15 best teacher professional development workshops in 2024

In a rapidly changing educational landscape, teacher professional development workshops offer invaluable gems, equipping teachers with cutting-edge strategies and enriching their pedagogical repertoire.

As 2024 rolls on, an array of professional development workshops await, but a discerning eye is essential to unearth the true gems hidden among the multitude of offerings.

Smekens Education Solutions has curated a selection of professional development workshops that will equip educators with transformative tools they can use right away in their classrooms.

EdTech Conferences

1. FETC—Future of Education Technology Conference

The Future of Education Technology Conference has assembled educators, administrators, and tech experts for over 40 years, creating a vibrant hub for exploring the future of learning. This annual event provides a platform to explore state-of-the-art advancements in education technology, equipping attendees with the latest tools and strategies to empower teaching and learning through engaging sessions, workshops, and invaluable networking opportunities.

• Dates: January 23-26, 2024
• Location: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
• Audience: K-12 educators, administrators, and technology experts
• Cost range: Premium $1,105, Basic $546, Expo Only $49
• Additional perks: Free monthly webinars as a preview of the conference

2. SITE—Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education 2024

Marking its 35th year, SITE 2024 brings together a diverse community of dedicated educators. United by a shared passion for technology’s transformative potential in education, this gathering aims to shape the future of learning through insightful collaboration and innovative exploration.

• Dates: March 25-29, 2024
• Location: Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, NV
• Audience: Teacher educators in ALL disciplines, computer technology coordinators, K-12 administrators, curriculum developers, future teachers
• Cost range: $465 – $685; $295 (Virtual)
• Virtual option: Yes
• Additional perks:
  • Yearlong SITE Membership
  • 40% discount for LearnTechLib subscription
  • Refreshment breaks, twice daily
  • Lunch included with all SIG (Special Interest Group) Meetings

3. ISTE—International Society for Technology in Education Live 24

With over 40 years of history, the ISTE conference has been a cornerstone of educational technology, attracting a global audience of educators seeking to learn, connect, and revolutionize learning through tech. ISTELive 24, hosted by the International Society for Technology in Education, offers nearly 1,000 sessions led by experts, providing practical strategies and fostering connections with a passionate community of educators.

• Dates: June 23-26, 2024
• Location: Denver, CO
• Audience: Education leaders, teachers, coaches, librarians/media specialists
• Cost range: $555 – $795; $235 – $295 (Virtual)
• Virtual option: Yes

Multifaceted Conferences

4. Innovative Schools Summit

Founded in 2012, Accutrain launched the Innovative Schools Summit in 2015. Now a highly regarded K-12 education conference, the ISS gathers leading minds to share cutting-edge best practices and research-based methodologies in an engaging and inspiring environment. The conference offers four options within each location: Innovative Teaching Strategies, School Climate and Culture, Wired Differently/Trauma-Informed Schools, and At-Risk Students.

• Dates & Location:
  • New York, NY:  February 28 – March 2, 2024
  • Orlando, FL:  March 7 – 10, 2024
  • Nashville, TN:  June 19-23, 2024
  • Las Vegas, NV:  July 8-12, 2024
• Audience: School leaders, educators, mental health professionals, support staff
• Cost range: $370 – $895; $350 (Virtual)
• Virtual option: There is a main-stage-only, virtual option

5. ASCD—2024 ASCD Annual Conference

The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development boasts a distinguished history, spanning over eight decades, of helping educators reimagine and redesign learning through impactful pedagogy and meaningful technology integration. The 2024 ASCD Annual Conference features hundreds of sessions on diverse topics. These sessions aim to equip educators with practical tools and effective strategies for creating dynamic and impactful learning environments, ultimately leading to improved student outcomes.

• Dates: March 22-25, 2024
• Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington D.C.
• Audience: K-12 educators, administrators, instructional coaches, counselors, librarians, technology specialists, special education teachers
• Cost range: $585 – $690

6. GYTO—Get Your Teach On Fest

Founded in 2016, Get Your Teach On offers professional development events for educators and administrators, including a national conference—Get Your Teach On Fest. Pre-K through 8th-grade educators can participate in research-based workshops dedicated to crafting rigorous and engaging lessons through grade/position-specific conference tracks, inspiring keynotes, hands-on training, a pre-game celebration, and tons of resources!

• Dates: July 21-24
• Location: Gaylord Palms Resort, Orlando FL
• Audience: Pre-K through 8th grade educators (ELA, math, admin, special ed)
• Cost: $629
• Additional perks:
  • Kick-off celebration
  • Free swag
  • Other free teacher professional development workshops in Indiana

Literacy Conferences

7. LitCon—National K-8 Literacy & Reading Recovery Conference

In its 39th year, LitCon is the largest K-8 literacy conference in the US. This renowned event brings together leaders in childhood literacy to share best practices, enhance skills, and mobilize efforts to help struggling readers. Planned by volunteers from the Reading Recovery Council of North America (RRCNA), LitCon offers a high-quality professional development experience for K-8 educators. Expect exciting keynotes, featured sessions, concurrent workshops, engaging activities, a vibrant knowledge theater, and a bustling exhibit hall filled with resources.

