Top Education Conferences for Educators

Educators seeking to enhance their skills and stay abreast of the latest trends in education can benefit greatly from attending conferences. These events offer opportunities for professional development, networking, and exposure to innovative strategies. Here's a curated list of some of the best education conferences to consider.

Introduction

The landscape of education is constantly evolving, with new technologies, teaching methodologies, and research emerging regularly. For educators, staying updated with these advancements is crucial for providing the best possible learning experiences for their students. Education conferences serve as valuable platforms for professional growth, offering opportunities to learn from experts, share best practices, and network with peers.

EdTech Education Conferences

These conferences focus on integrating technology into the classroom, providing educators with the latest tools and strategies to enhance teaching and learning.

1. FETC-Future of Education Technology Conference

For over 40 years, the Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) has been a leading event for educators, administrators, and tech experts. FETC provides a platform to explore state-of-the-art advancements in education technology, equipping attendees with the latest tools and strategies to empower teaching and learning through engaging sessions, workshops, and invaluable networking opportunities.

Dates: January 11-14, 2026
Location: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
Audience: K-12 educators, administrators, and technology experts
Cost range: Premium $1225; Session $585
Additional perks: Free monthly webinars as a preview of the conference

2. SITE-Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education

SITE (Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education) brings together educators passionate about technology's transformative potential in education. The conference aims to shape the future of learning through insightful collaboration and innovative exploration.

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Dates: March 23-27, 2026
Location: Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square Hotel, Philadelphia, PA
Audience: Teacher educators in ALL disciplines, computer technology coordinators, K-12 administrators, curriculum developers, future teachers
Cost range: \$225 - \$550; \$295 (Virtual)
Virtual option: Yes
Additional perks: Yearlong SITE Membership, 40% discount for LearnTechLib subscription, Refreshment breaks, twice daily, Lunch included with all SIG (Special Interest Group) Meetings

3. ISTE-International Society for Technology in Education Live

The ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) conference has been a cornerstone of educational technology for over 40 years, attracting a global audience of educators seeking to learn, connect, and revolutionize learning through tech. The ASCD and ISTELive annual conferences will be co-located again, offering a one-of-a-kind learning experience. Registering for either ISTELive or the ASCD Annual Conference gives you access to both conference programs, spanning cutting-edge approaches to teaching, leadership, and learning for all instructional roles!

Dates: June 28-July 1, 2026
Location: Orlando, FL
Audience: Education leaders, teachers, coaches, librarians/media specialists
Cost range: \$555 - \$895; \$235 - \$295 (Virtual)
Virtual option: Yes

4. TCEA-Texas Computer Education Association Convention & Exposition

The TCEA (Texas Computer Education Association) Convention & Exposition has been a leading destination for educators looking to strengthen instruction through technology for more than four decades. The annual gathering offers hundreds of sessions, interactive demonstrations in an expansive exhibit hall, and hands-on workshops that help teachers apply digital tools with purpose. This year’s focus on inspiring everyday brilliance highlights how small ordinary actions can spark meaningful impact.

Dates: January 31, 2026-February 4, 2026
Location: Henry B. González Convention Center, San Antonio, TX
Audience: K-12 educators, campus and district leaders, instructional coaches, librarians, technology directors
Cost range: \$259 - \$499
Additional perks: Free TCEA Membership

Multifaceted Education Conferences

These conferences cover a broad range of topics related to teaching and learning, offering a holistic approach to professional development.

5. Innovative Schools Summit

The Innovative Schools Summit (ISS) gathers leading minds to share cutting-edge best practices and research-based methodologies. The Innovative Schools Summit features several concurrent events that allow attendees to explore diverse topics under one registration. Each location offers a unique combination of events from the following list: At-Risk Students, Innovative Teaching Strategies, School Climate and Culture, School Discipline, Wired Differently/Trauma-Informed Schools, Social-Emotional Learning, Innovative School Leadership, Innovative Counseling Strategies, and ELL.

