Click and jump to
Convince Your Boss
Deeper Learning provides a professional learning experience like no other. Educators connect, inspire, build, imagine, reflect, and learn to make schools more student centered, more meaningful, and more equitable. Need some assistance making the case on why you should come to San Diego this March? We’ve got you covered to help you convince your boss to attend and fund your trip!
Here are some tips and resources such as an email/letter template you can use to make your case to your boss, school, district, or organization leader to approve and fund your learning experience.
Rationale for Attending DL (Download and share with your boss)
Estimated Cost Worksheet
Sample letter
Band Together (Gather a group of teachers to ask your boss)
Creative Funding Options
We want all educators, leaders, and change-makers to experience DL26, but know that registration and travel costs can be a barrier. Below are our recommendations for how you can receive support to fund your investment in DL26.
Either individually or with a team, make a case for how attending DL26 will benefit not only your personal development but also your team or department. Present a proposal outlining the value you’ll bring back to the organization and offer to host a lunch-and-learn to share the most important learnings.
Many DL attendees use grants to fund their conference registration and travel. Start by exploring grant opportunities on websites like GrantWatch. Review eligibility criteria and align your proposal with your teaching objectives, student needs, and school improvement goals. Craft a compelling proposal that articulates the relevance of the conference to your professional growth and its potential impact on student learning. Be diligent in preparing necessary documentation and submit your application well before deadlines. Here are some recommendations to get your started:
- The NEA Foundation educator grants and fellowships
- Amount: Up to $5,000
- Fund for Teachers grants
- Amount: $5,000 for individuals, $10,000 for teams
- McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation teacher development grants
- Amount: Up to $10,000 per year for two years
Many community foundations and other local philanthropic organizations value the role of education in building more equitable and prosperous communities. Research community foundations in your area and review their currently available grant opportunities. Even if you’re not seeing a good fit, regional funders are often more flexible than national ones and welcome conversations about how they can adapt to better support their community. Make sure to come to any exploratory conversations with a clear understanding of how their priorities align with the benefits of attending DL26.
Reach out to local businesses or corporate sponsors, especially those that might have a philanthropic arm investing in education, and ask if they would be willing to sponsor your conference attendance in exchange for a mention or endorsement. You could offer to wear their logo, give them a shout-out on social media, or even write a blog post highlighting their support.
Many teachers effectively crowd fund and leverage their school’s PTA to cover registration costs. You can start by outlining the benefits of attending DL26, emphasizing how it will enhance your teaching practices and positively impact student learning. Through platforms like GoFundMe you can reach out to friends, family, and community members, inviting them to contribute towards the conference registration fee. Further, many schools collaborate with their PTA to organize fundraising events, with proceeds dedicated to covering the conference expenses.
Some professional associations offer scholarships or grants to members. If you’re a member, find out if they’ll help cover your conference costs. If you’re interested in joining an association, you can start by looking for ones aligned with your role and/or region.
Schedule Overview
Pre-Conferences
DL 101
Session Types
Deep Dives: A signature DL conference experience, Deep Dives provide immersive experiences that aim to support you in experiencing deeper learning for yourself. Will you dive into outdoor education, explore the power of AI, or develop ways to engage families and students as agents of change? The possibilities are transformative.
Community Advisory: Intentional small-by-design sessions throughout the event create an opportunity to build relationships, process experiences from the event, and discuss, plan, and act toward the future. Your Deep Dive colleagues will become your small group for three sessions during the event.
Workshops: Two rounds of 90-minute workshops offered on Day 1 (March 30) and Day 3 (April 1) of the event will connect you with practitioners and highlight promising practices. Session descriptions and details are posted in Sched with topics ranging from student agency to culturally responsive pedagogy to school transformation.
Den Talks: Opportunities for attendees to engage in deep conversations on issues that matter in education. No slide decks, just real talk–-the den is a place for attendees to connect with luminaries, hear transformative stories, and ask questions. The DL Den is the place to be!
HTHGSE Conference Comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
Registration opens at 1p on March 31st at the parking lot for the High Tech High Graduate School of Education Forum (2150 Cushing Rd.). Before you arrive, ensure you have created a Sched profile and signed up for a deep dive session.
There is a help desk at High Tech Middle and High Tech High and registration and Sched support at the opening event. Any late check-ins can get their badge from the help desk at the High Tech High.
Connection Corner in HTH provides a space for informal connections. Grab a seat, take some selfies at the selfie station, or mix and mingle! This is the perfect spot to find new friends or meet up with old friends.
Create something with our Community Makers, located by lunch on the HTH/HTM Promenade. Harness your creativity and learn about our community makers.
The DL Marketplace provides you an opportunity to support the student run screen-printing program at HTH by purchasing awesome DL merch such as t-shirts and totes! Find the marketplace at the High Tech Middle entry.
Find the Calm Corner at High Tech High (above the Gym entrance) for meditation, reflection, or naps. For nursing mothers, we offer a Lactation Room. Please inquire with staff for access.