Either individually or with a team, make a case for how attending Summit will benefit not only your personal development but also your team, department, or system. Present a proposal outlining the value you’ll bring back to the organization, how attending supports your school’s or district’s priorities, and offer to host a lunch-and-learn to share the most important learnings.

Many Summit 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 outcomes. Be diligent in preparing necessary documentation and submit your application well before deadlines. Here are some recommendations to get you 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 Summit.

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 Summit, 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.