NCTEAR 2027 Conference
“Radical Possibilities and Revolutionary Love: Honoring the Literacies and Legacy of Dr. Ernest Morrell”
February 5 - 7, 2027
Berkeley School of Education, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
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NCTEAR Travel Award

The newly established NCTEAR Award Committee invites applications for Travel Awards of $500 to support two graduate students presenting at the 2027 NCTEAR Conference in alignment with the theme. These awards recognize promising graduate students whose paper contributes meaningfully to the conference theme.
Thank you to Sarah J. McCarthey, who has made lasting contributions to literacy education through her scholarship, mentorship, teaching, and philanthropy. A leading literacy scholar, her research has advanced understandings of writing instruction and students’ identities as readers and writers across diverse K–12 contexts. Her commitment extends across the educational community—from supporting practicing teachers and innovative classroom projects to mentoring generations of graduate students and providing scholarships and fellowships for undergraduate and doctoral students. Over the past two years, she has also generously supported NCTEAR graduate students through contributions to travel awards, helping emerging scholars participate in and contribute to our professional community. We are deeply grateful to have a mentor, scholar, teacher, and colleague whose generosity and commitment continue to support the next generation of educators and literacy scholars.
​Applicant Criterion
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​Applicants must:
  • Be a graduate student currently enrolled in a doctoral program.
  • ​Be able to articulate the connection between proposal submission and the conference theme.
  • Not have received a previous NCTEAR Travel Award.
Only applicants whose proposals are accepted for presentation at the 2027 NCTEAR Conference are eligible to accept the award. 
Application Materials
All materials must be submitted by the applicant as a single PDF file, titled with the applicant’s full name. The packet must include the following, in order:
  • Letter of Interest (no more than 500 words) that: 
    • Confirms the applicant is a current graduate student and has not previously received the Travel Award
    • Describes how the applicant’s paper aligns with the 2027 NCTEAR Conference theme
    • Explains how the funds will be used to support your attendance at the conference
  • ​A current CV, limited to no more than 2 pages
Only complete applications will be reviewed.

Due Date: September 18, 2026
Submissions & Inquiries

Please submit your complete application packet here.

Questions can be directed to:
Dr. Kierstin Giunco
Chair, NCTEAR Travel Awards Committee
Email: [email protected]

Applicants will receive confirmation of submission and will be notified of award decisions after November 15, 2026.

Questions? Contact us at [email protected]