Hey y’all, I’m back from a whirlwind crazy trip! If you’ve been following along, then you know I recently spent some time with my family in Branson, MO. {You can read all about that adventure, here!} I spent about an hour at home, and then I headed to the airport for an evening flight to Washington, D.C! I’ve spent the past week photographing the National Network of State Teachers of the Year {NNSTOY} National Conference. It was such a great time, and I was so honored to get to work alongside the nation’s best. It was incredible to see so many top educators join together in the nation’s capital to better our education and future. Go ahead and take a look at the week’s events! {P.S. I’ll be “narrating” throughout so you don’t get lost!}

xoxo,
Haley Nicole

The day before the conference was an extra bonus day. If attendees arrived early they could participate in different service day projects.

The evening’s reception was extra fun as the educators divided into their home states. It was total chaos for a little bit, but LOTS of state spirit!

Day 2 was the first official day of the conference, and we heard from several great speakers during the day.

One of my personal favorite experiences was getting to hear Stephen Ritz speak. He has been recognized as a top global teacher, and I am so honored to have heard him speak. The work this man is doing in the Bronx is absolutely incredible and mind blowing. If you are looking for a program to sponsor check out the Green Bronx Machine. They are literally changing lives of students and an entire community. You can check out their website, here! P.S. That crazy cheese shaped cowboy hat… both Oprah and President Clinton have worn it.

The evening’s reception included some AMAZING spoken word poetry.

The DJ for the night was Beauty and the Beats. She is a student from D.C. She started DJing at the age of six, and she has played at the White House for President Obama.

Day 3 included more engaging speakers and an exclusive night at National Geographic!

These educators are SO much fun! 

This incredible shark specialist came and spoke to us. She had such an amazing story!

Day 4 was the last official day of the conference. To start, we had a high school student from Baltimore come and speak. See if you can find her in the crowd below!

Lots of hands-on workshops on day 4!

Educators learning how to share their voice using LIVE video during a Microsoft workshop.

We were honored to hear from another spoken word poet during lunch!

Final breakout groups to bring this incredible conference to an end.

#TeachersLeading