2026 Aspiring Educators Conference

The Aspiring Educators Conference (AEC) is an annual event for future educators, usually held in late June before NEA's Annual Meeting. Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for aspiring educators to connect with peers, learn about the education profession, and take action on important issues affecting public schools and communities. The conference is member-led, value-driven, and goal-oriented, designed to support experiential learning. It helps NEA Aspiring Educators members and leaders develop knowledge and skills articulated in the NEA Leadership Competency Framework and embody the Aspiring Educators Core Values (Educator Quality, Community Engagement, Political Action, Social and Racial Justice). Attendees seek learning and information on topics such as advocacy, social-emotional learning, and classroom practice to share with their communities.