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2022

Turkey Is to Thanksgiving as Special Events Are to TCEA 2022

by Meaghan Rhame, Director of Conferences and Events at TCEA November 24, 2021

written by Meaghan Rhame, Director of Conferences and Events at TCEA

The season of Thanksgiving is nostalgic for me. I relish it all– from the days-long tradition of cooking to the treasured sides, spending time with family and friends, and giving thanks for all my blessings. But nothing beats the prized entrée. Usually adorning the table in a central location, we have the shining, golden-brown, ready-to-be-carved-and-eaten, glorious turkey with all the delicious side dishes surrounding it. Some people like eating turkey as the main dish, but others prefer to eat it more as a side. Well, to TCEA 2022, special events are that hearty, delicious turkey.

Why Attend TCEA Special Events

Special events are sure to benefit any educator, no matter their role in education. There is really something for everyone! Special events at TCEA 2022 will either:

Get you in front of speakers who will inspire you and present you with new, relevant information,
Provide you with an informal space to meet other educators, discuss challenges and successes, share, and brainstorm about topics that matter to you the most,
Facilitate informal interactions with other educators during which you learn strategies and methods that are working for them,
Put you in a space where you can discuss solutions and products with trusted vendors who want to support education and educators,
Or, all of the above.

Special Events Offered at TCEA 2022

Keynotes: We have two fantastic keynote speakers this year. Cynt Marshall will be opening TCEA 2022 on Monday, February 7, from 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. with an uplifting talk on “Leading with Heart.” Brett Culp will be the closing keynote speaker on Thursday, February 10, from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., inspiring us all with his talk on “everyday leadership.” These two are really going to bring messages of joy and hope that you won’t want to miss.

Poster Sessions: Poster sessions are interactive tabletop displays with presenters who share resources and ideas on a common theme or topic, for example, STEAM. During a poster session, you’ll get to interact with fellow educators and learn about specific strategies, methods, and materials they actively use in their school or district setting. You’ll also see examples, gather resources, and have the ability to ask questions. It’s a great way to explore what’s working for other educators and meet peers.

Special Interest Group (SIG) Events: Special Interest Group (SIG) events are collaborative learning opportunities that facilitate communication and connection among educators in similar roles or around a specific topic. Some of these events will also have food and beverage available to attendees. To attend a SIG event, you must pre-register when registering for your conference badge, and a small fee will be charged.

Meetups: Meetups will be one of the showstopping, must-attend opportunities this year. When you attend, you’ll join a casual, come-and-go atmosphere dedicated to facilitating meaningful discussions among diverse groups of education professionals. Connect with other leaders and innovators in education to build your community and discuss topics relevant for today.

Click here to explore all the special events offered at TCEA 2022.

Special Events: Main Dish or Side Dish?

You may be one who enjoys eating as much Thanksgiving turkey as possible, making it your main dish. Or you may be someone who treats turkey as a side dish among the many other options available at the Thanksgiving meal. This is also how TCEA 2022 special events can be approached.

When planning your schedule, you can completely fill your plate with special events. In this way, you’re making them your “main dish” and learning sessions your “side dishes.” Or you can plan your learning sessions and then add a few special events to the mix to spice things up. Either way is not only acceptable but doable. Even if your top goal is to expand your knowledge through learning sessions, a taste of special events may also include credit hours, education, and a unique take on learning. You’ll want to try out at least a few!

Feel free to take a look at some Mock Schedules to get an idea of how some attendees approach planning their schedules to include sessions and special events.

It Isn’t Thanksgiving Without Giving Thanks!

You may be unsure of your top need, strategy for participating, or preferences for your schedule before the showstopping event, whether for TCEA 2022 or Thanksgiving. But what matters most is gathering, reuniting, and making a difference in the lives of those we interact with, which is the ultimate goal. These past two years have taught us to be thankful for the small things, find those silver linings, and celebrate every success, big or small, each day. As we work to reunite in person, we see a glimpse of hope in reconnecting. However you decide to cultivate your schedule for TCEA 2022, we sure are grateful for you, and we can’t wait to see you in February!

