, you might indeed need an extra suitcase! Lastly, every attendee receives a professional development certificate acknowledging 24 hours of high-quality professional development.
Dates: September 25–28, 2024
Location: Chicago, Illinois
As an educational consultant with a focus on mathematics, the NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) Annual Meeting & Exposition is an event you can't afford to miss. This prestigious gathering is a cornerstone for math educators, drawing thousands from around the globe to collaborate, network, and inspire one another. The NCTM Annual Meeting offers a lot of professional development opportunities, offering hundreds of educational sessions that cater to a wide spectrum of interests and expertise levels in mathematics education. The sessions, ranging from workshops to lectures and panel discussions , are led by experts in the field. Whether it's learning about new pedagogical approaches, exploring emerging technologies in math education, or gaining insights into curriculum development, the NCTM Annual Meeting offers it all. The networking opportunities at this conference are invaluable, allowing you to connect with peers, share experiences, and build professional relationships that can support your consultancy practice.
One other option — the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’d like to engage in a rigorous research program open to high schoolers, you may want to consider the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students.
Jessica attends Harvard University where she studies Neuroscience and Computer Science as a Coca-Cola, Elks, and Albert Shankar Scholar. She is passionate about educational equity and hopes to one day combine this with her academic interests via social entrepreneurship. Outside of academics, she enjoys taking walks, listening to music, and running her jewelry business!