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GCTE Conference 2026 Call for Proposals
February 5-7 | Macon, GA
Every Voice Matters: Reimagining Learning Through Student Experience
Proposals due Monday, October 6, 2025.
Conference Vision
The GCTE Annual Conference brings together a wide range of English Language Arts professionals—including PK–12 educators, college students and professors, retired teachers, curriculum leaders, and literacy supporters—to connect, reflect, and grow. Our goal is to build community while providing rich opportunities to explore and strengthen the teaching and learning of ELA across all grade levels.
About This Year’s Theme
“Every Voice Matters: Reimagining Learning Through Student Experience” invites participants to reflect on how learning can be shaped around students' lived experiences, interests, and cultural identities. Just as Macon, Georgia, gave rise to artists whose voices sparked cultural movements, this theme encourages educators to center instruction on the voices and perspectives of students to inspire deeper engagement and meaningful learning.
Most importantly, this theme aligns deeply with GCTE’s mission to improve the teaching and learning of English and the language arts at all levels, and our vision to uplift diverse voices, promote inclusive and equitable practices, and foster excellence in literacy education across Georgia. It also supports our aim to be a leading force in shaping the future of English Language Arts by empowering educators through meaningful connection and innovation.
With the newly adopted K–12 English Language Arts standards set to take effect in the 2025–2026 school year, Georgia educators are entering a season of instructional growth and transition. These standards emphasize foundational literacy, clear learning progressions, and a “Georgia-grown” approach shaped by teacher and community input. This conference offers space to prepare for these changes while celebrating strong practices in literacy education.
Call for ProposalsWe live in a time of exciting change and creative momentum in English Language Arts. Technology, evolving standards, and new ways of connecting with students open up fresh approaches to teaching. We ask:
We invite proposals that highlight innovative, relevant, and practical approaches to teaching ELA. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, preservice teacher, professor, retired educator, or literacy leader, your voice matters. We especially encourage sessions that are interactive, hands-on, and foster meaningful discussion. Session proposals are double-masked, peer-reviewed, and evaluated based on the significance of the topic, creativity and innovation, and potential engagement and usefulness for session participants. We recommend viewing the Tips for GCTE Proposals video before submitting your proposal. This video is designed to support you in creating a strong proposal that is more likely to be accepted. You can also view this sample proposal to guide your submission. Finally, we recommend you make a copy of your proposal submission for your records. We do not have the capacity to replicate them for you. | A session proposal application requires (See “How to Submit” Section Below):
Proposal Topics May Include (but are not limited to):
3 Tips to Start Brainstorming
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Submit Your ProposalPlease visit the link below to submit your proposal. Click the Rubric button to consider whether your proposal meets conference expectations and has the highest likelihood of being accepted. Overview of Session TypesThis year, we are inviting two primary presentation opportunities: Panel/Workshop and Roundtable Discussions. All accepted sessions may range in length from 45 to 75 minutes. Upon acceptance, presenters will be notified of their assigned session time and are encouraged to design flexible sessions that can be adjusted slightly based on final scheduling. Panel / WorkshopA 45–75 minute session that takes one of two forms: PanelA Panel featuring two or more panelists sharing multiple perspectives on a single topic, with at least 15 minutes for audience questions and interaction. Examples of Panels:
WorkshopA Workshop led by one or more presenters engaging participants in active learning—modeling promising instructional practices, strategies, or tools. Examples of Workshops:
Roundtable DiscussionsRoundtable sessions provide a more intimate, conversation-based format. Presenters will facilitate interactive discussions at a table on a focused topic or classroom practice. During a designated period, attendees will rotate among tables to engage in multiple small-group discussions. Examples of Roundtable Topics:
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