November 24, 2021 0 comment

TCEA 2022: Badge Information and Time-Saving Classroom Resources

by Meaghan Rhame, Director of Conferences and Events at TCEA November 10, 2021

written by Meaghan Rhame, Director of Conferences and Events at TCEA

Research has shown that multitasking is impractical and leads to lower quality results for projects completed concurrently. We sympathize with the multitude of tasks you’re responsible for on a daily basis, beyond your typical (shall I say pre-COVID) tasks, and those were already overwhelming. Everybody needs more time to do more things…to do ALL the things. How can TCEA 2022 help? Well, we can help maximize your convention planning, so you get the most out of your time. And, in this post, we’ll share some resources from two of our online Thought Leaders that can help you out in your day-to-day work.

TCEA 2022 Convention Badges

With the leadership of TCEA’s Board, Convention Chair Mindi Vandagriff, and the intentional planning of the Convention Advisory Panel, TCEA has curated its upcoming event to serve the needs of those 1) who are up for the challenge of a jam-packed conference, 2) who are strapped for time, or 3) who are on the fence about what to do.

1. Up for a jam-packed conference?

If you’re up for the challenge of filling your professional learning toolbox to the brim and your bag full of swag, and joining all the special events in between, you probably want to go for the TCEA 2022 Full Conference badge. This is an all-in-one solution that includes full access to in-person sessions and both of the available online packages (Bridging the Learning Gap and Social-Emotional Learning). You’ll have access to 30 days of self-paced learning for a potential of 50 extra credit hours, in addition to in-person attendance! Pack your schedule by checking out the mock schedules curated by your peers, viewing the full session listing and handpicking sessions, or visiting the Attendee Services desk to get the help of a veteran attendee.

2. Strapped for time?

No problem. You can choose a combination of TCEA 2022 registration badges. We’ve got you covered. For example, attend using the one-day badge, then add on one or both online packages. Or attend the exhibit hall and add an online package. Make a combination that works best for your availability. If you need flexibility, online packages and one-day or Exhibit Hall badges may be just what you’re looking for.

3. On the fence?

On the fence of what you can or should do? Uncertain of travel? Not sure whether you can get coverage over the dates of the event? No worries. Dive into two specialized TCEA 2022 online packages. Whether you purchase one or both, you will have access to livestreamed presentations, on-demand sessions, and all content available at your own pace for 30 days.

Jennifer Gonzalez Provides a Gallery of Solutions

For those unfamiliar with Jennifer or her Cult of Pedagogy resources, you are missing out! We’re sharing just one of many videos, resources, and blog articles Jennifer has provided, but this one takes the cake. The entire concept is to stop pushing the easy button on teaching. It’s something we revert to when things get tough, but Jennifer brings you some ways to revise and retool to improve your lesson plans without adding to your plate.

Check out this synopsis, then dive deep into her ideas to further improve here. Additionally, you can learn more from Jennifer Gonzalez next February by being a part of either of the two TCEA 2022 online packages.

Jorge Valenzuela Shares Where to Start

Do you want to focus on well being and social-emotional opportunities for yourself, your students, your campus, and your district, but don’t know where to start? Learn from Jorge and his guest podcasters who dive into how it takes true teamwork to make SEL possible and successful.

Jorge’s SEL in Action podcast examines many of the facets of the SEL framework and how to gradually make this a part of your teaching. You can also learn from Jorge during his in-person sessions at TCEA 2022 or in the Social-Emotional Learning online package.

You should also check out a multitude of articles showcasing time-saving tips and tricks here on our TechNotes blog. And let us know if you need more ideas; TCEA is here to support you!

November 10, 2021 0 comment

Announcements/Important Dates Professional Learning TCEA Convention & Exposition

TCEA 2022 Big Reveal: We’re Welcoming Brett Culp as Our Closing Keynote Speaker!

by Emily Horn November 1, 2021

written by Emily Horn

Post Updated January 28, 2022: Brett Culp’s keynote address has been rescheduled from its original date to Monday, February 7 at 12:30 p.m.

We recently announced Cynt Marshall as our opening keynote speaker for TCEA 2022, and we are now excited
to announce Brett Culp as our closing keynote! If you’ve not heard of Brett Culp, you are in for a treat. We are so very excited to have him join us this year because, well…he is genuinely original. How is he original,
you ask? Great question!

