2026 NCUEA Summer Meeting

2026 NCUEA SUMMER MEETING

Original artwork by Nik Arnoldi and the Chameleon Collective

Join us from June 28 - July 1 in Denver, CO as we gather around the theme “Courage is Contagious: Building Worker Power for Joyful and Affirming Schools.” As educators, we know that great schools are safe schools – students deserve an academic environment that not only challenges and stimulates their intellect, but uplifts and celebrates their unique identities. 

We’ll examine this thought-provoking theme from a variety of vantage points, including Dr. Gholdy Muhammad’s keynote address on culturally-responsive pedagogy, our panel discussion on how local unions are resisting authoritarianism while defending their students, and a youth-focused panel highlighting the historical and ongoing struggle for Chicano rights and representation in Denver’s schools.

Be sure to register today to secure your spot – this will be a Summer Meeting you won’t want to miss!

Dr. Gholdy Muhammad is the John Corbally Endowed Professor of Literacy, Language, and Culture at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has previously served as a classroom teacher, literacy specialist, school district administrator, curriculum director, and school board president. She studies Black historical excellence in education, intending to reframe curriculum and instruction today. Her Culturally and Historically Responsive Education Model has been adopted across thousands of U.S. schools and districts across Canada.

She is the author of the best-selling books, Cultivating Genius and Unearthing Joy. She defines joy as more than celebration and happiness, but also as wellness, beauty, and healing for oneself and across humanity. She shows how teaching from cultural and historical realities can enhance our efforts to cultivate identity, skills, intellect, criticality, and, indeed, joy for all students.