LSU to Host Louisiana Association of Future Educators State Conference

October 12, 2026

BATON ROUGE, LA — In partnership with the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) and the Louisiana Association of Future Educators (LAFE), Louisiana State University will host the LAFE State Conference on March 12, 2027, for a day of learning, networking and competition for high school and college students who aspire to be the next generation of educators in Louisiana.

The conference theme will be "Kuleana: Our Responsibility, Our Calling, Our Students." Attendees will have valuable opportunities to learn directly from real teachers and education experts while building meaningful professional networks. The experience also provides professional development hours, strengthens résumés for college applications and offers benefits that extend beyond academics by supporting students socially and preparing them for long-term success in their education career. 

“Louisiana’s future depends on having exceptional teachers in every classroom, and as the state’s flagship university, LSU has a responsibility to help recruit, prepare and support the educators who will lead that future," said LSU College of Human Sciences & Education Dean Roland Mitchell. "Our Tiger Teacher Corps is thrilled to welcome this exceptional group of high school and teacher preparation students to campus, students who are already demonstrating the intelligence, creativity and dedication it takes to be great educators. This conference is special because it brings together high school and college students, our incredible faculty, as well as the best teachers in the state in one place, at one time. We want these future educators to leave LSU not only inspired to teach but knowing that they have our collective support every step of the way.” 

"The Louisiana Department of Education is proud to support the Louisiana Association of Future Educators State Conference in inspiring and empowering the next generation of educators," Arthur M. Joffrion, Jr., EdD, Deputy Assistant Superintendent of Educator Talent and Workforce Development in the Louisiana Department of Education, said. "Together, we are investing in the future of Louisiana’s students and schools. 

“LAFE is proud to partner with LSU to welcome 1,000 aspiring educators from across Louisiana for the 2027 Louisiana Association of Future Educators State Conference,” Aimee Barber, EdD, state director of Louisiana Association of Future Educators, said. “Together, we are creating an experience that showcases the power, purpose and prestige of the teaching profession and inspires the next generation to choose Louisiana classrooms as the place where they will make a difference. There is no greater investment in our state’s future than investing in the young people who will become our next generation of educators, and LSU is demonstrating its commitment to doing just that.” 

Important

  1. All participants must register in advance.
  2. For school group registration, all students must obtain parental or guardian permission to attend. It is the responsibility of school staff to obtain permission for each student. The following policies apply to student attendance. Advisors should provide the following statements, policy statements and links when gathering permission and consent for the conference.
  3. Space is limited; register early.
  4. Advisors register students as a group using the LAFE Conference Attendee Information file. See Step 1 under How to Register for details.

Registration Fees

One sponsor registration fee will be waived for every ten students registered and paid. 

How to Register

For Individuals

  1. Complete online registration: Open the online registration link and respond to the questions. Download the LSU Photo/Video Release Form, sign and upload with your registration.
  2. Complete payment: Individuals may pay using online payment link: coming soon.

For School Groups

  1. Complete the Student Information Form: Download and fill out the Student Information Form for all attendees, students and chaperones from your school or district. This file will include student names, grade levels, accommodations and contact details for conference planning and accommodations. Download the LSU Photo/Video Release Form and have students and their parents sign; all attendees, including chaperones, will need to sign as well.
  2. Complete Online Registration: Once your Student Information Form (linked above) is complete, open the online registration link. Respond to the questions and upload the Student Information Form file and completed LSU Photo/Video Release Forms.
  3. Complete Payment: After registration confirmation, you will receive an invoice. A check for the total amount made payable to Louisiana State University and mailed to: 
    • Attn: Henri Smith
    • Re: Louisiana Association of Future Educators State Conference
    • 50 Field House Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70803

Advisors must complete all steps for registration to be finalized.

 

Confirmation

After completing registration, you will receive a confirmation email with: 

  1. An invoice with registration total (schools only)
  2. Parking and check-in instructions
  3. Finalized conference schedule and session details
  4. Lunch and networking information 

Lunch and Accommodations

Attendees will have time for lunch on their own. A list of lunch options are listed here. Accessibility accommodations are available. Contact aboque2@lsu.edu by January 15, 2026, for assistance.

