Arizona English Teachers Association

AETA

ANNUAL

CONFERENCE

The Stories that Shape Us

Centering Student Experience to Reimagine Literacy Practices

2026 Arizona English Teachers Association Annual Conference
September 11 and 12, 2026 | Chandler Gilbert Community College

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.

Interested in submitting a proposal to present at annual conference?

Learn more

Submission Deadline: March 27, 2026

Conference Scholarships

  • The Early Career Educators Scholarship aims to increase the attendance of educators in their first 3 years of teaching at the AETA annual conference and to reduce the financial burden of attendance for teachers who are not financially supported by their school districts.

    Award: $100 to go towards travel/lodging and a complimentary conference registration.

  • The Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship aims to increase the attendance of educators who are members of underserved and historically marginalized communities (i.e. Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian/Asian Pacific, LGBTQIA+, and disabled) at the AETA annual conference and to reduce the financial burden of attendance for teachers who are not financially supported by their school districts.

    Award: $100 to go towards travel/lodging and a complimentary conference registration.

  • The Rural Educators Scholarship aims to increase attendance at the AETA annual conference from all parts of the state and to reduce the financial burden of attendance for teachers from rural areas who are not financially supported by their school districts.

    Award: $100 to go towards travel/lodging and a complimentary conference registration.

Exhibitors

Interested in becoming an AETA exhibitor?

We look forward to working together to showcase your organization and provide professional support for Arizona’s English educators with you!

Conference Details

 

  • Friday, September 11, 2026

    Saturday, September 12, 2026

    Chandler Gilbert Community College

    2626 E Pecos Rd, Chandler, AZ 85225