As all the excitement from the 2024 Educators Rising National Conference winds down, we are eager to gear up for the upcoming year! During the conference, we learned so much. Let’s take a moment to reflect on all the great memories made and lessons learned at the 2024 National Conference.

As this year’s national student officers, here are our top four takeaways from the 2024 Conference:

1: We are a beautiful community.

Not everyone thinks the same, and that is so beautiful. Over the course of just four days at the conference, I heard story after story from students who know that they are meant to be in education. It was beautiful for me to understand that there are so many ways that one can be pulled into this career path, yet the passion that each of us possesses is what brings us together as Educators Rising.

The closing ceremony and awards program holds a very special place in my heart. Hearing shouts of excitement when competition results were announced and witnessing victory hugs and smiles was so touching to me. Even more inspiring was seeing the community, connection, and support between members. Those three things are proof of the passion and power that each of us holds.
– Journey Harris, Educators Rising president

2: We can learn and lead together.

One of the most impactful sessions at the conference for me was focused on promoting diversity and inclusion in the classroom. As a multiracial woman, this topic is deeply personal to me. Growing up, I often felt like I had to navigate between different cultures and identities, which sometimes made me feel like I didn’t fully belong anywhere. The conference session reinforced the importance of creating a learning environment where every student feels seen, valued, and understood, regardless of their background. It reminded me that as future educators, we have the power to ensure that no student ever feels left out or invisible. The session inspired me to actively work toward making my future classroom a place where diversity is celebrated and where all students feel empowered to be their true selves.

The conference also emphasized that great educators are great leaders. I learned that leadership in education is about empowering students to reach their full potential. This insight has deepened my desire to be not just a teacher, but a leader in my community. One of my favorite moments at the conference was hosting a roundtable discussion with fellow student leaders. The energy in the room was incredible as we shared ideas, challenges, and solutions. This experience reinforced the importance of student voice and was a powerful reminder of why I’m committed to this path.
– Shae’Aunna Johnson, Educators Rising vice president of communications

3: We have a shared purpose.

At the 2024 conference, people from Alaska to California to Massachusetts all came together to learn and compete in Washington, D.C. My favorite event was the student delegate meeting. It was great to see our national officers and student delegates take initiative and vote on important issues that face students and teachers and that could affect the future of Educators Rising. Everyone in Educators Rising is different, and it amazed me to see how different students and teachers interacted with each other and showed their emotions during our closing ceremony.
– Char’Tayvious Edwards, Educators Rising vice president of service

4: We have support.

It was both inspiring and motivating to be with so many like-minded students. One of my favorite moments from the conference was watching outstanding teachers and chapter leaders be recognized. My chapter leader was deeply impactful in my life, so I understand the influence these educators have in their communities. Hearing some of their stories gave me chills. The conference always lifts me up and reminds me how important education is not just for each individual student, but for communities as a whole.
– Lexi Lieb, Educators Rising vice president of engagement

We hope that you learned as much at the 2024 Educators Rising National Conference as we did and that our reflections can remind you of what you took away from the experience — and inspire you as you prepare for 2025. Educators Rising has a great year ahead. We look forward to seeing all that you accomplish!

Journey Harris, Shae’Aunna Johnson, Char’Tayvious Edwards, and Lexi Lieb are the 2024-25 Educators Rising national student officers. Read more about this year’s student leaders.