National Association of Biology Teachers - NABT 2026

The NABT Professional Development Conference draws biology and life science educators from across the country and around the globe. Promotional materials for exhibitors note that the event reaches 1,000+ influential biology educators. Historically, thousands of educators attended NABT conventions — the 2001 convention featured 350 presentations and 140 exhibits, and NABT's total membership exceeded 9,000 that year.

Registration for the 2026 NABT Professional Development Conference opens in the spring. A valid registration is required to attend the conference and to order tickets for special workshops and events.

Key deadlines:

• Early-bird Registration ends July 31, 2026
• Advance Registration ends October 22, 2026
• Onsite Registration thereafter

For reference, 2025 registration rates were: NABT Member (Full, Foreign, Spouse) $375 early bird / $425 advance / $450 onsite; Retired / Adjunct / Early Career Member $300 / $340 / $375; Full-time Student $200 at all tiers; Nonmember $475 / $525 / $550; SCST Member $375 / $425 / $450; and Non-Teaching Guest $200 / $225 / $250. A Join/Renew & Register option and group discounts for 3+ individuals are also available (contact NABT). Note that 2026 pricing had not yet been published and these figures are 2025 rates.

Cancellations must be made in writing by October 17; a $15 handling fee applies to all refunds, and refunds after October 17 may be approved with additional fees. Presenter registration fees are non-refundable.

The National Association of Biology Teachers was founded in 1938 in New York City, initially in response to concerns about the poor understanding of biology and the decline in teaching of the subject during the 1930s. The organization's journal, The American Biology Teacher, was created the same year. NABT elected its first female president, Helen Trowbridge, in 1944, first presented its Outstanding Teacher Awards in 1960, and held its first independent National Convention in 1968. Since then the annual Professional Development Conference has become a hallmark event, drawing thousands of educators and dozens of exhibitors, and NABT has remained the recognized leader in life science education, also serving as a prominent advocate for the teaching of evolution.