Dates & Location:
- New York, NY: February 25-28, 2026
- Orlando, FL: March 12-15, 2026
- Las Vegas, NV: July 6-10, 2026
- Nashville, TN: July 25-29, 2026
Audience: School leaders, educators, mental health professionals, support staff
Cost range: \$495 - \$750; \$195 (Virtual)
Virtual option: There is a main-stage-only, virtual option

6. ASCD-ASCD Annual Conference

The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) Annual Conference aims to equip educators with practical tools and effective strategies for creating dynamic and impactful learning environments, ultimately leading to improved student outcomes. Co-located with ISTELive, the ASCD Annual Conference offers a one-of-a-kind learning experience.

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Dates: June 28-July 1, 2026
Location: Orlando, FL
Audience: K-12 educators, administrators, instructional coaches, counselors, librarians, technology specialists, special education teachers
Cost range: \$595 - \$695; \$235 - \$245 (Virtual)
Virtual option: Yes

7. HMH-Model Schools Conference

The Model Schools Conference brings together visionary educators and features practitioner-led sessions focused on real school improvement. Attendees explore practical strategies, how-to sessions, and tailored learning paths that strengthen teaching, leadership, and school culture.

Dates: June 28-July 1, 2026
Location: Orlando World Center Marriott, Orlando, FL
Audience: K-12 educators, building & district administrators, instructional coaches, special education teachers
Cost: \$895
Additional perks: Light breakfast and lunch provided.

8. SXSW EDU Conference & Festival

The SXSW EDU Conference showcases bold ideas and emerging trends shaping the future of teaching and learning. Known for its innovative spirit, the event features thought-provoking keynotes, hands-on workshops, film screenings and performances, competitions, exhibitions, and solution-focused sessions that tackle current challenges in education. A new Teacher Tool is shared every Thursday during the school year.

Grade-Band-Specific Education Conferences

These conferences focus on the unique developmental needs of students at different grade levels, providing targeted strategies and resources for educators.

9. GYTO-Get Your Teach On Fest

Get Your Teach On (GYTO) offers professional development events for educators and administrators, including a national conference-Get Your Teach on Fest. K through 8th-grade educators can participate in research-based workshops dedicated to crafting rigorous and engaging lessons through grade/position-specific conference tracks, inspiring keynotes, hands-on training, a pre-game celebration, and tons of resources!

Dates: July 5-8, 2026
Location: Orlando World Center Marriott, Orlando, FL
Audience: K-8 educators (ELA, math, admin, Special Ed)
Cost: \$659
Additional perks: Kick-off celebration, Free swag, Other free teacher professional development workshops in Indiana

10. Kindergarten Conference

Sessions blend research-backed practices with live demonstrations from award-winning educators, giving teachers a clear look at what early-elementary instruction looks like when it works. The result is focused PD that gives primary teachers concrete moves they can put to work right away.

Dates & Locations:
- June 21-23, 2026 - Dallas, TX
- July 8-10, 2026 - Las Vegas, NV
Audience: Pre-K through 2nd grade educators
Cost range: \$400-\$600

11. AMLE-Annual Conference

The AMLE (Association for Middle Level Education) Annual Conference is the only international event dedicated solely to middle level education and the unique needs of young adolescents. Grounded in the Successful Middle School framework, the conference features practitioner-led sessions, peer-reviewed research, and developmentally-responsive strategies that strengthen instruction, relationships, and schoolwide culture. Each session is tailored to the realities of middle school classrooms and the learners they serve.

Dates: November 5-7, 2026
Location: Nashville, TN
Audience: Middle School educators, administrators, instructional coaches
Cost range: Available when registration opens

Literacy Education Conferences

These conferences focus on reading, writing, and language development across all grade levels.

