23 best education conferences in 2026

The best teacher professional development opportunities are the ones that equip teachers with practical, best-practice strategies they can implement right away. With 2026 rolling in, new education conferences fill the shelves, requiring educators to carefully browse the offerings to find the best fit to meet their professional learning goals.

Smekens Education Solutions has collected a stack of professional development opportunities that will equip educators with transformative tools they can immediately put into practice.

Explore a carefully selected list of teaching conferences for 2026—each one filled with insights and strategies for educators. From the latest tech innovations to best practices in literacy, science, and math, our hand-picked education conferences cater to diverse teaching needs. They emphasize professional development opportunities for teachers through reputable organizations that relate to broad audiences, offer continuing education or graduate-level credits, and provide online resources or free perks.

Discover online teacher professional development workshops designed for flexibility and convenience as well as inspiring, in-person options.  This curated guide spotlights the professional development opportunities that emphasize actionable learning with expert modeling, ready-to-use tools, and meaningful growth for K–12 educators and leaders.

EdTech Education Conferences

EdTech education conferences highlight emerging technologies, digital tools, and innovation in teaching. Expect hands-on learning and expert-led sessions that model practical applications and introduce new tech tools.

1. FETC—Future of Education Technology Conference

The Future of Education Technology Conference has assembled educators, administrators, and tech experts for over 40 years, creating a vibrant hub for exploring the future of learning. This annual event 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 2026

Marking its 37th year, SITE 2026 brings together a diverse community of dedicated educators. United by a shared passion for technology’s transformative potential in education, this gathering aims to shape the future of learning through insightful collaboration and innovative exploration.

• 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 26

With over 40 years of history, the ISTE conference, hosted by the International Society for Technology in Education, has been a cornerstone of educational technology, 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 for 2026! This exciting collaboration offers a one-of-a-kind learning experience, bringing together leading education experts, innovative ideas for using technology to inspire curiosity, and strategies for creating more meaningful and engaging learning. 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

For more than four decades, the TCEA Convention & Exposition has been a leading destination for educators looking to strengthen instruction through technology. This 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

Multifaceted education conferences bring together multiple strands of teaching and learning within a single event. Expect sessions that address schoolwide improvement—from classroom management and instructional design to school culture, student behavior, and leadership development.

5. Innovative Schools Summit

Founded in 2012, Accutrain launched the Innovative Schools Summit in 2015. Now a highly regarded K-12 education conference, the ISS gathers leading minds in various locations to share cutting-edge best practices and research-based methodologies in an engaging and inspiring environment. The Innovative Schools Summit 2026 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—2026 ASCD Annual Conference

The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development boasts a distinguished history, spanning over eight decades, of helping educators reimagine and redesign learning through impactful pedagogy and meaningful technology integration. Co-located with ISTELive 26, the 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.

• 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 2026

Formerly led by the International Center for Leadership in Education and now powered by HMH, the Model Schools Conference brings together visionary educators, featured speakers, and 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. Its collaborative community, actionable learning, and lively conference atmosphere make it a standout experience for educators committed to meaningful change.

• 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. Attendees gain fresh insights, practical strategies, and a clear view of what is next for schools.

• Dates: March 9-12, 2026
• Location: Austin, TX
• Audience: K-12 educators, district leaders, edtech professionals, nonprofit partners, researchers, policymakers
• Cost: $645

Grade-Band–Specific Education Conferences

Grade-band–specific education conferences focus on the developmental needs of elementary, middle, or secondary learners. Expect grade-level sessions that unpack developmental milestones, model age-appropriate routines, and address the instructional priorities unique to each span.

9. GYTO—Get Your Teach On Fest

Attend GYTO’s 10th anniversary national conference in 2026. Founded in 2016, Get Your Teach On 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. ELEVATE Your Classroom™!–Elevate 2026

Designed only for Pre-K–2 educators, Elevate Your Classroom offers a rare PD experience where every example, routine, and resource is tailored to the primary grades. 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–2026 Annual Conference

The AMLE 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

Literacy education conferences center on reading, writing, and language development across K–12. Expect sessions that unpack essential literacy skills, model effective routines, and demonstrate ways to strengthen reading foundations, comprehension, vocabulary, and writing craft.

