Misty Copeland is scheduled to speak at the 2026 NCTE Annual Convention in Philadelphia, extending her work as a ballet artist and author into a gathering focused on literacy education.
The organizer's current programme lists her Friday general session for 20 November, from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. in Hall B. The convention runs from 19 to 22 November. Attendees should consult the official programme for any changes.
NCTE identifies Copeland as a bestselling author and former American Ballet Theatre principal dancer, and highlights her place as the company's first African American woman principal.
Its September announcement connects her dance career with writing for young readers, including Firebird and Bunheads. For dance educators, the appearance offers a point of contact between movement, storytelling and how young people encounter the arts.
Sources: NCTE announcement and current speaker programme.
Archive portrait licence: CC BY-SA 4.0.
Archive portrait: Misty Copeland at a Broadway opening. Not the NCTE convention. No editorial changes; display thumbnail. — PhilipRomanoPhoto · CC BY-SA 4.0 Image source
Source: NCTE official announcement and 2026 speaker programme
