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Conference Snaps
Media: The images posted below may be used in news stories attached to the 2026 Educators Rising National Conference. Please credit the photo: Photo © with permission from Educators Rising. We want to sincerely thank everyone who made this year's Educators Rising...
2026 Competition Results
Congratulations to all of our competitors. Please note that across the contest (ribbon) categories, students did not place at every level. Congratulations to all of our competitors. Please note that across the contest (ribbon) categories, students did not place at...
Looking backward to go forward with Solomon Moore
“Someone is waiting for the educator you will become,” Solomon Moore remarked in his session Sunday. Ironically, Solomon's decision to become a teacher was spurred by his unwillingness to take a math test his freshman year. Given the choice to shadow a job or take a...
Rising Moment Varsity Spotlights
It was overcast Sunday morning, but the Rising Moment varsity presenters shined bright. The day began with a presentation by Astro Castro whose rockstar name mirrors his passion for popstars. Astro’s rising moment stems from the attention his AVID teacher, Mr. Hubert,...
‘You have confirmed for me that education is where I belong’
The Educators Rising’s national student officers tell their personal stories at each general session during the national conference. At Sunday’s keynote membership luncheon, Vice President of Communications Owen Elsasser shared the moments that led to his commitment...
Impact on students that goes far beyond the curriculum
The Educators Rising’s national student officers tell their personal stories at each general session during the national conference. National Vice President of Engagement Haylie Johnson spoke about the events that led her to choose education as a career at Sunday’s...
‘You are the catalyst of change’
The Educators Rising’s national student officers tell their personal stories at each general session during the national conference. First up on Saturday was National Student President Allianna Walters. She spoke to the audience about what led her to want to become a...
‘I know what it feels like to need someone in your corner’
The Educators Rising’s national student officers tell their personal stories at each general session during the national conference. National Student Vice President of Service Faith Gonder addressed the general session audience on Saturday about the special role...
The Powerful Psychology Behind Gamification
My name is Kate Saxton and I attended this session at the 2026 Educators Rising National Conference. Whether or not you are having fun at this conference right now all depends on what type of fun you like. And the question of how you have fun is essential to using...
LipSync & Karaoke Event
On Sunday night, we had a good crowd attend the annual LipSync and Karaoke event hosted by our resident student leadership development guru Jose Carillo. While the goal was obviously socialization and fun, the event also draws out our students' creativity and...
Ashlie Crosson: ‘It is your turn to rise and be uplifted’
Saturday night, Educators Rising keynote speaker Ashlie Crosson entered the main stage to thunderous applause and immediately demonstrated why she was named the 2025 National Teacher of the Year. Crosson navigated the stage with the skill of a polished politician and...
Registration and the store are open!
Keynote speakers to sign Kappan magazines
Create a special souvenir of this year’s Educators Rising National Conference. Our keynote speakers have generously agreed to sign copies of the Summer issue of Kappan magazine after they speak each day. Magazines will be on your tables during the first general...
Conference special offers
Make sure to take advantage of special opportunities for conference attendees offered by two businesses. Show your badge and visit the Oregon Historical Society for free. Show your conference badge at the admission desk to explore three floors of engaging exhibitions...
Remember to use EdRising’s conference social media hashtag: #EdRising26
Use #EdRising26 on X or Instagram during and after the conference to share your conference experience and connect with other future educators and teacher leaders. We'll be posting throughout the conference, too, so be sure to follow @EducatorsRising...
Where is Eddy Bear?
Be on the lookout for Eddy Bear, the official mascot of the Educators Rising Conference. He is excited about this year’s conference in Portland, and he wants to celebrate with you. This big, fuzzy bear will be roaming the hallways of the convention center – he’ll be...
A guide for first-time conference-goers
If this is your first Educators Rising Conference, or if you just want a quick refresher, the following are some tips, tools, and advice. Download the conference app. It has many helpful resources, such as descriptions of breakout sessions, the program book, and the...
Get your EdRising gear here!
Show your Educators Rising spirit at the conference and throughout the year. The Educators Rising store in Room Pre-Function C is the spot to pick up Educators Rising gear and conference souvenirs. You’ll find hoodies, polos, conference T-shirts, mini Eddy bears,...
Registration reminders
When you arrive, please check in at the Educators Rising conference registration desk at the Oregon Convention Center in room Pre-Function C to receive your badge and conference materials. The registration materials will be listed by the school/organization for all...
The link between motivating your learners and Tomodachi Life
Both children and adults love to play video games. Can games make learning fun, too? On Saturday in Oregon 204, Dr. John Hendron of Educators Rising will be leading a 4 p.m. breakout session highlighting the powerful psychology behind games. He’ll introduce why we...
Young People Are Ready to Lead. Are We Ready for Them?
In just ten days, 3,300 young people will gather in Portland for the 2026 Educators Rising National Conference. They're coming to compete, to connect, and to be inspired. But something larger is also happening: they're showing up to claim their place in the future of...
2026 Conference Program Book
We're pleased to announce that our upcoming conference's official Program Book is now available for download (PDF). Inside, you'll find the full conference schedule with all the breakout sessions, in addition to learning about our student officers, our "star"...
Meet the Keynote Speakers at #EdRising26
Two Teachers Worth Listening To If you're heading to Portland this June for the 2026 Educators Rising National Conference, you already know the energy in that room is going to be something. But before you get there, it's worth getting to know two of the people who...
Preparing for the Conference as a Chaperone
Our thanks go out to Dr. Michael Hill-Shaner, SRC from Delaware and Florence Scott, SRC from Alaska, for joining us in a panel discussion about how to prepare to bring students to the Educators Rising National Conference. https://youtu.be/iYXRersHPP8 Highlights from...
ETS Testing Update for Portland
Conference Onsite Testing Scholarship + Free Future Educator Assessments The information shared below was sent recently to both students and teacher leaders who already registered for this year's 2026 Educators Rising National Conference in Portland. It repeats...
Chaperoning at the National Conference
Taking students to a conference out of state can be an exciting and enriching experience. If you are a teacher leader, school administrator, or parent who will be coming with students at this year's national conference in Portland, we've developed a tips guide for...
Conference Attire
We want you to look your best—ensuring confidence—when you arrive on sight in Portland. This post is going to cover the 2026 Educators Rising National Conference Attire Guidelines for participating students and competitors. Our goal is to create a professional,...
The 2026 Educators Rising National Conference will take place at the Oregon Convention Center from June 20-23, 2026. The theme is Teach with Purpose, Lead with Passion. The conference is an opportunity for students and their teacher leaders to:
- Connect and learn from each other through more than 40 breakout sessions;
- Network with other members from across the country;
- Compete for national titles in events designed to allow students to develop and showcase their teaching skills; and
- Be inspired by keynote presentations from national education leaders.
Be sure to download and access our conference app before you arrive in Portland!
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