The Louisiana Association of Future Educators (LAFE), in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Education and LSU, invites educators, teacher leaders, higher education faculty and staff, education partners, and aspiring educators to submit session proposals for the 2027 LAFE State Conference, held March 12, 2027, on LSU’s Baton Rouge campus.

The statewide conference will bring together approximately 1,000 aspiring educators from across Louisiana, along with practicing educators and education leaders, for a day of learning, networking and professional growth. The 2027 conference theme is “Kuleana: Our Responsibility, Our Calling, Our Students.”

We are seeking engaging, practical and interactive sessions that strengthen the teaching profession and provide participants with strategies, resources and ideas they can apply in their classrooms, preparation programs, schools and professional practice. Proposals may address topics such as teaching and instruction, classroom management and student engagement, special education and inclusive practices, technology and AI, educator wellness, career preparation, mentoring and coaching, teacher leadership, advocacy, educator recruitment, and emerging practices.

Proposals should align with one of three conference strands:

  • Future Educators — High school students exploring teaching and preparing for the pathway into teacher education
  • Aspiring Educators — Teacher preparation students preparing for clinical experiences, certification, employment and entry into the profession
  • Practicing Educators — Current teachers seeking to strengthen classroom practice, collaboration, professional growth and sustainability

Session formats may include Interactive Workshops, Practice in Action, Panels/Conversations, Research to Practice, Innovation Spotlights, and Student Voice/Student-Led Sessions.

Presenters should be prepared to actively engage participants and provide a practical resource, strategy, tool or takeaway. Submitting a proposal does not guarantee acceptance. Selected presenters must register for and attend the LAFE State Conference.

Submit Proposals

Purpose
The LAFE State Conference competitions provide aspiring educators with opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge, creativity, communication, leadership, and teaching skills. This toolkit is designed to help teachers and advisors guide students through the competition preparation process and support their success.

Timeline

10/19/26 Registration Opens
10/30/26 Competitions Released
11/1/26 LAFE Fees Due
11/20/26 Recommended Teacher Pre-Judge
12/1/26 Competition Submission Portal Opens
1/15/27 Registration Fees Due; Competition Submissions Due
2/1/27 PDK/Educators Rising Membership Deadline
3/12/27 LAFE State Conference

 

  1. Explore Competition Opportunities
    Help students identify competitions that align with their interests, strengths and career goals
    1. Competitions List
    2. Competitions Rubrics
    3. Review the available competitions and eligibility requirements.
    4. Discuss competition expectations in the rubrics and required deliverables.
    5. Encourage students to select competitions that challenge their abilities.
    6. Review the official competition guidelines and scoring rubrics together.
  2. Develop a Preparation Plan
    Establish a timeline that allows students to prepare, practice and revise their work before the conference.
    Phase Suggested Teacher Support
    Explore Review competition options, rules, and rubrics.
    Plan Establish goals, deadlines, and preparation schedules.
    Develop Guide students as they create competition materials.
    Prejudge & Practice Facilitate mock presentations and provide feedback.
    Refine Help students strengthen submissions using the rubric.
    Compete Confirm readiness and encourage student confidence.

     

  3. Provide Meaningful Feedback
    Use competition rubric throughout preparation rather than waiting until the final submission.
    1. Encourage students to:
      1. Explain their decisions and demonstrate understanding.
      2. Connect their work to effective teaching practices.
      3. Communicate ideas clearly and professionally.
      4. Incorporate feedback while maintaining ownership of their work.
      5. Practice responding to questions from judges.
    2. Teacher Tip: Invite other educators, school leaders or community members to serve as mock judges.
  4. Prepare for Competition Day
    Before arriving at the conference, verify that students have:
    1. Completed competition registration
    2. Reviewed all competition rules and requirements
    3. Submitted required materials by the deadline.
      1. PDF of the document required for pre-judging
      2. YouTube video link of audio/visual
    4. Practiced their presentation or competition activity
    5. Prepared necessary supplies and materials
    6. Reviewed professional dress expectations
    7. Confirmed their competition time and location.
  5. Reflect and Celebrate
    Following the conference, provide opportunities for students to reflect on their experiences, celebrate their accomplishments and identify skills they can continue to develop as future educators.

COMPETITION RESOURCES

 

Remember: The goal of competition preparation is not simply to win. It is to help aspiring educators develop the knowledge, confidence, and professional skills needed to become effective teachers.