FAQs

General Questions

Where is the 2025 NCTE Annual Convention?

The 2025 NCTE Annual Convention will take place at the Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th Street.

In what time zone are the Convention times?

Times for all sessions are Mountain Standard Time.

What do I need to know about presenting?

See our tips for presenters; this page will be updated as needed leading up to the Convention.

Do you have tips for poster presentations?

Yes! See this page on our website.

Are there guidelines for workshop presentations?

Yes! See this page on our website.

What do I need to know to be a moderator or chair of a session?

See our moderator guide for session chairs.

When will Registration open?

Registration for the NCTE Annual Convention, CEL Annual Convention, and ALAN Workshop is now open!

How do I make the case to my administrator that I should attend #NCTE25 as part of my professional development?

Visit this page for ideas and sample language.

Where can I find information on travel and on booking hotel rooms?

The Hotel & Travel page includes information on reserving your hotel room, travel discounts, and more.

What are the hours of the Convention?

Tentative hours for the Convention are below and are subject to change.

  • Wednesday, November 19: 4:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. MT
  • Thursday, November 20: 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. MT
  • Friday, November 21: 6:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m. MT
  • Saturday, November 22: 6:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m. MT
  • Sunday, November 23: 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. MT (ALAN and CEL programming begins after NCTE’s closing general session)
  • Monday, November 24: 7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. MT (ALAN and CEL programming)
  • Tuesday, November 25: 8:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. MT (ALAN and CEL programming)
When will the Exhibits be open?

The Exhibit Hall will be open:

  • Friday, November 21, 11:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. (no sessions end at 4:45 p.m.)
  • Saturday, November 22, 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (no sessions 12:15 p.m.–1:15 p.m.)
  • Sunday, November 23, 8:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
What are the different session types?
  • Committee Meeting: for business meetings of NCTE committees, assemblies, caucuses, conferences, or associations 
  • Half-Day Workshop: longer session devoted to a topic; registration fee will be charged 
  • Individual Proposal: with 1–2 presenters, 30-minute sessions 
  • Panel Presentation: with 3 or more panelists 
  • Poster Sessions: poster presented at a poster board 
  • Roundtable Session: multiple presenters present on topics; attendees usually listen to 2–3 talks during the session (roundtables are created by the session proposer, not NCTE Convention planners) 
  • Special Interest Group: for NCTE assemblies, caucuses, or conferences 
What is the format of the Convention?

NCTE’s 2025 Convention is an in-person event.

What are the strands?

Convention sessions with a special focus or in special sequences fall into session strands. Attend multiple sessions within a single strand for an in-depth learning experience with any of these important themes.

  • Early Childhood Education Strand sessions focus on issues pertaining to the education of children from birth to age eight, their families, and their teachers. Early literacy is a key concept in these sessions that also address diversities in early childhood and highlight practices and processes that are situated in social, historical, and cultural contexts.
  • ELATE (English Language Arts Teacher Educators) Strand sessions focus on issues, research, and practices pertaining to teacher development, professional development, and teacher education programs, including preservice and induction programs. These sessions highlight the practice of those who prepare literacy educators or support their continued development through courses, workshops, and inquiry.
  • LGBTQIA+ Strand sessions focus on issues pertaining to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and plus students, their families, and their teachers. These sessions address representations of sexual and affectional difference, and they offer a broad understanding of diversity, free inquiry and expression, critical pedagogy, and democratic teaching practices. The sessions encourage the creation of safer, more inclusive schools.
  • LLA (Literacies and Languages for All) Strand sessions focus on whole language theory and practice and are reviewed by LLA leaders. These sessions push understandings of critical literacy, inquiry, and collaborative learning, and integrate literacy with other sign systems and knowledge systems situated in social, historical, political, and cultural contexts.
  • National Writing Project Strand (NWP) Strand sessions focus on research, practice, and innovation at Writing Project sites, including promising designs for professional learning and leadership programs; youth, community, and civic engagement projects; and fresh looks at curriculum and pedagogy in the teaching of writing. These sessions highlight the potential of teacher-leaders, and educators more broadly, to work collectively to improve the teaching of writing for all learners.
  • New & Early Career Teachers Strand sessions focus on highlighting issues for new teachers and celebrating those in the early years of their profession. Recognizing that teachers today take various paths to the classroom, these sessions will answer questions and offer strategies specifically curated for new and early career teachers and those who support them.
  • Rainbow Strand sessions focus on issues and strategies related to teaching and affirming culturally and linguistically diverse students, especially African American, Latinx, American Indian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander.
  • Research Strand sessions have been chosen through a refereed selection process sponsored by the NCTE Standing Committee on Research (SCR). Although reports and discussions of research are distributed throughout the Convention Program, sessions labeled “Research Strand” are those that report on rigorous and original research studies as refereed by the SCR.
How do I get a certificate of attendance?

