Complete the proposal form here no later than midnight, Sunday, March 31, 2024.

This year, the TEA conference committee is seeking proposals that resonate with and acknowledge the strengths of "Gen Z"--anyone born since 1997, according to Pew--typically our newest pre-teaching candidates and faculty members, as well as the K-12 students that they see in schools. As we welcome Gen Z into the fold, or as we instruct them in the classroom, we understand that their perspectives and ambitions may represent ideas that aren't as familiar to those in older generations, but do we want to better understand how those differences can help our programs grow and improve--how they can help us reach more recruits?

It isn't just about technology-savvy individuals. The conversation needs to think about how Gen Z thinks about work, their competitive spirit, and their eagerness to prove themselves.What are we to do with their needs for hyper-customization and their propensity toward earning money through side-hustles? The idea of a single profession or career choice no longer seems to meet the needs of the next generation of teachers. 

The 2024 TEA Conference theme, Glow Up or Be Canceled: Responding to Gen Z ,

The TEA conference committee welcomes proposals that illustrate how educators can design and implement learning spaces and experiences that honor the needs and preferences of Generation Z, or Gen Z for short, a cohort of individuals born between 1997 and 2012, who are currently reshaping the world with their digital savvy, social activism, and diverse identities.

Proposals may showcase how to use technology to enhance learning outcomes, how to balance collaboration and autonomy in the classroom, how to appeal to the sense of community and inclusivity of Generation Z, and how to address the challenges and opportunities posed by the changing world.

As you submit your proposal, please think about sharing your stories of transformation in any level of education from PreK-12 to higher education through these themes:

1. Teacher Education and Professional Development: This strand examines how teacher education and professional development can prepare and support teachers to meet the digital literacy, social justice, and personalized learning needs and expectations of Gen Z learners. It explores the best practices, innovations, and challenges of designing and delivering effective and relevant programs in the 21st century.

2. Teacher Leadership and Advocacy: This strand explores how teachers can become leaders and advocates for themselves, their students, and their profession in the face of changing policies, standards, and expectations. It discusses the skills, strategies, and opportunities for teachers to influence and shape the educational landscape and to promote positive change and improvement in their schools and communities.

3. Teacher Well-being and Resilience: This strand investigates how teachers can balance their personal and professional aspirations in the digital age, while adapting to a diverse and collaborative teaching context. It evaluates the origins and effects of teacher stress, burnout, and attrition, and how teachers can boost their well-being and resilience through self-care, mindfulness, and social support. It also considers the demands and preferences of Gen Z learners, who seek flexibility, relevance, genuineness, and social justice.

DEADLINE for proposal submissions is midnight, March 31, 2024.

Review of proposals will take place between April 1 - May 15 with notice of acceptance/rejection going out by May 31, 2024.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS PROPOSAL FORM

The ASSOCIATION OF TEACHER EDUCATORS (one of our national affiliate associations)  requires presenters to consider its Standards for Teacher Educators when preparing a proposal submission.