Future Teacher Conference
February 5, 2027 | Registration opens November, 2026 | Keynote speaker will be announced soon!
Celebrating 12 Years of Inspiring Future Educators
The University of Northern Colorado invites students, teachers, and parents to the 12th Annual Future Teacher Conference on February 5, 2027.
Keynote speaker to be announced soon!
Registration will open in November with all new exciting sessions and speakers!!!
The Conference brings together passionate pre-service teachers, experienced mentors, and education leaders for a day of practical learning, networking, and inspiration!
This FREE, one-day event is packed with hands-on activities and workshops to help you explore what it’s really like to be an educator.
You can keep the tabs for now as long as it is clear they are from last year.
Register for the Conference NOW!
View the 2025 Conference Video to get inspired!
Teaching is in our DNA! Founded as a Normal School in 1889, the University of Northern Colorado has produced thousands of graduates who have gone on to have successful careers in education. We are excited to host hundreds of students who share a similar passion for teaching and will shape the next generation of K-12 students.
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.
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.
Are you interested in supporting the next generation of Colorado teachers? Make a gift to the Future Teacher Conference Fund.
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.
11 years of Future Teacher Conference at UNC
2016
UNC Alumni, Ellen Clark, Altitude Elementary School
2017
Sean Wybrant, Colorado Teacher of the Year
2018
Senator Bennett
2018
Christina Randle, 2018 Colorado Teacher of the Year
2019
Margaret "Meg" Cypress, Colorado Teacher of the Year
2020
Tim Hernandez, UNC Student Body President & congressional intern for United States Senate
2022
Gerardo Muñoz, Colorado Teacher of the Year
2023
Mekialaya White, CBS Denver News Anchor, UNC alumnus
2024
Steve Spangler
2025
Jessica May, Colorado Teacher of the Year
2025
Ellen Clark, Altitude Elementary, Cherry Creek SD
2026
Steve Spangler
Why Attend UNC? Teaching is in our DNA
The Professors
Our experienced professors are passionate educators who are invested in preparing the next generation of leaders and teachers for the classroom.
Our Small Classes
Our small class sizes and 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio provide opportunities and resources for students to succeed in in their academic pursuits.
Hands-On Experience
Our classroom observation and student-teaching programs provide applied classroom experience, preparing students for the real-world.