Who Is Brett Culp?

In a nutshell, Brett is a filmmaker who is passionate about using his films to bring people together. Not only that, but he is also a social entrepreneur who wants every individual to be an empowered leader in their own way. Brett founded the Rising Heros Project after completing Legends of the Knight, a feature-length documentary, and made the most unexpected decision about marketing and screening this film. Let’s dive into this decision and explore his other projects.

Legends of the Knight

Legends of the Knight weaves together the uplifting true stories of individuals who have overcome devastating obstacles, unselfishly given to the community, and embraced their inner superhero.
https://www.risinghero.org/legends

Check out the trailer for this film:

Not only is the film an inspiration, but Brett’s unprecedented decision to take a different path for distribution was also inspiring. Instead of using traditional means for distribution, Brett chose to offer the film to local theaters worldwide, with proceeds going to charity. In other words, Brett spent $0 on marketing, $0 on advertising, didn’t have a paid staff, and his film was screened in 110 cities, raising $100,000 for charity. Why did he do this? He wanted communities to use his film as a way to bring people together under a shared vision. And it did! Showings were planned by volunteers in communities who stepped up to organize. Each screening benefited a charity of their choice. This experience changed Brett’s view of leadership and filmmaking and also changed the communities who screened the film.

Rather than thinking as a traditional filmmaker, his projects are collaborative efforts, pulling diverse groups of people into dialogue and ultimately leading to stronger communities and greater impact.
https://brettculp.com/about

This was the beginning of The Rising Heroes Project.

The Rising Heroes Project

The Rising Heroes Project produces films and other projects made available through partnerships with Netflix, iTunes, Amazon, and Hulu. Community leaders and not-for-profit organizations can bring people together for screenings using these digital platforms for local events and fundraising efforts. Examples of charities and organizations that have benefited from screenings are:

Ronald McDonald House
Make-A-Wish Foundation
St Jude’s
Boys and Girls Club
MDA
Special Olympics
Children’s hospitals

Brett Culp’s Films

We’ve already introduced you to Legends of the Knight, so let’s take a look at his other films!

Look to the Sky (2017, available on Amazon or Apple TV)

What inspires hope? This film explores ten true stories of hope and what’s possible when young people “find the superhero within.”

A Voice That Carries (2021)

How do dads’ voices impact their daughters? This film looks at the relationship between fathers and daughters and comes with a challenge. Not only does it empower fathers, but it also spotlights how we all play a role in supporting young women.

Brett Culp the Speaker

Brett is an acclaimed filmmaker, and he is also a well-known, empowering, and inspiring speaker. This short video gave me goosebumps. I want to leave you with this, and I hope that you believe it!

Check out other videos of Brett here.

Come to TCEA 2022 to hear Brett speak, to join with your TCEA community, and to be uplifted. Fill your bucket with us! We know how challenging things are this year, and we appreciate you and the million things you do for your students and their families, your colleagues, your schools, your districts, and more every day. You make a difference, and we really can’t wait to see you at TCEA 2022. Register before November 20 to get the lowest registration rate!

November 1, 2021 0 comment

Announcements/Important Dates Professional Learning TCEA Convention & Exposition

TCEA 2022: Resources for Planning Your Best Convention Experience

by Meaghan Rhame, Director of Conferences and Events at TCEA October 28, 2021

written by Meaghan Rhame, Director of Conferences and Events at TCEA

The 2022 TCEA Convention & Exposition is the highlight of my year, and I hope yours, too! It’s not just PD, and it isn’t just networking. It’s a culmination of many micro learning experiences to re-energize you while providing tangible tools to drive successful teaching. Come on a journey with me into TCEA 2022 to find what you’re looking for at convention.

Explore the Schedule

As you are making your plans for TCEA 2022, take a look at the schedule overview. Be sure you know when you’ll arrive and how long you’ll stay. With the Monday opening keynote, Thursday closing keynote, plus sessions, special events, and the exhibit hall in between, be sure you’ve thought about everything you want to experience. And don’t forget to make your hotel reservations today!

Dive into Session Topics

The TCEA Convention & Exposition is not just known for PD. It’s known for professional learning at its best. Whether you are coming to dive into one goal or initiative or to soak in a plethora of topics, the event has something for every possible role in education.

