Call for proposals

“The Arizona English Teachers Association, your state affiliate of the National Council of Teachers of English, invites you to submit a proposal to present at our annual conference:

The Stories that Shape Us: Centering Student Experience to Reimagine Literacy Practices

“Before getting to literacy skill development such as decoding, fluency, comprehension, writing or any other content standards, students must see themselves in the learning” (Muhammad, 2019, p. 69).

Gholdy Muhammad’s insight reminds us that learning is most meaningful when students see themselves reflected in the texts, practices, and stories they encounter. Storytelling provides a way for students to express identity, culture, and perspective while engaging deeply with literacy skills. The 2026 AETA conference theme invites educators to explore instructional approaches that place student experiences and voices at the center of learning. This conference seeks proposals that highlight innovative strategies for integrating storytelling into classroom practice, helping students engage meaningfully with literacy while seeing their identities affirmed.

We encourage proposals that explore questions such as:

• How can storytelling center students’ identities and experiences in literacy education?

• What instructional strategies help students connect personal narratives, or memoirs, to academic learning?

• How might student-centered book clubs provide space for voice and identity to flourish?

• How can teachers reimagine literacy instruction to foster student voice, engagement, and belonging?

• In what ways can storytelling support equitable and inclusive classroom practices?

• How can teachers share their own stories to provide a safe space for their students?

• How can teachers share their own stories with each other?

We welcome presentations and workshops that:

• Incorporate hands-on, experiential learning

• Center diverse student voices and identities

• Demonstrate practical classroom strategies for literacy and storytelling

• Engage participants in active learning

• Bridge theory and practice

• Foster inclusive and affirming classroom environments

• Highlight equity-centered or culturally sustaining practices
  

We look forward to reviewing your submissions!

Proposals are due by March 27, 2026

The conference committee will score each proposal based on the following:

• Alignment with the conference theme

• Relevance to the field of ELA/literacy education

• Research-based approach

• Clear presentation of content

In accordance with professional tradition, all presenters must register for the conference.