I just got back from the NSTA area conference in Kansas City, Missouri, and I’d like to try presenting. My colleagues and I have some successful ideas we’d like to share, but I’m a little nervous about submitting a proposal and actually doing a presentation. Any suggestions?—Ally, Omaha, Nebraska
It’s ironic: we spend more than 180 days a year in front of students, but we get nervous in front of our peers. Sharing your experience and expertise is an important step in your own professional development. Teachers like to hear about practical, classroom-tested activities and strategies, and I’ve found most conference participants are attentive and courteous to the presenters.
Conference proposals are typically due several months before the conference to provide the organizers with time to select and schedule the sessions. Check the sponsoring organization’s website for proposal guidelines, deadlines, and the online submission process. If you’re thinking of future NSTA conferences, see the guidelines at Presenting at NSTA Conferences.

Conferences usually receive more proposals than there are time slots, so follow the guidelines to improve your chances of getting in the program. Depending on the organization, you’ll be asked to supply a title, a brief description for the program, and perhaps a longer abstract describing the session content and activities. Choose a topic relevant to participants that relates to the conference theme and national standards. If you describe a project specific to your school, try to show how it could be adapted to other schools, grade levels, or geographic regions. Use this year’s program for ideas for your title and description. Indicate the format of the presentation and whether there will be opportunities for discussion, hands-on activities, or demonstrations. Reflect on the sessions you attended. What made them successful? What would you have done differently?
There may also be a section for you to indicate what technology you need. Many conference venues are now providing LCD projectors, but you’ll probably have to bring your own laptop and speakers (if you need them). Be sure to bring any other cables or interfaces (such as the video adapter needed for a Mac–I’ve learned from experience) and an extension cord. Put your presentation on a flash drive in case you need to use someone else’s computer.
There seems to be a trend in recent years to cut back on handouts. Many presenters share a brief outline and direct participants to a website with other resources, reducing the amount of paper used. If you do need large handouts or materials for a hands-on activity, consider shipping them to your hotel ahead of time if you’re getting to the conference by plane or train. A wheeled suitcase can be used to transport materials to and from the conference venue.
If you use photographs or videos of students or colleagues, be sure you have the appropriate release forms. Also document your sources if you cite published information or use “borrowed” materials. Allow enough time for questions or comments.
If you’re co-presenting with colleagues, determine who will do each part and how to transition between presenters. Before the conference, do a dress rehearsal to finalize the time and flow of the presentation. Perhaps you could do this at a faculty or department meeting to get feedback from other teachers (think of it as a formative assessment).
Most organizations do not compensate the presenters, and you’ll be required to register for the conference. Be sure you and your co-presenters can get release time for the conference and ask if the school can assist with expenses.
Presenting at a conference is a professional accomplishment. After your session, prepare a brief summary to share with your school administrators or for the school newsletter. Include the title of the session, the date, and the location of the conference on your vita.
Remember, don’t despair if your proposal is not accepted. (I have a folder full of “we’re sorry” notes). It’s a challenge for the program committee to review and prioritize thousands of proposals. You can revise the proposal and resubmit at a later time or to a different conference.
Last year I presented at a national conference, and it was a great experience. My colleagues and I enjoyed collaborating on the presentation, and once the initial jitters were over, we relaxed and had some good discussions with the participants. It was gratifying when several of them came up to us afterward and said, “This is exactly what we needed. Thank you.”