Determine what session formats meet your learning style.
Dig into the session topics that interest you.
Identify sessions meant specifically for the role you serve.

If none of these packages work for your needs, have fun with filtering! Go to the full session listing and filter based on your role, topics of interest, school level, and even search for sessions led by your favorite presenters.

Session Filtering — Session Listing Filtering Options

Let TCEA Help

Mock Schedules

Hot off the press– TCEA’s leadership and planning committee have shared their schedules with you! Locate a mock schedule or plan your experience with a combination of multiple mock schedules. See what sessions these educators are most excited to attend and experience the Convention & Exposition alongside them.

Attendee Services

When you arrive at the 2022 TCEA Convention & Exposition, come by the Attendee Services Desk. This is where you can ask a veteran attendee for:

Help with navigating convention events
Assistance with the mobile app (coming out in mid-November. Stay tuned!)
Guidance designing your 2022 TCEA learning journey
General assistance

Plan to Connect

Although education may be at the forefront of convention, networking and making connections will positively impact your convention experience. TCEA 2022 will provide you with opportunities to build relationships, learn from one another, and discover new resources. Be sure to add in some fun experiences like visiting the Robert Knight Exhibit Hall, attending keynote sessions, and going to Meetup networking events.

Take a look at more articles about TCEA’s 2022 Convention and Exposition here. Haven’t registered yet? No problem! Register before November 20 to get the lowest registration rates. We want to see you at TCEA 2022!

October 28, 2021 0 comment

Announcements/Important Dates Professional Learning TCEA Convention & Exposition

Big News: More Incredible TCEA 2022 Thought Leaders Added!

by Emily Horn October 21, 2021

written by Emily Horn

So last week, we heard from our Director of Events, Meaghan Rhames, about Captivating Thought Leaders You Don’t Want to Miss. And this week, I’m super happy to introduce you to even more Thought Leaders who’ll be sharing their expertise at the 2022 TCEA Convention & Exposition! I’m not kidding. These speakers aren’t just leaders in the field, but they are genuinely incredible human beings. I’ve been interacting with them to schedule some interviews, which you’ll have access to a bit later, and every single interaction has been an absolute pleasure. I’m pumped to hear them speak. Here we go!

Dr. Desiree Alexander

If you’ve heard Dr. Alexander speak before, you know how impressive she is. Not only is she a recipient of numerous awards, but she has also earned so many certifications. She is lifetime certified in Louisiana in Secondary English Education and as a Reading Specialist, a School Librarian, Educational Technology Facilitator, Educational Technology Leader, and Educational Leadership. She also has multiple technology certifications and content area certifications. With her experience and expertise, any educator will get something from attending her sessions! Take a look at her website for even more information, including resources on equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Follow her on Twitter (@educatoralex), and subscribing to her YouTube channel is an absolute MUST with so many fantastic five-minute tips. Here is just a taste:

Andre Daughty

I can’t tell you how excited I am to meet Andre. I mean, after watching this video, who wouldn’t be?

Andre’s YouTube channel is another must-subscribe channel. I mean, if you need to “Laugh a Lil,” it’s the place to be! I also recommend following him on Twitter (@AndreDaughty) to build your excitement about his sessions. Andre is passionate about creating school culture, understanding at-risk students, and setting high standards of excellence in the classroom. He is hilarious, engaging, knowledgeable, and practical, bringing his nearly 20 years of experience as an elementary, secondary, and graduate-level teacher to the table.

Leslie Fisher

Who doesn’t love Leslie Fisher? If you know her story, you know that she was a part of Apple’s massive layoff in 1997, and this, in a nutshell, led her to start her own company, Fisher Technologies. At Apple, she worked closely with K-12 educators, and she kept that focus when starting her own company. She is so knowledgeable about so many things. Any session she leads will be one million percent worth your time. To get a feel for how lovely and engaging she is, check out this webinar she did on integrating Kahoot! and Microsoft Teams:

Follow Leslie on Twitter (@lesliefisher) and get pumped about seeing her at TCEA 2022!

