Welcome to the Submission Site

NCEA Call for Proposals is CLOSED

NCEA 2027 Indianapolis: Bridge Builders

Call for Proposals

NCEA invites you to submit a proposal for the 2027 Convention—one of the largest gatherings of Catholic educators in the nation. This event brings together thousands of educators and leaders from across the U.S., Canada, and beyond to exchange ideas, share best practices, and advance the future of Catholic education.

Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

Dates: March 29–April 1, 2027

Session Theme

Proposals should be engaging, inspired by the learning tracks listed below, and aligned with the theme, “Bridge Builders.”

Audience

Proposals may be tailored to up to three of the following audiences:

• Early Childhood Teachers (Preschool–Kindergarten)
• Elementary Teachers
• Middle School Teachers
• Secondary Teachers
• Campus Ministers
• Counselors
• Advancement/Marketing Directors
• Site Administrators
• Diocesan Leaders
• Pastors serving school communities
• Board Members

Please note: While proposals may target multiple audiences, the majority of convention attendees are classroom teachers.

Secular and Non-Secular

Our convention includes both secular and non-secular content. Please indicate your session type when submitting your proposal. If selecting secular, ensure your session title and description use language appropriate for a general audience and do not include explicitly religious terminology.

Learning Tracks

Faith, Culture, and the Community

This learning track invites proposals that support the evangelizing mission by exploring how schools partner with students, educators, and families to cultivate a vibrant faith community and integrate mission across school culture and classroom practice. Topics may include the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools (NSBECS), Catholic Social Teaching, Laudato Si’, Scripture and Church documents, restorative practices, the formation of catechists and peacemakers, the role of educators as visible witnesses to the faith, and spiritual formation opportunities—such as retreats, liturgy, prayer, service learning, and campus ministry—that foster a lived expression of faith within the school community.

The Leadership Team

This learning track focuses on the structures that support effective governance at the school and system levels. Proposals may address collaboration among building leaders, board members, pastors, and system leaders; shared responsibilities across the leadership team; strong governance practices; leadership in all contexts; leading within pluralistic networks and communities of all sizes; school safety planning, public policy and community priorities. Emphasis should be placed on strategies that strengthen school operations while sustaining the mission and culture of the school community.

The Classroom Teacher

This learning track invites session proposals focused on high-quality teaching across content areas and grade levels. Topics may include sessions led by subject-matter experts in the Science of Reading, ELA, Math, Science, and History; the study and integration of classical texts; curriculum design; instructional strategies; data-informed practices; engaging students in today’s digital culture; navigating emerging learning spaces and technologies; and AI and other technology integration, serving educators from early childhood through secondary levels. Proposals should emphasize approaches that support innovation and long-term student success, connecting tradition and innovation in today’s classrooms.

The Inclusive Learning Environment

This learning track invites proposals that explore how schools can effectively support diverse learners. Topics may include engaging English learners and their families, culturally responsive teaching, personalized learning, and research-based interventions, accommodations and modifications to support students with diagnosed learning needs or atypical developmental profiles, as well as enrichment, acceleration, and talent development strategies for gifted and advanced learners. Emphasis should be placed on student-centered approaches that promote dignity, meaningful growth, and success for every learner.

The Whole Child

This learning track emphasizes the education of the whole person. Sessions may examine strategies to inspire a love of learning, nurture lifelong learning habits, and support students’ social, emotional, physical, psychological, moral, spiritual, and aesthetic growth. Topics may include identifying and cultivating student voice as well as unique talents, programming in athletics, performing arts, co-curricular activities, counseling and guidance services, internships and high school work-based learning opportunities, wellness initiatives, and character development that enrich the academic experience and strengthen family engagement. Proposals may also explore opportunities that empower students to become engaged, self-directed, imaginative learners who can apply their knowledge and skills in meaningful, real-world contexts.

School Sustainability and Stewardship

This learning track invites proposals that explore practices that support the long-term sustainability and responsible management of school resources. Topics may include financial strategies for schools with limited funding, enrollment growth, student recruitment and retention, facilities planning, annual and capital campaigns, institutional advancement, scholarships and financial aid, stewardship, succession planning, and the effective use of Title programs. Sessions should also address expanding access and affordability through school choice initiatives and public policy while maintaining the viability of the school community.

Innovation for Change

This learning track invites proposals that explore meaningful innovation through the thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, emerging models of education, and forward-thinking practices that enhance both operations and learning. Topics may include the use of AI tools to improve system-level effectiveness, the development of responsible AI policies and practices that support teaching and learning, and sustainable innovation strategies informed by emerging research that lead to lasting, positive impact. The track also welcomes proposals that examine how new or reimagined educational models are shaping structures, delivery, and the learner experience in response to the evolving needs of students and communities.

How to Submit a Proposal

All proposals must be submitted through the online submission portal. Submissions sent via email will not be accepted.

The submission process includes multiple required sections. You may save your progress and return at any time prior to the deadline. A proposal is only considered complete once all required sections are finished and the “Submit” button has been selected.

Requirements

Session Format

Sessions will be 75 minutes and delivered in person.

Submission Limit

Individuals may submit a maximum of two proposals.

Availability

Scheduling accommodations cannot be made. Sessions will be delivered March 30–April 1, 2027.

Communication

All speakers are expected to monitor email and the Speaker Portal regularly. Speakers will be notified via email. For sessions with multiple presenters, the individual listed as the primary contact will serve as the main point of contact for NCEA.

Speaker Tasks and Registration

All accepted speakers will be required to complete assigned tasks and register for the convention by the specified deadline.

All speakers will receive a discounted registration rate.

Commitment to Present

We recognize that professional and personal circumstances may arise; however, due to the high volume of proposals received each year, many qualified speakers are not selected. Accepting a session means committing to present, as each selected proposal represents an opportunity extended in place of another.

Please ensure that you and all co-presenters are available during the session dates prior to accepting. NCEA maintains an extensive waitlist and relies on speakers to honor their commitment once accepted.

NCEA values dependable presenters and takes prior experience, reliability, and professionalism into consideration in future selection processes.

Selection Process

All complete proposals that follow the session guidelines will be reviewed based on alignment to the theme, learning tracks, and relevance to Catholic education.

Timeline

• April 9, 2026 – Call for Proposals Opens
• June 2, 2026 – Submission Deadline
• August 10, 2026 – Speaker Notifications Sent
• August 24, 2026 – Speaker Acceptance Deadline

Submit a Proposal

Ready to share your expertise and contribute to the future of Catholic education?
Submit your proposal today.

Questions

Contact Laura MacDonald, NCEA Vice President of Content and Program Development
lmacdonald@ncea.org