The 2024 National Charter Schools Conference in Boston brought together over 4,300 charter school leaders, educators, and advocates for four days to feel a sense of community and our collective power. Attendees left the conference engaged in their work and knowledgeable of the importance and potential of advocacy. The four-day conference featured an empowering lineup of keynote speakers.
Keynote Highlights
On the first full day of the conference, emcee Chris De La Cruz kicked off the opening general session, followed by remarks from Boston-area Congressman Stephen Lynch on his experience as a charter school founder. Next, Chairman of the Board Rick Cruz introduced the National Alliance’s Incoming President and CEO Starlee Coleman. Starlee shared her vision for the national charter school movement as she prepares to help us win. Acclaimed theoretical neuroscientist Dr. Vivienne Ming closed out the opening general session by inspiring us to reimagine how to educate the next generation.
The second general session opened with charter school advocates from all parts of the sectors, including Rising Leaders Maya Maliakal and Nathan “Myztik” Duguid, parent and DC Public Charter School Board Member Lea Crusey, and former charter school teacher and MIT graduate David Spicer.
Then, Interim President & CEO Eric Paisner introduced former President & CEO Nina Rees as she accepted her well-earned induction into the Charter School Hall of Fame. To close out Day 2 of the general session, keynote speaker Spencer Russell shared his story as an educator, struggling to teach his kindergarteners and first graders how to read until he had a breakthrough. The Founder of Toddlers CAN Read and recipient of the prestigious Harriett Ball Teacher Excellence Award dove deep into five strategies for transforming our relationships with families to ensure success for children in reading and beyond.
Advocacy
Breakout sessions led by National Alliance staff provided insight into our advocacy efforts and highlighted critical issues affecting the charter school community. Senior Director of Policy, Research, and Evaluation Drew Jacobs and Senior Vice President of Communications Debbie Veney provided a preview of the upcoming enrollment report and dove into the factors driving the continued growth of charter schools and high parent demand.
Renita Thukral, Senior Advisor of Legal Affairs, and Rob Reed, Vice President of Legal Affairs, led a session focusing on emerging legal issues impacting the national charter school community. They covered significant topics including the Oklahoma Supreme Court decision, the recently-released Title IX rules from the US Department of Education, and pending constitutional challenges to public charter school statutes in various states.
Exhibit Hall and Special Features
The Exhibit Hall was a hub of activity. Popular features like the free headshot bar, massages, therapy puppies, and the Golden Ticket game were back! At our booth, attendees weighed in on critical issues in public education today and pledged to be an education voter. At the Learning Lab, attendees heard on vital topics such as teacher retention, navigating the fiscal cliff, nurturing student mental health, and refining your school’s brand. The Quiet Room provided an area away from the busy conference and into a calming space with comfortable seating and art supplies.
New this year, the Book Nook—a pop-up book shop with fun, educational reads for purchase and featuring several book signings—proved to be a big hit! Also new this year, our attendees got their fitness fix by visiting our pickleball court and cornhole station at the Exhibit Hall Playground and by joining our Morning Fitness Classes for a yoga session or a fun run.
Thank You to Our Sponsors, Exhibitors, and Attendees
The 2024 National Charter Schools Conference in Boston, Massachusetts, brought together thousands of charter school leaders, educators, and advocates for an inspiring and impactful four-day event.
A special thanks to our sponsors, exhibitors, and to the 4,300 attendees for making this event memorable and for their continued dedication to advancing the charter school movement.
We look forward to seeing everyone next year in Orlando, June 29-July 2!
Daniel Tellez is the manager of marketing at the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.