Shannon McClintock Miller

What can I say about Shannon? She’s incredible. She is an award-winning K-12 district teacher/librarian and innovation director. If you’re interested in Future Ready, librarianship, advocacy, technology, and more, you’ll want to attend her sessions. She has a great blog, The Library Voice, that offers up monthly choice boards with tons of ideas, among other things. And she’s the author of four picture books, eight graphic novels, one professional book, and has contributed to others! Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@shannonmmiller) to start connecting with her content. Find her fa-boo-lous October Choice Boards here.

Thomas Murray

Tom is an award-winning leader who is currently the Director of Innovation for Future Ready Schools®, an Alliance for Excellent Education project. He has worked with Congress and the Department of Education in partnership with corporations, state-level departments of education, and school districts to make sure that learning is student-centered. Tom has taught in elementary and middle schools and has experience as a principal and in district-level leadership. He’s done it all. Did I mention that he’s also an author and co-author? Take a look at his Leadership Minute YouTube series, which he uses to amplify the voices of educators across the country. Pretty amazing! Here’s a sample:

You can connect with Thomas Murray on Twitter (@thomasmurray) to see what he’s all about.

Ken Shelton

Ken is another award-winning educator who is back again for TCEA 2022. He has been named by EdTech Magazine as an influencer to follow. He is passionate about equity, diversity, and inclusion and anti-bias/anti-racism, cultural intelligence, ed tech, and more. With more than 20 years of experience as an educator and his depth of involvement in the ed tech community, you will leave his sessions with knowledge and excitement. We are so glad to have him back this year! Take a look at Ken explaining how we can “make students future ready” in a TEDx Talk:

Find Ken on Twitter (@k_shelton) and get excited about this year’s sessions!

Stay Tuned for Our Closing Keynote

At the start of October, we revealed our TCEA 2022 opening keynote, Cynt Marshall, and on November 1, we will make a big announcement about our phenomenal closing keynote speaker. So be on the lookout! If you’ve not yet registered, don’t forget to register today because rates will increase on November 20! See you soon at TCEA 2022.

This post was updated with additional resources on December 2, 2021.

October 21, 2021 0 comment

Announcements/Important Dates Professional Learning TCEA Convention & Exposition

Captivating Thought Leaders You Don’t Want to Miss

by Meaghan Rhame, Director of Conferences and Events at TCEA October 15, 2021

written by Meaghan Rhame, Director of Conferences and Events at TCEA

TCEA 2022 is bringing you diverse perspectives shared by fantastic educators, and we are so excited. We are blown away year after year by so many outstanding educators at the TCEA Convention & Exposition. They not only speak from experience, but are committed to best practices in teaching and learning. They are also deeply invested in you, your success, and your students’ learning journeys. These thought leaders are one big reason why TCEA 2022 won’t disappoint. Along with your TCEA community, join us in hearing our TCEA 2022’s thought leaders, who will be coming from near and far.

Dr. Denaé Lawson

Denaé is a born and raised Dallasite currently serving as a K-2 Literacy Interventionist in Richardson ISD. She believes that every student should be engaged in learning, feel that their voices are being heard, be intrinsically motivated, take ownership over their learning, and feel that they belong in her classroom. Catch one of Denaé’s sessions, but in the meantime, check out her Student Choice Checklist that you can immediately implement in your classroom.

Vernon Wright

Vernon was an innate leader before he even knew it. He will keep you on the edge of your seat, inspiring you to become a game-changer and challenging you to find the leader within yourself. He will also be sharing new ideas to boost your brand as an educator.

Hear from Vernon during TCEA 2021 in Ways to Connect AND Rejuvenate | Podcast EP. 76:

And, check out this podcast to learn even more about him:

Don’t forget to take a look at Vernon’s sessions at TCEA 2022!

Dr. Joe Sanfelippo

If you’ve ever met Joe or seen him speak, he’s an unforgettable inspiration. His charisma alone will get you pumped, but his message will do the same– times ten. Joe will be traveling from Wisconsin to join us in Dallas, Texas, where he will provide us with impactful and energizing professional growth.

Here is Joe’s latest leadership challenge, which is a short but genuinely inspirational video:

You can find Joe’s sessions for TCEA 2022 here. Additionally, his full leadership challenge can be viewed here.

