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.
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.
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!