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

LitCon ’26 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

Light the fire for better writing with Smekens Education Solutions! During this two-day summer event for K-12 educators, you’ll experience over 40 breakout sessions designed to spark fresh ideas and provide practical writing strategies that can be used immediately.

Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned pro, 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. This one-of-a-kind teacher professional development will ignite success in your students, no matter what language arts program you currently use.

• 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 education
  teachers, literacy coaches & coordinators, 6-12 language arts
  teachers, high-ability teachers, principals & assistant principals, K-12
  curriculum 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

• Dates: July 8-9, 2026
• Audience: Everyone who teaches comprehension–K-6 general education
  teachers, literacy coaches & coordinators, 6-12 language arts
  teachers, high-ability teachers, principals & assistant principals, K-12
  curriculum directors, K-12 special education teachers, ML teachers
• Cost: $379-$409
• Additional perks:
  • A grade-level specific Comprehension Playbook and CompCON Kit containing everything needed for two days of fun & learning
  • Support from Smekens consultants
  • Lifetime access to the CompCON “Secret Site”

15. NCTE—NCTE 2026 Annual Convention

Drawing thousands from Pre-K to graduate levels, the NCTE Annual Convention boasts nearly 700 sessions covering everything from English and writing to reading and language studies. Its expansive exhibit hall and 250+ author presentations annually draw the national publishing community, making it a must-attend event for educators seeking knowledge, connection, and inspiration.

• Dates: November 19-22, 2026
• Location: Philadelphia, PA
• Audience: Early childhood – graduate-level educators of English language arts and literacy
• Cost: Available when registration opens
• Additional perks:
  • Conference app
  • Online platform

Science Education Conferences

Science education conferences emphasize inquiry, experimentation, and STEM thinking. Expect live demonstrations of classroom investigations, modeling of inquiry-based questioning, and strategies for connecting hands-on exploration to scientific reasoning.

16. NSTA—National Conference on Science Education

Since 1944, the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) has empowered generations of learners by fostering a love of science. Today, NSTA stands as the world’s leading force for excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning. The NSTA National Conference on Science Education caters to science educators worldwide and offers over 1,000 presentations, workshops, exhibits, and networking opportunities. The largest science teacher professional development workshop of 2026 focuses on fostering joy in science learning and encouraging student-centered instruction.

• Dates: April 15-18, 2026
• Location: Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA
• Audience: K–20 teachers of science
• Cost range: $375-$575

Math Education Conferences

Math education conferences spotlight reasoning, problem solving, and mathematical discourse. Expect sessions that model number talks, explore task-based instruction, and showcase routines that build conceptual understanding over time.

17. NCTM—National Council of Teachers of Mathematics 2026 Annual Meeting & Exposition

Founded in 1920, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics is the world’s leading organization for math educators. Their annual conference aims to help teachers empower students through student-centered instruction that fosters curiosity and joy in learning math. The conference will offer hundreds of sessions, workshops, and exhibits about curriculum and instruction, assessment, technology, and professional development tailored to specific grade levels.

• Dates: October 28-31, 2026
• Location: Denver, CO
• Audience: Mathematics teachers, administrators, math coaches, supervisors, or preservice teachers
• Cost: Available when registration opens
• Virtual option: NCTM hosts a separate virtual conference TBD
• Additional perks:
  • Conference app
  • Online platform

Special Education Conferences

Special education conferences address instructional approaches for students with diverse needs. Expect sessions that demonstrate targeted interventions, unpack IEP-driven supports, and model inclusive practices that work across settings.

18. CEC—2026 Convention & Expo

The Council for Exceptional Children has united educators supporting exceptional learners for over 75 years. CEC 2026 will inspire educators to advance high-quality, inclusive education through hundreds of sessions addressing curriculum innovation, technology, and strategies to meet diverse needs. Network with colleagues, learn from experts, and discover resources in the expansive exhibit hall. The featured topic area strands for CEC 2026 include Innovative Access: Innovation Redefined and Beyond the Labels: Rewriting the Story of Special Education. This comprehensive event empowers thousands of educators to enhance exceptional education practices for students with special needs.