Jaime Donally

Mrs. Frizzle and The Magic School Bus have nothing on the AR/VR magic we have in Jaime Donally. Whether you’re new or experienced in Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, Jaime brings something to TCEA 2022 for everyone. From gamified experiences to curriculum design, you don’t want to miss Jaime’s sessions.

For now, let this AR/VR goodness inspire you:

Jorge Valenzuela

Focused on PBL and SEL, Jorge brings thoughtful considerations into implementing strategies through a lens of equity. Consequently, he will bring actionable steps and understanding through his personal insights combined with research. Both in-person and online participants will be able to learn from Jorge at TCEA 2022. He has some great resources available here, and you can check out his sessions here.

Jennifer Gonzalez

Jennifer is known for the Cult of Pedagogy blog and podcast. She doesn’t just help develop educators in conferences like TCEA 2022, but she also connects with educators globally in her thoughtful yet raw videos provided both live and on-demand. Jennifer is a must-see, and we’re so excited to be bringing her to TCEA for the first time. She will be livestreaming her sessions from Kentucky to a blended audience of in-person attendees in Dallas and online attendees. Don’t miss Jennifer’s sessions! Until then, check out her tips on going paperless and cutting out waste here.

Stay Tuned for More Thought Leaders

At the start of October, we shared insight on the TCEA 2022 opening keynote, Cynt Marshall. But it does not stop there! We will be sharing newly added thought leaders and keynotes for the entire month. Stay tuned, stay in touch, and stay connected! And don’t forget to register today. Prices will go up on November 20!

October 15, 2021 0 comment

Announcements/Important Dates Leadership Professional Learning TCEA Convention & Exposition

TCEA 2022 Opening Keynote: Cynthia Marshall Is Leading with Heart

by Emily Horn October 1, 2021

written by Emily Horn

Post Updated January 28, 2022: Cynt Marshall’s keynote address has been rescheduled from its original date to Thursday, February 10 at 2:00 p.m. Join us for the closing session to see Cynt’s engaging and uplifting keynote address via video, premiering exclusively for our in-person audience.

I cannot wait to hear Cynthia (Cynt) Marshall’s opening keynote at the 2022 TCEA Convention & Exposition. She will be inspiring and moving and all the other words that lead to life changing. I’m so excited, and I just can’t hide it, to hear her speak! In addition, she has guaranteed that we will be dancing by the end of the keynote. Who doesn’t love dancing?

If you’re not familiar with the amazing human known as Cynt Marshall, she is currently the CEO of the Dallas Mavericks basketball team, and she isn’t a culture builder. She’s a culture transformer and a champion for diversity and inclusion. But don’t take my word for it. She has the track record to prove it.

Cynt is a trailblazer.

Cynt has been a trailblazer for as long as she’s been alive. She was the first African American class president at her high school and the first African American cheerleader and Delta Gamma member at Berkley. She became the first person in her family to go to university, receiving a full scholarship to Berkley. Cynt was also the first African American chair of the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce. Now, she is the first African American female CEO in the NBA. Cynt was clearly destined to set precedents and lead, and she was determined to defy any expectations from others, including her father, who said otherwise.

She has grit.

Because of her engaging personality, her values, and the experiences that shaped them, she is tenacious, resilient, and unapologetically her authentic self. She has endured poverty, abuse, racism, the loss of a child, cancer, and more, but her encounters with adversity were fuel for her motivation and determination to succeed in becoming the best leader and person she can be.

Cynt is an award-winning, results-based, relationship-driven leader.

Professionally, her list of achievements and awards is long and well-deserved. Cynt was named one of Adweek’s 30 Most Powerful Women in Sports. She was also one of the 2019 Women of Power Legacy Award honorees by Black Enterprise. But these are just two of many, many awards she’s received. Before joining the Mavericks in 2018, she founded Marshalling Resources, a firm that consulted on leadership, diversity, inclusion, and culture transformation. Prior to that, she had a 36-year career at AT&T, where she worked in a number of roles before becoming Senior Vice President – Human Resources and Chief Diversity Officer. Her work led AT&T all the way to Diversity Inc’s Top 50 list of companies and Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For list in 2017. You can take a look at her more detailed bio, which outlines her impressive and extraordinary achievements here.

We’ve got a lot to learn from her.

