The 2024 NEA National Leadership Summit in Chicago – March 1-3.
The 2024 NEA National Leadership Summit in Chicago was an empowering gathering of over 1,600 educators committed to shaping the future of public education. Under the theme "Education. Democracy. Freedom. Our Right! Our Responsibility," the event was designed to develop activist leaders, enriching them with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for leading thriving associations and excelling professionally.
Structured around the NEA Leadership Competency Framework's seven domains, advocacy, communication, governance and leadership, leading our professions, organizing, social-emotional intelligence and strategy, and fiscal health, the Summit offered interactive breakout sessions, focusing on leadership development. Highlights included three inspiring plenary sessions that aligned with President Pringle’s campaign to Promote, Protect, and Strengthen Public Education, featuring notable advocates and leaders who shared their insights and experiences.
Participants also engaged in competency-based content sessions, caucus and council meetings, and state connection sessions, providing ample opportunities for focused leadership discussions and networking. Special mentions go to early bird sessions that previewed the NEA 2023-2024 Strategic Vision, setting a forward-looking tone for the event.
The Summit celebrated the collective power of educators through personal stories from NEA Member Influencers, networking opportunities, and the support of premier sponsors like NEA Member Benefits and Mind Springs. Our gratitude extends to the Illinois Education Association and the retired volunteers who contributed to the Summit's success.
In summary, the 2024 NEA National Leadership Summit was more than a conference; it was a transformative experience for educators, highlighting the importance of leadership and collaboration in the quest to strengthen public education.