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The 15th Annual Teacher 2 Teacher Conference

(Saturday) October 11, 2025
8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Popp-Martin Student Union (8845 Craver Rd, Charlotte, NC 28223)

The $40.00 Registration fee includes parking, lunch, and a full-day of professional development!

*No registration fee(s) will be refunded for cancellations.

2025-2026 Conference Theme: Celebrate and elevate education

The Cato College of Education is pleased to present its 15th Annual Teacher 2 Teacher Conference. The purpose of this conference is to provide affordable yet meaningful professional development opportunities to North Carolina educators. This mini-conference is designed by teachers for teachers. P-12 teachers and administrators are invited to participate as well as present at the conference.

Participants are eligible to receive 0.5 continuing education units (CEUs) or 5 hours of contact towards professional certification. Additionally, even if you’ve never presented at a conference before or led a professional development, don’t be afraid to submit a proposal using if you feel you have a valuable message to share with your peers!

This year’s conference theme “Celebrate and Elevate Education” aims to:

Celebrate and elevate teacher voices and best practices
Provide professional learning across grade levels and content areas
Foster collaboration across schools, districts, and universities
Strengthen connections between pre-service, beginning, and veteran educators, and their administrators

Introducing our Keynote Speaker: Ericia turner

Ericia Turner, a true visionary and trailblazer, has left an indelible mark on the world of education and athletics. Hailing from Sherrills Ford, NC; she resides with her two children, Jerron and Trevion, as well as her father, who she cares for. Ericia’s journey began as a dedicated teacher and coach, igniting a passion for empowering students on and off the field. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Ericia rose through the ranks, becoming the Executive Director of Athletics for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. Her extensive background in education has allowed her to make a positive impact on the lives of students and athletes, fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment.

Ericia is highly educated, having received both a B.S. and M.S. Degrees in Physical Education from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and holds an Ed.S Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Currently, she is enrolled in the Doctoral program at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro to further enhance her knowledge and expertise in the field of education.

Ericia currently leads an extensive interscholastic athletic program, managing the planning and execution of athletic activities for 21 high schools and 47 middle schools, encompassing approximately 10,000 student-athletes. Erica’s innovative initiatives include the development of a District Wide Student Athlete Advisory Council, the execution of the first District Wide Athletic Leadership Symposium. Her financial acumen is demonstrated by her effective management of a $6.9 million budget as the Executive Director of Athletics. Ericia’s excellence in educational leadership has been recognized with numerous awards, including the North Carolina Athletic Director of the Year (NCADA) in 2024, the NCHSAA Charlie Adams Distinguished Service Award in 2023, and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Principal of the Year in 2020 and the North Carolina Southwest Regional Principal of the Year (2021).

In addition to her career in education, Ericia received her Ordination in November 2024 from the Gold Hill Missionary Baptist Association(New Zion Baptist Church, Spindale, NC) in November 2024, She serves an Associate Minister at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Hickory, NC, where she actively contributes to the spiritual development of the community. She serves under the leadership of Pastor Steve L. Caldwell, Sr. Recently, Ericia embarked on a new venture as the CEO and Founder of Ericia R. Turner Executive Coaching and Leadership Development, LLC. She is a certified Master Level Executive Coach. Through her coaching, she has inspired individuals to strive for greatness and embrace their full potential. Ericia’s impact extends far beyond the real of education. She is a mentor, a motivator, and a rue champion of community engagement. Her tireless efforts have earned her recognition and accolades, solidifying her status as a role model for aspiring leaders.

Special Offer from the Charlotte Writing Project

As part of your Teacher 2 Teacher Conference registration, you’re invited to bring your child(ren) to participate in engaging writing-focused activities at no additional cost while you attend sessions. Hosted by the Charlotte Writing Project, this special October 11th program launches their 2025 Write Out program, a nationwide celebration in which kids and families step outside of classrooms to explore the world through place-based writing and creativity. Space is limited to 25 (K-8), so sign up today to secure your spot.