All that said, I went down the YouTube rabbit hole watching interviews and videos of Cynt speaking. She is engaging, inspiring, real, and her work is most definitely not done yet. To join us in hearing Cynt Marshall’s message, register here. Cynt’s keynote address will take place on Monday, February 7, from 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m., and we’re sure to be inspired, engaged, and uplifted by her journey, energy, and insights. Come listen, and then dance with us!

Sources:

October 1, 2021 0 comment

Announcements/Important Dates Professional Learning TCEA Convention & Exposition

Ten Tips for Planning Your 2022 TCEA Convention Experience

by Meaghan Rhame, Director of Conferences and Events at TCEA September 20, 2021

written by Meaghan Rhame, Director of Conferences and Events at TCEA

The opening date for 2022 TCEA Convention & Exposition registration and housing is just around the corner, September 23at 9 a.m. Central, to be exact! Make your plans to register today, and check out these top tips to thrive as you plan to attend TCEA 2022.

1. Mark your calendar for September 23 at 9 a.m. Central!

This is one of TCEA’s busiest days each year, and for a good reason. In football terms, this is the “draft.” This is the day phones are ringing, chats are coming in, and members are excited that they just confirmed their registration and booked their hotel for the most exciting event of 2022. Some hotels even sell out on day one, so be sure to save the date, mark your calendar, and visit the convention website to join us.

2. Know your attendance options.

As you share your excitement for opening day, do some research to determine what attendance option best fits your needs. The all-access pass, Full Conference Registration, is all that and a bag of treats! Yes, you guessed it. You can fill up your PD toolbox, have tips to share with your colleagues, and even leave with a convention bag full of exhibitor giveaways. We also provide a One-Day Badge for those who can’t get off campus for too long, an Exhibit Hall Only Badge to discover new products and solutions, and even an Online Sessions Package (or two) for those who cannot travel to Dallas. Get to know your options here.

3. Choose your convention hotel.

As you plan, be sure to determine your preferred hotel and have a couple of backup options before opening day. Check out all hotel possibilities, their respective rates, and their proximity to the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center here. TCEA even provides complimentary shuttle service to hotels further than a city block away from the venue. And remember that your best deal is with the hotels provided through TCEA’s block.

4. Understand the flexible payment options.

Unsure which budget the registration fee is coming from? Not ready to charge your credit card just yet? TCEA has got you covered with our 30-day payment policy. When you register, you may select the “Invoice” option, which will allow you to register without paying (yet). You will then have 30 days to provide an acceptable form of payment, whether you use hard cash, a check, a credit card, or provide a purchase order. TCEA does accept purchase orders as a form of payment to lock you in.

5. Determine your preferred session topics and speakers.

TCEA prides itself on its members and its jaw-dropping, deep-diving, research-based keynotes, thought leaders, and speakers from across the state, nationally, and even internationally. Speakers who come to the convention have shaped it to be the event that drives good teaching, learning, and leading. You’ll want to be sure to dive into TCEA’s Schedule Overview and get acquainted with the detailed session listing coming out the week of registration. Be sure to find your favorite topics and identify those speakers you don’t want to miss.

6. Discover Dallas!

TCEA is headed to Dallas, and we are excited to share this city with you. Dallas is home to world-class cultural institutions, a hub for education, and renowned dining and nightlife. We’re excited to invite you to Dallas — a great place to learn, explore, and reconnect. In between all the fun at TCEA 2022, be sure to plan some time to explore the sites and sounds of the city.

7. Get your approval early.

Outline your expenses and all the wonderful benefits the TCEA Convention & Exposition has to offer you, your school, and your district, then present it to your administration. We make it easy by providing an editable template on our attendee resources page to help you convince your boss to send you to the convention. Be sure to get approval before September 23 so you can celebrate opening day with us by completing your registration.

8. Secure your funding.

There is now more funding through ESSER money than previously available to both Texas and US schools for professional development events. Whether you can attend using your district’s PD budget or need financial support to attend, there are more options than ever before. Check out this article sharing resources to locate additional funding available to attend. If these options aren’t available to you, take a peek at TCEA’s volunteer opportunities opening in November, where some TCEA members can volunteer in exchange for complimentary registration.

