The conversations... The strategies... The ideas... The networking… The sessions... The speakers... The tweets...

All of these ingredients and more make for what will be a thrilling and informative recipe in Austin at AMLE2016, the 43rd Annual Conference for Middle Level Education, October 9-12. 2016. Middle grades educators are critical participants in the kitchen of teaching and learning, and like all chefs, it’s vital for us to hone our skills, renew our passions, and develop professionally. Strong, responsive professional learning supports everything we do in our schools, and not only do we benefit and grow from it, but perhaps more importantly, our students gain and blossom as well.

With more than 500 sessions and 150 exhibits, AMLE2016 is powerful professional learning you can’t afford to miss. And you get to meet and learn from middle level education thought leaders like Rosalind Wiseman, Robert Balfanz, Rick Wormeli, Debbie Silver, Marcia Tate, Dave Burgess, and dozens more.

Conference attendees tell us:

The conference is chock full of sessions that are relevant to middle schools. If you're about improving middle schools, this is the conference you need to attend!

I learned more in two days, practical strategies to be able to put into practice immediately, than I have in years of PLC and other conferences. It was life-altering.

The conference was both encouraging and challenging. I came home not just with new information but with actual steps I can take to improve my teaching, leadership, and attitude.

As a new administrator, it was an amazing experience to be able to sit at the table with veterans with a broad range of knowledge and from varying regions of the country.

You can take a look at the full list of sessions, all of which are included with your registration. And we’re treating you to lunch on Monday and Tuesday.

It’s the best middle grades learning in the world, and it’s coming to Austin for the first time ever. We recommend that you bring a team to get the most of your experience while enjoying a discounted registration rate. If you’re in ESC 13 or 20, you get a great rate by registering directly through your ESC. Check your school calendar…many Texas school districts have a staff development or in-service day during this time.

AMLE2016 is designed to help you reach every student, grow professionally, and create a great school. We can’t wait to see you there!

April Tibbles is chief communications officer for the Association for Middle Level Education.