How to Register
Teacher Scholarships and Registration
Through the generosity of our conference underwriters, scholarship sponsors, and scholarship partners, every teacher at the Jump$tart NEC attends on a scholarship that covers full conference participation and materials; two nights (November 6 and 7) in a private room at the Gaylord; and six conference meals from Friday night through Sunday lunch, plus refreshment breaks. Scholarships are strictly non-transferable. First-round scholarship recipients will be notified by September 8, 2026. Please follow “Next Steps” below. Teachers who have received a scholarship from one of our official scholarship partners, as well as our 2026 Teacher Ambassadors, should also follow “Next Steps.”
Wait-Listed Scholarship Applicants will be notified by September 8 that they were not selected in the first round, but may remain on the waitlist for openings. Important: you must respond to the notice to confirm that you wish to remain on the waitlist. Openings will be filled on a rolling basis – that is, once we receive word that a scholarship recipient does not plan to accept his or her scholarship, we will fill the opening right away; but do keep in mind that first-round scholarship recipients have until September 18 to confirm. If you are awarded a scholarship in the second round, follow “Next Steps” at that time and pay close attention to the deadline provided when you are notified of your scholarship. Please note: there is no self-pay option for teacher attendees. Once all the scholarships are awarded, the conference will be at space capcity.
Next Steps
- Read through this online brochure.
- Review your schedule, travel plans, and any restrictions that might affect your ability to attend the Jumpstart NEC November 6 – 8, 2026, in Aurora, Colorado. Be sure you have approval to attend before beginning the registration process.
- To accept your scholarship, complete the conference registration using the link provided in your scholarship award message.
- Be prepared to make a $100 credit or debit card deposit when you register. The deposit is refunded in full shortly after the conference ends, provided you attend the entire conference.
- Register and pay $300 for your adult guest (optional) at the time you register for the conference. Please see “Guest Registration” for more information.
- Reserve extra hotel room nights (optional) at the time you register for the conference. Your scholarship covers the hotel room for the nights of November 6 and 7. If you need your hotel room before and/or after those nights, the cost of $257 per night plus fees and taxes will be your responsibility, but Jump$tart will make the reservation for you as part of your conference registration.
- Select three breakout sessions.
- For first-round scholarship recipients, the deadline to register is September 18, 2026. For wait-listed applicants selected in the second round, please pay close attention to the deadline provided at the time you are notified of your scholarship.
Guest Registration
Registered conference attendees may purchase a Guest Badge for their spouse or other adult companion. Your registered guest is invited to accompany you to all Jump$tart NEC meal events and the Exhibit Hall. Due to space limitations, Guest Badges do not provide access to plenary, breakout, or pre-conference sessions, and may not be used by educators who were not awarded a scholarship for the purpose of attending conference sessions.
If you wish to purchase a Guest Badge, please do so when you register for the conference. There are a limited number of Guest Badges available and they will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Guest Badges cannot be purchased onsite at the conference. Please note that Jump$tart NEC events are not intended for children.
General Information for All Participants
Located in Aurora, CO, just outside Denver, the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center combines Colorado’s natural beauty with modern amenities and exceptional hospitality. With inspiring views of the Rocky Mountains, outstanding conference facilities, and unique onsite experiences, the resort offers an unforgettable setting for learning and networking. Learn more about the Gaylord here, but do not use this link to make your hotel room reservation. Teachers reserve their hotel rooms – including extra nights – through conference registration; exhibitors and other participants should use the link provided by Jump$tart.
The Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, located at 6700 North Gaylord Rockies Boulevard, Aurora, CO 80019, is 6.3 miles from the Denver International Airport (DEN). Conference attendees are responsible for arranging their own ground transportation and are encouraged to consider using Ride Share Apps (Lyft/Uber), taxis, or Shared Van/Shuttles. Visit the DEN website for further guidance. Valet and self-parking are available at the Gaylord, but are not included in the scholarships.
Business casual attire is appropriate for all participants throughout the conference. For the welcome reception and dinner on Friday night, casual with a western flair, if that’s your preference. On Saturday night, come dressed for an “indoor snowball fight” in your best “après ski” attire. All Jump$tart NEC events will be inside the hotel.
Aurora’s fall weather is typically crisp and comfortable – but known to change quickly. Daytime temperatures in late October and early November generally range from the mid-50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, with cooler mornings and evenings often dipping into the 30s. The region enjoys many sunny days, but occasional rain or early-season snow is possible, especially with Colorado’s unpredictable mountain weather. While all NEC activities will be indoors, consider the weather if you plan to explore the resort and surrounding areas and check a weather service such as www.weather.com before you pack.
The Gaylord Rockies Resort sits at an elevation of approximately 5,400 feet above sea level. If you’re traveling from a lower elevation, you may notice mild effects such as shortness of breath, fatigue, headaches, or lightheadedness as your body adjusts. To help you feel your best, drink plenty of water, take it easy during your first day, and remember that alcohol may affect you more quickly at higher altitudes. Staying well-hydrated and getting adequate rest will help you enjoy your conference experience.
The Jump$tart NEC Social Media Wall will be up and running — and just waiting for your posts!
From November 5 through November 8, post to your own Facebook and/or X accounts using the hashtag #JumpstartNEC and tag us @Jumpstart1995 so your post will appear on the social media wall onsite at the conference. Start with your travel pics on November 5 and 6, then your conference experiences throughout the weekend. Important: To appear on our social media wall, your posts must be set to allow public viewing. Additionally, posts made to the Jump$tart Teacher Group on Facebook or any other membership group will not appear due to the privacy restrictions.
Get Help
Before the Conference
- Dan Hebert, senior director of education, can help with most anything – especially teacher scholarships and registration. Conference presenters can reach out to Dan regarding their role in the program.
- Joel Chrisler, director of teacher engagement and support, can help prepare you to attend, especially if you’re a first-timer. Joel, a former teacher himself, attended the very first NEC – he’s definitely the one who can help you find your way.
- Stacey Gardiner, events and special services manager, runs the exhibit hall and is exhibitors’ go-to resource.
- Not sure whom you need? Contact us at info@jumpstart.org and we’ll get you to someone who can help.
- Jump$tart National Board Members: please look for information on your Board website or contact Laura Levine.
Onsite at the NEC
- Our conference chatbot Flip can answer most questions on the spot. Watch for a text from Flip just before the conference. When you get to the Gaylord, ask him, “What time is breakfast?,” “Where is the dinner event?” (You can even ask him to tell you a joke.)
- Come to the conference registration table or look for Jump$tart Team Members on the premises. We’re easy to spot (especially when Dan dresses us funny.)
- And don’t forget to use this online brochure, too!