9. Invite your colleagues and friends.

The more, the merrier! Be sure to invite your colleagues, friends, and all the past buddies you’ve met at previous TCEA events. Be sure your gang is a part of this amazing learning experience, too.

10. Share your convention excitement.

We hope you are as excited as we are to come back together with our TCEA family in this shared experience. Check out the attendee resources page for phone backgrounds, social media graphics, and more, and start sharing your excitement. Be sure to use the hashtags #TCEA and #TCEA22 so we can see it, too.

September 20, 2021 0 comment

Announcements/Important Dates Professional Learning TCEA Convention & Exposition

We’re Getting the Gang Back Together Again!

by Lori Gracey August 30, 2021

written by Lori Gracey

I am so absolutely thrilled to talk with you about the 2022 TCEA Convention & Exposition. Why, you ask? Well, because it’s time to start discussing how we will all meet together in Dallas, Texas February 7-10 to celebrate everything that educators have accomplished over the past two years and all that you will do in the future. It’s time to get the TCEA gang back together again!

You Don’t Want to Miss This Happening!

If ever there was a year to attend the convention, 2022 would definitely be the year. We haven’t been able to be physically together since February 2020, and I’m sure that each of you has missed everyone as much as I have. While virtual events can be a great way to learn, there is nothing better than actually being with friends and colleagues, sharing the excitement as new learning takes place and connections are deepened.

We’ve taken that into account in planning for this year’s convention and are focusing on enhancing all of the different ways you can meet up, share ideas and stories, and enjoy each other’s company. From one-on-one talks to small group conversations, workshop-sized learning to ballroom presentations that knit us even more closely together, this convention will have it all.

convention

And Dallas is the perfect place for us to meet. The city offers such a diverse array of cultures, foods, activities, and sites to visit. And they are all very eager to share their city with each one of you as we meet face-to-face together again. (We’ll share more about the fun things to do and experience in Dallas in future blogs.)

An All-Access Ticket

Those who register with the Full Conference Badge will receive an “all-access ticket” this year that will allow you to enjoy four full days of learning and networking and amazing exhibitor showcases, as well as two different online experiences. The online experiences are targeted at two critical topics for this school year: Bridging the Learning Gap and Social-Emotional Learning, with 25 credit hours of deep, innovative content included with each topic. And that online learning will be available for 30 days after convention so that you can continue the experience. That’s all included in the $339 Early Bird registration.

Other Types of Registrations

If you can only attend the convention for one day, you can register for the One-Day Badge at $159. Choose the day of the week that has the content that you need most and come and experience the full convention event on that day. Or, if you’re just interested in seeing the latest educational technology products and services, purchase the Exhibit Hall Only badge for just $59 to enjoy three full days of access to the exhibits.

We’ve Been Preparing for Two Full Years

Normally, TCEA puts one full year of planning into our convention. But due to the pandemic, the TCEA Board of Directors, Convention Advisory Panel, and staff actually began preparing for this event two years ago. We’ve toured the convention center and hotels, discovered some of the wonderful aspects of the city of Dallas, and spent lots of time on thinking of how we can best make all of this available to you. You know that TCEA puts on an amazing event any time. But we’ve pulled out all of the stops for this event to welcome everyone back. Check out the fun that the staff had while exploring Dallas.

convention

More Funding Is Available

Unlike other times, there is also additional funding available to both Texas and United States schools for professional development events like TCEA 2022. Every public school in the U. S. received quite a lot of additional money this school year and next from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) to help mitigate the damage caused by the pandemic. And that money can be spent on registration for professional learning events.

For districts in Texas, the Texas Education Agency recently revised how the Technology and Instructional Materials Allotment (TIMA) can be used for professional development. One of the allowable expenses includes “Training educational personnel directly involved in student learning in the appropriate use of instructional materials.” So TIMA funds can also be used to pay for convention registration.

Don’t Miss Out!

You simply MUST join us at this amazing event February 7-10, 2022 in Dallas. The sense of family, the tremendous sharing of experiences, and the powerful learning that will directly impact your students will be through the roof. Registration and housing will open on Thursday, September 23 at 9:00 a.m. Central. We can’t wait to be with you again!

August 30, 2021 0 comment

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