YOU Did It! The 2023 NAEYC Professional Learning Institute
YOU did it! Over 1,900 attendees took over the Pacific Northwest in Portland, Oregon, June 4–7, 2023, for the NAEYC Professional Learning Institute (PLI)! This was our second in-person PLI since the pandemic, and early childhood education (ECE) leaders once again demonstrated their commitment and dedication in a BIG way! With nearly 200 sessions, almost 300 presenters, and close to 50 exhibiting companies, there was a lot to learn and explore while networking with peers from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and five international countries.
The Institute kicked off with a warm welcome from members of the Oregon affiliate and an engaging opening keynote presentation by Matt Karlsen and Susan Harris MacKay from the Center for Playful Inquiry, who discussed how ECE professionals can advance environments that support joyful, equitable learning for all young children. From the start, attendees made connections and obtained professional development that strengthened their practice. Meeting rooms at both ends of the Oregon Convention Center were filled with attendees taking in the rich content that covered various topics such as leadership; educator preparation; diversity and equity; teaching and instructional practices; social and emotional development; advocacy and public policy; program administration, evaluation, and financial management; professionalism and ethics; and family engagement and support, to name just a few. The Institute concluded with an amazing closing session panel that highlighted Oregon’s journey in transforming early childhood education.
It was wonderful to see so many new faces along with familiar ones. This year, 61 percent of those who attended were first timers. We realize that it takes planning, money, and time on your part to attend our events, and we’re incredibly grateful for your support. Without you, we could not fulfill our collective mission: that every child thrives and learns in a society that’s dedicated to ensuring that they reach their full potential. The work you do every day is critically important and serves as the foundation for everything happening now and yet to come.
As you plan ahead, please save the date for our 2024 PLI in New Orleans, June 2–5. As you’ll see from the quotes from this year’s participants below, you won’t want to miss this opportunity! These gatherings allow you to connect with YOUR community of ECE leaders.
“I really enjoyed the amount of quality trainings that were offered. I often had difficult decisions trying to choose which training to attend because the options were so plentiful.”
“I appreciated being at a conference of this caliber and learning with peers.”
“Thank you for all your efforts in making this conference a success and re-igniting what it means to be early childhood educators.”
“It was a wonderful experience! I loved meeting new people, that had the same drive/passion as me in early childhood education!”
Thanks so much again for joining us this year. Your enthusiasm, drive, and determination are what keep our field moving forward!