12. LitCon-National K-8 Literacy & Reading Recovery Conference

LitCon delivers a fully virtual learning experience for educators seeking research-based, practice-ready approaches to literacy instruction. As the largest literacy conference in North America, it offers a comprehensive look at the Science of Reading through live keynotes, targeted concurrent sessions, and a month of on-demand workshops led by researchers and classroom practitioners. Optional pre-conference workshops and a Leadership Institute extend learning for those seeking a deeper focus on early literacy, intervention, and instructional practice.

Dates: January 31, 2026-February 28, 2026
Audience: Pre-K-8 classroom teachers, literacy coaches & specialists, building & district administrators, Title I teachers and coordinators, interventionists & teachers of multilingual learners, curriculum & language arts specialists, Reading Recovery professionals
Cost range: Member - \$480; Non-Member - \$580
Additional perks: ALL Virtual, Live keynotes & featured sessions February 3, 2026, Month of access to video content

13. Ignite to Write: The How to Teach Writing Conference-K-12 Writing Conference

Ignite to Write is a two-day summer event for K-12 educators, where you’ll experience over 40 breakout sessions designed to spark fresh ideas and provide practical writing strategies that can be used immediately. This education conference will get you fired up to teach writing, sharpen students’ writing practices, and elevate your writing instruction with a focus on essential writing skills.

Dates & Location:
- Indianapolis Area: June 9-10, 2026
- Chicagoland Area: June 16-17, 2026
- Virtual: June 23-24, 2026
Audience: Everyone who teaches writing-K-6 general educationteachers, literacy coaches & coordinators, 6-12 language artsteachers, high-ability teachers, principals & assistant principals, K-12curriculum directors, K-12 special education teachers, ML teachers
Cost: \$559; \$409 (Virtual)
Virtual option: Smekens hosts a separate virtual conference June 23-24
Additional perks: Support from Smekens consultants, Lifetime access to the Ignite to Write “Secret Site”, Breakfast and snacks provided, Fun surprises throughout each day, On-site bookstore with discounted resources

14. CompCON-Virtual K-12 Reading Comprehension Conference

CompCON is a two-day virtual workshop designed to equip teachers with the skills and confidence they need to deliver impactful reading comprehension instruction. Learn classroom-tested strategies for leading engaging mini-lessons that align with grade-level standards. Gain hands-on experience through guided work time and move forward with valuable resources to implement throughout the school year.

Higher Education Conferences

For educators in higher education, these conferences offer insights into innovative strategies for enriching the higher ed community and enhancing student experiences.

EducationDynamics’ InsightsEDU
The Council of Independent Colleges’ Presidents Institute
NAICU’s Annual Meeting & Advocacy Day
The Online Learning Consortium (OLC) Innovate
SXSW EDU Conference & Festival
HLC’s Annual Conference
The AGB National Conference on Trusteeship
NAGAP’s annual summit
The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Annual Conference
The ASU GSV Summit
UPCEA’s Annual Conference
The AACRAO Annual Meeting
The Engage Summit
The North American Career Education Convention
The Slate Summit
The eduWeb Summit
UNITE, powered by the United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
SOLAR
The Educause Annual Conference
The NACAC Conference
The UPCEA Convergence conference
The WCET Annual Meeting
HighEdWeb Annual Conference
P3 EDU
The AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education
UPCEA MEMS
Digital University Week
The CACUBO Annual Conference

Other Resources and Conferences

Additional organizations and conferences focused on the development of teaching and learning include:

AAC&U (Association of American Colleges and Universities)
AECT (Association for Educational Communications and Technology)
AERA (American Educational Research Association)
The Conference on Higher Education Pedagogy
NERA (Northeast Educational Research Association)
NEFDC (New England Faculty Development Consortium)
The POD Network (Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education)
The Teaching Professor Conference
NABE (National Association for Bilingual Education)
The AASA National Conference on Education
The Magnet Schools of America Annual Conference
The ATDLE Annual Conference (Advocates for Transformation in Dual Language Education)
ISTELive
ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages)

Locations

Many of the conferences take place in popular locations such as:

Orlando, FL
Las Vegas, NV
Nashville, TN

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