Dear Science Teachers,

We invite Montana science teachers to join us for the 32nd Annual OpTeC Conference on October 8, 2026. While we would be glad to welcome you for the full day, we understand that stepping away from the classroom can be difficult; teachers are welcome to attend any portion of the conference, including the evening poster and exhibitor session with the MPQA networking social, which may be a convenient way to connect with students, researchers, educators, and Montana photonics partners.

Optics and photonics show up in technologies students encounter every day, from cell phone cameras and lasers to fiber optics, medical imaging, remote sensing, advanced manufacturing, environmental monitoring, and astronomy. Teachers will leave with current examples, local connections, and new ways to help students connect classroom concepts about light, waves, and engineering to Montana-based STEM careers.