SAVE THE DATE

VEA Summit on Educators of Color

"Be Empowered: Claim Your S.E.A.T. at the Table”

November 6-7, 2026

Hilton Fairfax, Virginia

This year, the Summit calls us to step fully into our voice, our leadership, and our agency. And when the table does not yet exist, or does not yet reflect us, part of our work is to bring our own table, make room for others, and build the spaces our students and our profession deserve, hence, claiming your S.E.A.T.: Solidarity, Empowerment, Action, and Transformation.

• Solidarity: Build authentic school and union communities with co-conspirators committed to racial and social justice. All are welcome as partners in this work.
• Empowerment: Lift up the stories and leadership of educators of color across every role to increase diversity and equip participants with the skills and confidence to show up fully.
• Action: Deliver sessions that are concrete and actionable. Participants should leave with the tools and next steps they can apply with a diverse group of students.
• Transformation: Disrupt inequitable practices and reimagine student learning environments, systems, and unions as places where educators of color move from presence to influence.

The purpose of the annual VEA Summit on Educators of Color is to foster a collaborative, supportive environment that empowers everyone in school communities to work together to advance racial and social justice in our schools.

Our Summit recognizes that every member of the school community is an educator. Teachers, counselors, school psychologists, bus drivers, cafeteria staff, custodians, IT professionals, paraprofessionals, and every role in between shape the experience of students, and every role belongs at this table. The Summit welcomes every member of the educational community who is dedicated to becoming their best for every child they serve, regardless of their identities

Conference Information:

Pricing

• Registration: Overnight/Commuter
  • The overnight registration fee includes conference sessions, materials, conference meals, and lodging for the night of November 6^th. Conference meals include Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, and lunch.
  • The commuter registration fee includes conference sessions, materials, and conference meals. Conference meals include Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, and lunch.
  • Certified Professional VEA/NEA member
    Overnight Rate – $150
    Commuter Rate – $100
  • Classified Education Support Professional, Retired, Aspiring Educator VEA/NEA member
    Overnight Rate – $75
    Commuter Rate – $50
  • Non-member
    Overnight Rate – $300
    Commuter Rate – $200

Location

• Hilton Fairfax 12777 Fair Lakes Circle, Fairfax, VA 22033

Refund Policy

• Any cancellations after Monday, October 5, 2026, will not be refunded.

Parking Information

• Parking at the Hilton Fairfax is complimentary.

Registration will run from August 17th ^_ October 2nd.

Mark your calendar to Claim Your S.E.A.T. at the Table!

Conference Agenda

Friday, November 6, 2026

4:30 pm – 9:00 pm | Check-In

6:30 pm – 7:30 pm | Dinner

7:00 pm – 8:30 pm | Opening Ceremony and Networking

8:30 pm – 9:30 pm | EOC Reception

Saturday, November 7, 2026

7:00 am – 8:00 am | Check-In

7:30 am – 8:25 am | Breakfast

8:30 am – 9:10 am | Opening Session

9:20 am – 10:30 am | First Breakout Session

10:40 am – 11:50 am | Second Breakout Session

12:00 pm – 1:40 pm | General Session, Lunch, and Keynote Address

1:50 pm – 3:00 pm | Third Breakout Session

3:10 pm – 3:30 pm | Closing and Plenary Session