Great books, big ideas, and a little Philly flavor. Here’s what you won’t want to miss in the City of Brotherly Love.

A city with a story to tell

With its rich literary history, historic landmarks, and independent bookstores, Philadelphia is a perfect place for English Language Arts (ELA) educators to gather. From Edgar Allen Poe’s former home to rare literary treasures, the City of Brotherly Love has plenty to offer anyone who loves a good story.

The 2026 NCTE Annual Convention takes place November 19-22 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, bringing ELA educators from across the country together to share ideas, connect with colleagues, and celebrate the power of literacy.

Between conference sessions, be sure to carve out some time to explore the city! We’ve rounded up Carnegie Learning’s sessions and activities you won’t want to miss, along with some of Philadelphia’s best literary landmarks, local eats, and hidden gems.

Find us where great stories begin

Stop by booth #731 to meet the Carnegie Learning team and explore Lenses on Literature^®, our 2026 CODiE Award-winning, all-green EdReports-rated secondary English Language Arts curriculum.

We're bringing plenty of opportunities to connect, share ideas, and talk all things literacy. Here's what we've got planned:

Talk That Grows: Building Purposeful Student Discourse

Friday, November 20 | 2–2:30 p.m. | Room 113-A

How do we move students beyond simply participating in discussions to engaging in purposeful academic discourse? Explore student-set discussion goals, try ready-to-use strategies, and discover how intentional conversations can build student ownership, confidence, and deeper thinking.

The Debate Playground: How Silly Topics Build Serious Speaking Skills

Friday, November 20 | 10:30 AM | Booth #731

Saturday, November 21 | 4:00 PM | Booth #731

Sunday, November 22 | 9:00 AM | Booth #731

Who says debates have to be serious to build serious skills? Discover how silly topics and low-stakes argumentation help students practice constructing claims, defending their reasoning, listening actively, and responding to different perspectives without the pressure of grades or academic content.

Novel Giveaways: A New Chapter for Your Classroom Library

Saturday, November 21 | Noon–3:30 p.m. | Booth #731

There's always room for one more book on the shelf. Stop by for our novel giveaways featuring titles for grades 6–12, including The Poet X, Rebound, Persepolis, and Emma. Giveaways begin at noon, with the final giveaway at 3:30 p.m. Supplies are limited!

Let's talk literacy

Want to talk about your school's or district's literacy goals? Fill out this quick form to connect with our team about NCTE. We'd love to meet you.

Hear from some of literature’s biggest names

From bestselling authors to beloved storytellers, this year's NCTE lineup is one for the books. Make room in your schedule to hear from these inspiring voices as they share their perspectives on storytelling, creativity, and the power of words.

Thursday, November 19 | 4–5:15 p.m.

Margaret Atwood, award-winning author of The Handmaid's Tale and more than 50 books of fiction, poetry, and essays.

Thursday, November 19 | 5:30–7 p.m.

Dr. Jill Biden, former first lady, educator, and bestselling author, joins NCTE's College Section Get-Together to discuss the joys and challenges of teaching college English. Hear perspectives from higher education and gain insight into the experiences that await students beyond high school.

Friday, November 20 | 8:15–9:15 a.m.

Misty Copeland, groundbreaking ballerina and New York Times bestselling author of books for children and adults.

Saturday, November 21 | 9:45–10:45 a.m.

LeVar Burton, beloved host of Reading Rainbow, actor, author, and longtime literacy advocate.

Sunday, November 22 | Noon–1:15 p.m.

Tomi Adeyemi, award-winning fantasy author of Children of Blood and Bone and the Legacy of Orïsha trilogy.

Explore the full NCTE schedule to plan your must-see sessions.

Increase your odds of winning

Want a chance to win? Stay for one of our in-booth presentations at Booth #923 or join us at one of our conference sessions, and our team will enter you in our prize drawings. Each presentation or session you attend counts as an entry, so the more you attend, the better your odds. We're keeping the prizes under wraps, but we promise they'll be worth it.

Literary landmarks and local favorites: a guide to the City of Brotherly Love

Steeped in rich history and literary tradition, Philadelphia is the perfect city for ELA educators to explore. From rare literary manuscripts and Poe-inspired landmarks to local food favorites and a bar made for book lovers, there's plenty to discover between NCTE sessions. Here are six stops worth adding to your itinerary.

1. Discover literary treasures at The Rosenbach 

If you've ever wanted to get up close to literary history, The Rosenbach is the place to do it. This museum and library houses James Joyce's handwritten Ulysses manuscript, Bram Stoker's notes for Dracula, and Lewis Carroll's copy of Alice in Wonderland. You'll also find works connected to Charles Dickens, Edgar Allan Poe, Jane Austen, and more. It's a book lover's dream! 2008-2010 Delancey St.

2. Step into Poe’s world at the Edgar Allen Poe National Historic Site

Long before his stories became classroom classics, Edgar Allan Poe called Philadelphia home. Visit the historic house where Poe lived with his wife and mother-in-law during some of his most productive writing years. Explore the rooms and learn about the Philadelphia years that helped shape works like The Tell-Tale Heart and The Black Cat. 532 N. 7th St.

3. Meet the raven behind The Raven

Before The Raven, there was Grip, the taxidermied bird believed to have helped inspire Edgar Allan Poe's famous poem, The Raven. You'll find him at the Free Library of Philadelphia's Parkway Central Library, along with a large collection of rare books, manuscripts, and literary artifacts. It's a must-see for Poe fans and anyone who loves a good literary backstory. 1901 Vine St.

4. Walk through history at Elfreth’s Alley

If these walls could talk, they'd have nearly 300 years of stories to tell. Dating back to 1703, Elfreth's Alley is one of America's oldest continuously inhabited residential streets. Stroll along the cobblestones, admire the historic brick homes, and imagine life in colonial Philadelphia. 124-126 Elfreth’s Alley

5. Eat like a Philadelphian (no, we don’t mean cheesesteak)

Sure, Philly is famous for its cheesesteaks, but there's plenty more on the menu. Try a roast pork sandwich piled high with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe, grab a classic soft pretzel with mustard, or sample tomato pie, a local favorite with a thick crust, tomato sauce, and a sprinkle of cheese. Can't decide? Head to Reading Terminal Market, where you can sample several Philadelphia favorites under one roof. Reading Terminal Market | 1136 Arch Street

6. Toast to the written word

Even the best writers need a little help with writer's block from time to time. Writer's Block Rehab is a three-story literary-themed cocktail bar filled with cozy library-inspired spaces, creative cocktails, and wallpaper hiding the names of more than 100 authors. Grab a drink, see how many literary legends you can spot, and toast to the teachers who bring these great stories to life. 1342 Cyprus Street

More than a conference: a celebration of literacy and the power of stories

Great books, fresh ideas, and a city full of stories. NCTE 2026 has all the makings of an unforgettable experience. We can't wait to connect with you in Philadelphia and share our passion for helping students think critically, read joyfully, and write confidently.

Can't wait until NCTE? Discover how Lenses on Literature is helping students and teachers write their own success stories.