Orleans-Niagara Teacher Center

NETT 2025 Conference

Fellow educators, we are excited to invite you to the Orleans-Niagara Teacher Center’s annual NETT Technology Conference on August 19 at Niagara University! This year’s event features a dynamic keynote from best-selling author A.J. Juliani (Adaptable, among others), and promises a day full of inspiration and learning.

Here’s what’s included:

• 3 hands-on breakout sessions

• A delicious FREE lunch

• A copy of A.J. Juliani’s newest book

• Exciting prize giveaways 🎉

• 6 CTLE hours

All for only $30! Registration is now open. We hope to see you there!

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LITERACY CONTEST 2025: GET ACTIVE AND EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS!

On the evening of May 13, 2025, the Starpoint Fine Arts Center was filled with excitement and pride as over 400 students, families, and educators came together to celebrate the outstanding achievements of young writers at the annual Literacy Celebration, proudly sponsored by the Orleans-Niagara Teacher Center.

Each year, the Teacher Center—a New York State grant-funded organization dedicated to providing high-quality professional learning—hosts a literacy contest for students in grades K–8. This year’s inspiring theme, “Get Outdoors and Be Active!”, encouraged students to explore the joys and benefits of physical and mental wellness through outdoor activities.

Hundreds of imaginative entries were created, with students sharing personal stories about hiking with friends, sledding in winter, camping with family, biking through nature, and more. In total, 40 teachers from 10 school districts across Niagara and Orleans counties submitted their best students work, resulting in 147 exceptional entries. Students were invited to showcase their creativity in a format of their choosing—ranging from essays and electronic books to digital comic strips and multimedia slideshows. Each entry demonstrated impressive storytelling, originality, and writing skill.

The evening’s festivities began with an engaging keynote by local author and certified yoga instructor Mari Irwin, who captivated the audience with readings from her book “Yay for Yoga” and led the crowd in a series of calming relaxation techniques. Her interactive presentation set a joyful and reflective tone for the evening.

Following the keynote, students took the stage to proudly read their winning entries and receive certificates and prizes—including writing journals and creative design books. Their courage, enthusiasm, and talent were truly inspiring, and the room was filled with applause, laughter, and plenty of proud parents and teachers.

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NYS Teacher Center Network FREE Programs:

There are always free programs being offered by our statewide organization. Everything is online so teachers from across the state can participate. Click here to see the current offerings.

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