Invitation from NMSA Executive Director

On behalf of the staff and Board of Trustees of National Middle School Association, I would like to cordially invite you to join other middle level educators in Making a World of Difference by attending our 36th Annual Conference and Exhibit, which will be held November 5-7, 2009, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Historically, NMSA's Annual Conference and Exhibit has been a forum for learning, exchanging strategies and best practices, and challenging and inspiring ourselves and others. For all who are engaged daily in the important work of effectively educating young adolescents, this is the conference for you.

Middle level education is at the center of research and discussions around student success, and we all must be part of those conversations. From the Robert Balfanz/Johns Hopkins research on the sixth grade indicators of student success and connections to dropout prevention to the recent ACT research on the critical connection between eighth grade education and student success in college and in the world of work, middle level education is highlighted as essential. This conference will provide the opportunity to learn, to share, and to connect.

Our staff and dozens of educators have carefully planned NMSA09 over the past two years to include two powerful general sessions, 400 featured and topical sessions, school visits, action labs, and an exhibit hall featuring a one-of-a-kind 21st Century Classroom, and more than 450 booths.

Please join us in Indianapolis for three full days of best practices, research, and professional learning designed for everyone involved in middle level education.

Betty Edwards, Ed.D
Executive Director