For today’s educators, staying current with innovative teaching techniques and digital tools is crucial. One of the best opportunities for meaningful professional development for educators in the Northwest will be NCCE 25, the Northwest’s leading EdTech conference, held at the Seattle Convention Center February 26-28, 2025.
Sponsored by the Northwest Council for Computer Education, this event gathers educators and innovators across every facet and level of K -16 education to explore the latest educational technology, providing unparalleled networking opportunities with like-minded professionals to enhance their teaching and administrative skills.
Here’s how you can make the most of NCCE 25 to maximize your professional growth:
1. Earn Clock Hours and University Credit
Attending NCCE isn’t just an inspiring experience; it’s also a valuable opportunity to earn clock hours or university credit, which may be essential for recertification or advancing your career. With sessions designed for continuing education, NCCE makes it easy for educators to accumulate these hours in a structured, hands-on environment. Check NCCE’s site for details on clock-hour accreditation options available, and make sure to complete any required documentation for your credit.
2. Plan Your Sessions Strategically
NCCE 25 offers a range of workshops, presentations, and summits, spanning topics from classroom AI integration to cybersecurity in education. With such a comprehensive schedule, the best approach is to plan your time in advance. Use the searchable program on the conference website to explore session descriptions and identify those that align with your goals. This way, you can structure your days to balance learning new skills with exploring cutting-edge educational technologies and approaches.
A few highlights include:
- Hands-On Workshops: These two-hour sessions cover everything from emerging tech tools like virtual and augmented reality to the latest in instructional design.
- Affinity Sessions: These are smaller, discussion-based groups for educators with similar roles or subject areas. They allow a deep dive into specific challenges and enable a more intimate level of networking.
3. Take Advantage of Networking Opportunities
Meeting with other educators, keynote speakers, and experts in the field can help spark new ideas and provide insights into real-world applications of educational strategies. The conference is excellent for forming valuable professional relationships, so be proactive. Plan to attend networking events and social gatherings or connect with peers during sessions and workshops. There is also “down time” at this conference, during lunches or before and after the conference that give you opportunities for informal conversations and connections. Bringing back ideas from all these exchanges can elevate your teaching methods and benefit your entire school or district.
4. Visit the Exhibit Hall and Learn About EdTech Tools
The exhibit hall will be a central feature at NCCE 25, bringing together dozens of educational technology providers. Here, you can experience live demonstrations of the latest products shaping the future of education, from classroom management tools to new software for creating interactive learning experiences. This year’s exhibitors include well-known names as well as emerging tech innovators, offering a unique opportunity to assess the potential of various products and consider what might best support your curriculum.
5. Attend the Summits for In-Depth Learning
If you want to explore a particular topic in-depth, NCCE 25 offers specialized summits, such as “Advancing K-12 Cybersecurity” and “The 3 Ships: Relationship, Leadership, and Partnerships.” These summits provide hands-on, workshop-based approaches to specific educational topics, equipping you with practical skills that you can apply directly in the classroom or within your school’s administrative structures.
6. Reflect and Share with Your Colleagues
To get the most out of NCCE 25, consider how you’ll bring what you’ve learned back to your school or district. Create a summary or presentation of key takeaways to share with your colleagues, or organize a mini-workshop to introduce new methods and tools. Sharing what you’ve learned helps reinforce your skills and contributes to a culture of professional growth within your teaching community.
Register Today!
There’s still time to register for NCCE 25 and secure your spot at this dynamic, hands-on conference! Join educators from across the Northwest in Seattle this coming February for a transformative experience to enhance your skills and reignite your passion for teaching. For more registration information, visit the NCCE 25 conference page.
Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your professional journey with the tools and insights you’ll gain at NCCE 25!