Level Up Your Teacher Toolkit!

2026 MSEA Early Career Educator Conference

Where

College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
3501 University Blvd East
Hyattsville, MD 20783

When

February 28, 2026

Get ready to level up your teacher toolkit at this dynamic one-day conference designed for early career educators with one to ten years of experience. This experience is all about growth, confidence, and transformation. Through engaging sessions and hands-on workshops, you will build the skills that help you lead your classroom with clarity, purpose, and power. Whether you are looking to strengthen your classroom management, deepen your instructional practices, or connect with a supportive community, this space is built to help you rise.

Every session is designed to give you the tools to walk with purpose, speak with intention, and move forward with energy. You have already stepped into the classroom with passion and commitment. Now is your time to level up and lead with even more confidence and clarity. Come ready to build, learn, and celebrate the educator you are becoming.

Questions? Email Alexis Blanco ([email protected]) with subject line “ECE Conference”.

One Big Union: Learning, Advocating, and Empowering!

Date: February 28, 2026

Registration Deadline: January 16, 2026

Location: College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center (3501 University Blvd East, Hyattsville, MD 20783)

QUESTIONS? Email Alexis Blanco ([email protected]) with subject line “ECE Conference”

Name *

First

Last

Personal Email *

Cell Phone Number *

Gender Identity *

Preferred Pronoun *

For your badge/meeting ID

Race/Ethnicity *

MSEA Membership Number *

If you do not know your MSEA/NEA member number, email [email protected] with “MSEA Member Number” in the subject line.

Local Affiliate *

Registration Type *

How many years do you have in the education field? *

Is this your first time attending an MSEA event? *

Is this your first time attending MSEA's ECE Conference? *

If applicable, please list any accessibility accommodations (e.g. dietary restrictions, mobility needs, auditory/visual aids, etc.) below. *

If not applicable, please enter N/A.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY:

Emergency Contact Name *

First

Last

Relationship *

Cell Phone Number *

TRAINING SELECTION

You will be able to select three of the six courses available. Please indicate your sessions in order of preference, and we will do our best to place you in your top three choices.

1. Creating Culture in the Classroom for New Educators by Robert Barnes

This course is designed to help new educators build inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments. Participants will explore how diverse cultural backgrounds shape student experiences, practice strategies for fostering open and respectful conversations about identity, and learn to integrate multicultural materials and perspectives into their instruction. The course also supports educators in recognizing and addressing systemic inequalities to ensure all students feel valued and supported.

2. Empowering New Educators-Strategies for the Classroom by Natalie Bailey

This course supports new and aspiring educators as they develop effective lesson plans rooted in pedagogical, psychological, and practical instructional skills. Through collaborative learning and guided discussion, participants will gain the tools and insights necessary to design engaging, student-centered lessons that meet the needs of all learners.

3. Not Just in June: LGBTQIA+ Representation in Our Classrooms by Deirdre Beet and Serena Keeney-Horsch

In this session, participants will explore diverse experiences and perspectives through reflective discussions centered on LGBTQIA+ representation in their classrooms. Using a critical consciousness lens, they will develop an inclusive plan of action that incorporates strategic lessons, equitable resources, effective best practices, and purposeful advocacy to support all students.

4. Responsible AI PD: Integrating Pedagogy with AI Emotional Literacy by Emmanuel Ogunyinka

This professional development session empowers educators to move beyond basic technical prompts and toward thoughtful, responsible use of AI in their classrooms. Participants will learn how to integrate AI tools ethically by developing “AI emotional literacy,” ensuring technology enhances rather than replaces the deeply human work of teaching and learning.

5. Student Voice: Addressing Race & Equity by Sunila Varghese and Dr. Debra Delavan

This session highlights the importance of elevating student voice in conversations about race and equity within the classroom. Participants will engage directly with student facilitators to gain firsthand perspectives and deepen their understanding of equitable practices in education.

6. Unlocking Your Member Benefits for Financial Wellness by Michael Gavin

Explore the range of benefits available to you as a member of the Association and how they can support your financial wellness. This session highlights practical tools and resources designed to strengthen your financial foundation, including student loan forgiveness support, financial planning services, budgeting and savings opportunities, and member-exclusive discounts on everyday needs and travel. Learn how to leverage these benefits to make informed financial decisions and set yourself up for long-term stability and success as an early career educator.

1st Choice *

2nd Choice *

3rd Choice *

will accommodations express

4th Choice *

5th Choice *

6th Choice *

Please indicate which meal(s) you will be joining us for. *

Breakfast Only
Lunch Only
Both, Breakfast and Lunch

Participant Certificate Policy: *

I understand that in order to receive a participant certificate, I must be present for the entire duration of the training – No exceptions.

MSEA Audio/Video Policy Agreement:

For security and privacy, no audio or video recordings are permitted without the express written permission of MSEA. Additionally, no screen shots are permitted in the virtual format. *

I understand and agree to the MSEA audio/video policy stated above.

MSEA Cancellation Policy:

Participants who cancel after NOON, 02/06/2026, will be responsible for meal and associated costs incurred by MSEA as a result of cancellation or being a no-show. *

I understand and agree to the MSEA cancellation policy stated above.

If you need to cancel, please email Alexis Blanco [email protected] with “Cancellation ECE” in the subject line.

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