To request a certificate of attendance for the NCTE Annual Convention, CEL Annual Convention, or ALAN Workshop, please email NCTEevents@ncte.org at the conclusion of the events.

What are the Convention policies?

By attending the Convention, all attendees agree to follow NCTE Event Policies on Code of Conduct, Mutual Respect & Anti-Harassment, Demonstrations, Presenter Registration, Health & Safety and Use of Multimedia.

Is there a Convention app?

Yes! NCTE uses a mobile app with eShow Events. Information on how to access the app will be sent in early November 2025.

Accessibility Questions

Where can I rent a scooter or wheelchair?

The Colorado Convention Center is ADA friendly and equipped with accessibility in mind. Wheelchair and scooter rental is available through Aspen Medical Supply, 250 E. Dry Creek Road #114, Littleton, CO 80122; 720-322-0101.

Is there accessible parking?

Parking is not close. We would suggest utilizing drop off points for quicker access. 
Designated handicapped parking is available on all three levels of the parking garage, handicapped placard or license plate is required. All disability parking is on a first-come, first-served basis and requires payment at the automated pay stations. Please arrive early to ensure adequate parking and accommodations. For directions and parking rates, please visit parking at the center. 
 

Are there accessible restrooms?

All restroom facilities in the Colorado Convention Center are accessible for all of our guests and are compliant with ADA guidelines.

Are service animals allowed in the convention center?

Yes, they are allowed per ADA guidelines.
For all other accessibility questions and requests, please contact NCTEevents@ncte.org.

Registration Questions

Is there a cut-off date for registration?

No, you will be able to register through the end of the Convention. Early-bird registration pricing will end on October 15, 2025.

Will registration be available onsite?

Attendees will be able to register online until the start of the Convention and onsite in Denver during the times listed below (tentative schedule, subject to change)

  • Wednesday, November 19: 4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. MT
  • Thursday, November 20: 6:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. MT
  • Friday, November 21: 6:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. MT
  • Saturday, November 22: 6:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. MT
  • Sunday, November 23: 8:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. MT
  • Monday, November 24: 7:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m. MT
When can I contact NCTE Customer Service?

Convention attendees can reach NCTE Customer Service by email or by phone (877-369-6283) during the times listed below (tentative schedule, subject to change). Standard business hours are 9:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.

Are there any discounts available for my team or department?

Yes! Discounts are available to NCTE members across all categories. In addition, you can greatly enhance your Annual Convention experience by bringing a team; group discounts are available. Details are posted on the registration page.

Is there a student rate?

Yes! We offer highly discounted rates for students. For nonmember students, your primary affiliation needs to be your school’s name, and your current professional status must be student to receive the student rate. NCTE student members will receive the student rate automatically during registration.

Are scholarships available?

The submission window for our Annual Convention Scholarships will open during the summer. Funds will be awarded on a rolling basis as available. Decisions are made by a committee of NCTE members appointed by the 2025 Program Chair.

Where can I find information on travel and on booking hotel rooms?

The Hotel & Travel page includes information on reserving your hotel room, travel discounts, and more.

Membership Questions

How do I become an NCTE member?

To learn more about the benefits of membership, including discounts on Annual Convention registration, please see our website ncte.org/membership.