• Dates: January 27-30, 2024
• Location: Hyatt Regency & the Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OH
• Audience: K-8 classroom teachers, literacy coaches & specialists, building & district administrators, Title I teachers and coordinators, interventionists &
  teachers of multilingual learners, curriculum & language arts specialists, Reading Recovery professionals
• Cost range: $585 – $735
• Additional perks: Lunch on Sunday and Monday

8. CompCON—K-12 Reading Comprehension Conference

• Dates:  June 18-19, 2024
• Location: French Lick Resort, French Lick, Indiana
• Audience: Everyone who teaches comprehension–K-6 general education teachers, literacy coaches & coordinators, 6-12 Language Arts teachers, high-ability teachers, principals & assistant principals, K-12 curriculum directors, K-12 special education teachers, ELL teachers
• Cost range: $599-$649;  $379-$409 (Virtual)
• Virtual option: Smekens hosts a separate virtual conference June 11-12
• Additional perks:
  • A grade-level specific Comprehension Playbook and CompCON Kit containing everything needed for two days of fun & learning
  • Support from Smekens consultants
  • Lifetime access to the CompCON “Secret Site”
  • Breakfast, lunch, and snacks provided
  • Fun surprises throughout each day
  • Evening entertainment
  • On-site bookstore with discounted resources

9. NCTE—NCTE 2024 Annual Convention

Drawing thousands from Pre-K to graduate levels, the NCTE Annual Convention boasts nearly 700 sessions covering everything from English and writing to reading and language studies. Its expansive exhibit hall and 250+ author presentations annually draw the national publishing community, making it a must-attend event for educators seeking knowledge, connection, and inspiration.

• Dates: November 21-24, 2024
• Location: Boston, MA
  
• Audience: PreK – graduate-level English language arts and literacy teachers
• Cost: Available when registration opens
• Additional perks:
  • Conference app
  • Online platform

Science Conferences

10. NSTA—National Conference On Science Education

Since 1944, NSTA has empowered generations of learners by fostering a love of science. Today, NSTA stands as the world’s leading force for excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning. The NSTA National Conference on Science Education caters to science educators worldwide and offers over 1,000 presentations, workshops, exhibits, and networking opportunities. The largest science teacher professional development workshop of 2024 focuses on fostering joy in science learning and encouraging student-centered instruction.

• Dates: March 20-23, 2024
• Location: Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO
• Audience: K–12 teachers of science
• Cost range: $365 – $490

*If educators cannot attend due to date or location, there is also a National Conference in New Orleans, November 6-9.

Math Conferences

11. NCTM—National Council of Teachers of Mathematics 2024 Annual Meeting & Exposition

Founded in 1920, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics is the world’s leading organization for math educators. Their annual conference aims to help teachers empower students through student-centered instruction that fosters curiosity and joy in learning math. The conference will offer hundreds of sessions, workshops, and exhibits about curriculum and instruction, assessment, technology, and professional development tailored to specific grade levels.

• Dates: September 25-28, 2024
• Location: Chicago, IL
• Audience: Mathematics teachers, administrators, math coaches, supervisors, or preservice teachers
• Cost range: $259 – $599
• Virtual option: NCTM hosts a separate virtual conference April 10-13
• Additional perks:
  • Conference app
  • Online platform

Special Education Conferences

12. CEC—2024 Convention & Expo

The Council for Exceptional Children has united educators supporting exceptional learners for over 75 years. At CEC 2024, special education teachers will dive into hundreds of sessions covering diverse topics, from curriculum to technology, catering to various needs. Network with colleagues, learn from experts, and discover resources in the expansive exhibit hall. This comprehensive event empowers thousands of educators to enhance exceptional education practices.

• Dates: March 13-16, 2024
• Location: Henry B. González Convention Center, San Antonio, TX
• Audience: Special education educators
• Cost range: $219 – $719; $105 – $229 (Virtual)
• Virtual option: Yes
• Additional perks:
  • Conference app
  • Sensory break room
  • Coffee & snacks in the expo hall each day

Leadership Conferences

13. AASA—National Conference on Education

The AASA, The School Superintendents Association, has a long-standing history of over 100 years. School leaders take center stage at the 2024 National Conference on Education, where the focus is on shaping inclusive and empowering learning environments that cater to diverse student needs. Through expert insights, interactive sessions, and extensive resources, the conference equips superintendents with the tools and strategies they need to address diverse student needs, navigate complex challenges, and empower tomorrow’s generations.

• Dates: February 15-17, 2024
• Location: San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA
• Audience: Educational leaders
• Cost range: $655 – $1380

14. Learning Forward—2024 Annual Conference

Building on the foundation of reimagined possibilities and evidence-based practices, the 2024 Learning Forward Annual Conference aims to “Reach new heights for students.” The conference will equip school leaders with strategies to translate innovative ideas and evidence into impactful professional development experiences for their educators, fostering a culture of continuous learning within their schools. Learning Forward takes pride in ensuring attendees get the most out of the experience by offering inspiring keynotes, providing opportunities for networking, and allowing attendees to reserve sessions they want to attend ahead of time.

• Dates: December 8-11, 2024
• Location: Gaylord Rockies, Aurora, CO
• Audience: Educational leaders
• Cost: Available when registration opens
• Additional perks:
  • Conference app
  • Session handouts
  • Conference planning toolkit

Early Childhood Conferences

15. NAEYC Annual Conference—National Association for the Education of Young Children Annual Conference

The NAEYC Annual Conference is a comprehensive event for early childhood professionals. It features over 700 in-depth workshops and presentations on diverse topics like teaching strategies, child development, assessment, and technology in the classroom. Attendees can discover cutting-edge resources and tools in the expansive exhibit hall with over 250 exhibitors, gain insights from prominent figures in the field through keynote speeches, and build valuable connections with colleagues through networking opportunities.

• Dates: November 6-9, 2024
• Location: Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA
• Audience: Early childhood educators
• Cost: Available when registration opens
• Virtual option: No virtual conference, some sessions available virtually
• Additional perks:
  • Conference app
  • Lunch options at the Expo (additional cost)
  • Complimentary entry level NAEYC membership for nonmembers

Live, Virtual Workshops