Grand View Education Students Represent Iowa at National NEA Aspiring Educators Conference

July 9, 2026

Two Grand View University education students represented Iowa at the 2026 National Education Association (NEA) Aspiring Educators Conference, held June 28 through July 1 in Denver, Colorado.

Jacob Butz '27 and Jacob Yarbrough '29 were two of only four college students selected to represent Iowa at the national conference. Their participation comes just months after Grand View established its Aspiring Educators chapter in January 2026, creating new opportunities for education students to connect with a nationwide network of future teachers.

The NEA Aspiring Educators program includes more than 40,000 members across the United States and supports pre-service teachers through professional development, leadership opportunities, advocacy, and community. The program is designed to prepare future educators for success throughout their college experience and into their teaching careers.

During the conference, Butz and Yarbrough participated in workshops and discussions focused on the most pressing issues facing public education. They explored strategies for advocating on behalf of students and educators at the local, state, and national levels while strengthening their leadership skills and expanding their understanding of student-centered teaching practices.

The experience also provided opportunities to network with aspiring educators from across the country, exchange ideas, and learn from experienced education leaders.

Butz and Yarbrough returned to Grand View with new ideas, resources, and strategies to help strengthen the university's Aspiring Educators chapter while continuing to prepare for careers dedicated to serving students and their communities.