Inspiring! Rejuvenating! Transformative! These are some of the words attendees used to describe the inaugural National Teacher Institute (NTI) convened last year by the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE). That is why anticipation is building for NTI 2025 that will convene in Atlanta GA from June 22-26, 2025 at the Atlanta Airport Marriott Hotel.
In America’s classrooms today, teachers have become an endangered species. While few are pursuing teaching as a career, veteran educators and newcomers are leaving the profession in droves. That is why those hearty men and women who continue to serve school-age children each and every day deserve respect and appreciation. The storms they are weathering exceed the bounds of reason in too many instances; yet, they persist. Why? They know that the scholars they serve are depending upon the stability they provide, the encouragement they extend, and the skills they impart. These are the kinds of educators who can benefit most from the overall goal of NTI 2025: “To reaffirm the dignity of teaching.”
The NTI 2025 agenda will not only feature motivational presentations by distinguished educators, but opportunities to engage in reflective activities designed to relieve individual stress and refresh mindsets. Dialogue on critical issues, skill-building in literacy, numeracy and project-based learning, as well as self-care activities, are part of the comprehensive agenda. One special feature will be a visit to Clark Atlanta University, this year’s HBCU partner. For the second consecutive year, 21st Century Education is the sole sponsor of NTI 2025.
Participation in NTI 2025 is limited to 100 educators. All registrants will be issued CEU certificates. Registration includes 1-2 meals per day. According to Angela Bowman, NTI 2025 program coordinator, “This year’s NTI is an excellence-driven event, designed by teachers for teachers.” Bowman is an Intervention Specialist in the Cleveland (OH) Metropolitan School District.
Shawn McKay, a Pre-K teacher in Baltimore (MD) City Schools, is also the chair of NABSE’s Instruction & Instructional Support Commission. “I expect this year’s NTI to exceed last year’s; and that’s really saying something.” McKay, a member of the NTI 2025 Steering Committee, believes that “NABSE must be more responsive to the needs of today’s teachers. We are facing challenges that can and should be addressed routinely at our local, regional and national conferences.”
In preparation for a new academic year that may be fraught with uncertainty, NTI 2025 Steering Committee Convenor, Dr. Patricia A. Ackerman, says, “This year’s NTI event will be both a mirror and a lens for all who participate. NABSE is pleased to offer a deeply meaningful and powerful response to a plethora of realities impacting educators today.”
Register for NTI 2025 at: NABSE.org/NTI
