National Conference in Anaheim

April 15-18, 2026

Growing Together: Collective Insights for Lifelong Learning

Soak up the sunshine and inspiration at NSTA’s premier professional learning event of the spring! Set against the vibrant backdrop of Anaheim, California, NSTA ANA26 brings together science and STEM educators for four days of meaningful learning, collaboration, and growth. Whether you’re sparking curiosity in the classroom, leading professional development, shaping curriculum, or driving innovation across your district, you’ll leave with practical strategies, fresh perspectives, and lasting connections to support your professional journey. Join a vibrant community of educators as we grow together—because lifelong learning begins with collective insight.

Complimentary Grab & Go Breakfast

Fuel up for a great day of learning and connection! All conference attendees are welcome to enjoy a complimentary Grab & Go Breakfast on Thursday and Friday mornings, from 6:45 to 8:00 AM (location TBD). A variety of options will be available, including gluten-free and vegan-friendly choices.

Boxed Lunches Available for Purchase

Need a quick and convenient lunch option during the conference? Registered attendees can pre-order boxed lunches for Thursday and Friday for an additional fee—simply check the box during registration. Details about pickup time, location, and process will be shared prior to the conference.

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Conference Strands

Using Three- Dimensional Assessment to Evaluate Student Sensemaking

Sessions in this strand focus on strengthening educators’ understanding of assessment and enhancing their instructional practice. Explore the full spectrum of assessment design and implementation—from what constitutes three-dimensional assessment to using results to inform future learning.

Artificial Intelligence in Education

Explore “AI in Action” and its impact on science education. Sessions in this strand highlight practical and innovative ways AI is transforming instruction, curriculum, assessment, and student engagement, while offering tools, strategies, and guidance for real-world classroom use.

Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Sessions in this strand focus on ways educators can integrate the four pillars of sensemaking (phenomena, science and engineering practices, student ideas and science ideas) into their practice.

#Trending in Science Education

Explore timely and relevant topics in science and STEM education. Session topics in this strand include interdisciplinary teaching and learning, place-based or play-based approaches, storytelling to enhance science understanding, and participatory science—where students collect and analyze real-world data.

Leadership and Advocacy

For those leading beyond the classroom, this strand offers practical strategies, actionable insights, and forward-thinking guidance to advance science and STEM education and support success at the classroom, school, and system levels.

Teacher Well-Being in STEM

This strand focuses on educator well-being, offering strategies, tools, and practical guidance to help educators navigate the demands of the teaching profession while reclaiming time for themselves.

Lesson Showcase

This strand is exclusively for poster sessions. Designed as a collaborative “share-a-thon,” these posters highlight successful strategies and resources, often showcasing the before, during, and after stages of a lesson to give attendees a comprehensive overview.