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​Deadline to register: Oct. 17, 2025
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About the 2025 Conference

Early proposal deadline: June 1, 2025
Late proposal deadline: July 1, 2025
Empowering Voices, Inspiring Change: Navigating Change in Turbulent Times

In today’s ever-changing world, English Language Arts (ELA) educators play a vital role in helping students build resilience, creativity, and purpose. As classrooms continue to evolve with new technologies, cultural shifts, and educational challenges, ELA remains at the heart of authentic learning, inspiring change, and amplifying student voices.

This year’s conference brings together educators, researchers, and literacy leaders from PreK-12 and higher education to explore ways we can:
  • Reimagine classroom spaces where every student’s voice is heard, valued, and celebrated.
  • Challenge traditional approaches and foster inclusive literacy practices that empower all learners.
  • Embrace evolving technologies—such as podcasting, YouTube, and self-publishing—to spark creativity and engagement.
  • Champion equity and representation, addressing the challenges of muted voices and advocating for diversity.
  • Empower students to use language and literacy as tools for self-advocacy and meaningful social change.
We’re looking for practical, engaging, and solution-driven proposals that provide attendees with hands-on strategies, actionable insights, and research-backed methods. Whether it’s a classroom-tested practice, a fresh take on professional development, or impactful research, we invite submissions in the following areas:
  • Inspiring change and innovation in the evolving ELA landscape.
  • Equipping students with the confidence and tools to share their voices and make an impact.
  • Supporting educators in embracing adaptability and building resilience in uncertain times.
Do you have a powerful story to share, a unique strategy that’s making a difference, or a vision for the future of ELA? We want to hear from you!

Let’s come together to ignite conversations that transform classrooms and communities, drive progress, and inspire hope.

2025 Keynote Speaker: Colby Sharp

Colby Sharp is a husband and father of five. He teaches fifth grade at Parma Elementary. Colby is the co-founder of Nerdy Book Club. He co-hosts The Yarn podcast with Travis Jonker. Colby co-authored Game Changer! Book Access for All Kids with Donalyn Miller, and he is the editor of The Creativity Project: An Awesometastic Story Collection. A Commonsense Guide to Your Classroom Library written with Donalyn Miller, is his latest book.

CTE High School Students, Welcome at KATE!

Bring your CTE students who are interested in teaching to the fall conference for an opportunity to grow future educators!

Students will . . .
  • Participate in breakout sessions
  • Access materials from experts
  • Collaborate and network

For $25 flat fee, 2 days, meals included: Why not?

​MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY TEACHER

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I send pURCHASE ORDERS/oBTAIN iNVOICES FOR THE CONFERENCE?
DOES YOUR CONFERENCE OFFER CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT?
CE Credit will not be offered for the 2024 conference. PD certificates will be emailed to addresses provided with registration.

Past Fall Annual Conferences

2024 Conference Sponsors & Partners