Future Teacher Conference
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Future Teacher Conference

February 6, 2026 | Registration 7 a.m. | Breakfast 7:30 a.m. | Welcome & Keynote 8:30 a.m. | Conference 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Registration is now open

Why attend?

  • Learn directly from current teachers, UNC faculty, and education experts
  • Explore different teaching careers and education programs
  • Connect with other students who are passionate about teaching and create lifelong professional friendships.
  • Get answers to your questions about college, programs, and teaching pathways
  • Meet future mentors and talk one-on-one with UNC faculty, current UNC students, state leaders, practicing teachers, and school leaders 
  • Leave with classroom-ready strategies and inclusive curriculum tips 

Win one of three $1,000 UNC scholarships to be awarded to attendees who will enroll at UNC in the fall of 2026

Who should attend?

This conference is designed for anyone exploring or pursuing a career in teaching — and those who support them!

Perfect for:

  • High school students considering education as a major
  • Community college students planning their next step
  • College transfer students interested in teacher preparation programs

Plus:
We offer a special session for teachers and parents who want to learn how to guide and inspire the next generation of educators.

Conference Announcements

2026 Keynote Speaker: Steve Spangler

Steve Spangler is a teacher, author, and business leader who loves science. TIME Magazine once named him one of the “most influential people of the year” because he works hard to inspire kids to become future scientists and engineers. He has been on TV more than 2,100 times and has won several Emmy awards. Steve was also a regular guest on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where Ellen called him “America’s Science Teacher.

Steve Spangler and Suzette Youngs are shooting out toilet paper confetti from a handheld cannon for the Future Teacher Conference to hype up the students in attendance

Scholarship Opportunities

UNC is excited to offer $1,000 scholarships to three Future Teacher Conference attendees who will enroll at UNC in the fall of 2026. Come to the Future Teacher Conference Feb. 6, 2026 for a chance to receive a scholarship*

*You must be present at the Future Teacher Conference on Feb. 6, 2026 to win. Students selected must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate teacher licensure program for Fall 2026 on the Greeley Campus to receive the scholarship

Future Teacher Conference 2024 Scholarship Winner

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis talks about the history of UNC’s Future Teacher Conference.

Hear from Polis as he speaks about the importance of teacher education in Colorado, and the Future Teacher Conference.

Why Attend UNC? Teaching is in our DNA

The University of Northern Colorado has been preparing aspiring educators for the classroom for over one-hundred years.

The Professors

Our experienced professors are passionate educators who are invested in preparing the next generation of leaders and teachers for the classroom.

Hands-On Experience

Our classroom observation and student-teaching programs provide applied classroom experience, preparing students for the real-world.

Looking for ways to get involved?

Once you become a bear