• Dates: March 11-14, 2026
• Location: Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
• Audience: Special or general education teachers, district administrators, principals, or paraprofessionals
• Cost range: $149 – $719; $105 – $435 (Virtual)
• Virtual option: Yes
• Additional perks:
  • Conference app
  • Welcome celebration (requires extra ticket purchase)
  • Add-on workshops (requires extra ticket purchase)
  • CEC Hub

Leadership in Education Conferences

Leadership conferences focus on building strong schoolwide systems for instruction, collaboration, and professional learning. Expect sessions that examine data-driven decision-making, strengthen coaching practices, and guide leaders in designing sustainable PD structures.

19. AASA—National Conference on Education

The AASA, The School Superintendents Association, has a long-standing history of over 100 years. School leaders take center stage at the 2026 National Conference on Education, where the focus is on anticipating future trends and challenges in education while crafting proactive strategies to benefit both staff and students. Through expert insights, interactive sessions, and extensive resources—including hundreds of sessions tailored to district needs in areas such as AI, innovation, safety, and student well-being—the conference equips superintendents with the tools they need to navigate complex challenges and empower tomorrow’s generations.

• Dates: February 12-14, 2026
• Location: The Music City Center, Nashville, TN
• Audience: Educational leaders
• Cost range: $900 – $1,450

20. Learning Forward—2026 Annual Conference

The 2026 Learning Forward Annual Conference centers on the theme Unite for Learning, underscoring how professional relationships and collaborative networks transform isolated efforts into shared success for educators and students alike. The conference will equip school leaders with strategies to translate innovative ideas and evidence into impactful professional development experiences for their educators, fostering a culture of continuous learning within their schools. Learning Forward takes pride in ensuring attendees get the most out of the experience by offering inspiring keynotes, providing opportunities for networking, and allowing attendees to reserve sessions they want to attend ahead of time.

• Dates: December 6-9, 2026
• Location: Dallas, TX
• Audience: Educational leaders
• Cost: Available when registration opens
• Additional perks:
  • Conference app
  • Session handouts
  • Conference planning toolkit

Early Childhood Education Conferences

Early childhood education conferences emphasize developmentally-appropriate learning, play, routines, and early skill development. Expect sessions that model play-based instruction, demonstrate early literacy and math routines, and highlight practices that foster independence.

21. NAEYC Annual Conference–National Association for the Education of Young Children Annual Conference

The NAEYC Annual Conference is a comprehensive event for early childhood professionals. It features over 700 in-depth workshops and presentations on diverse topics like teaching strategies, child development, assessment, and technology in the classroom. Attendees can discover cutting-edge resources and tools in the expansive exhibit hall with over 250 exhibitors, gain insights from prominent figures in the field through keynote speeches, and build valuable connections with colleagues through networking opportunities.

• Dates: December 5-8, 2026
• Location: Washington, DC
• Audience: Early childhood educators
• Cost: Available when registration opens (July 2026)
• Virtual option: No virtual conference, some sessions available virtually
• Additional perks:
  • Conference app
  • Lunch options at the Expo (additional cost)
  • Complimentary entry-level NAEYC membership for nonmembers

Social-Emotional Learning Conferences

Social-emotional learning conferences prioritize regulation, relationships, and classroom community. Expect sessions that demonstrate language for coaching emotions, routines for strengthening classroom connections, and strategies that support student resilience.

22. Elevate Conscious Discipline: Embrace Possibilities

For over 25 years, Conscious Discipline has been equipping education professionals with tried-and-tested tools for transforming student struggles into opportunities for growth. Elevate Conscious Discipline: Teacher Conference is designed to help administrators, teachers, and mental health professionals harness their own self-regulation and compassion to bring positive, lasting change to their schools and classrooms. Alongside a dynamic team of active teachers, specialists, and administrators, attendees will develop a comprehensive and personalized plan that will help create an environment that fosters community, confidence, respect, and life-long learning.

• Dates: October 15-17, 2026
• Location: Orlando, FL
• Audience: Pre-K through 8th grade educators (ELA, math, admin, special ed)
• Cost range: $699-$849

Project-Based Learning Conferences

Project-based learning conferences show educators how to teach through extended, real-world projects. Expect hands-on learning and expert-led sessions that model project design, planning and assessment tools, and instructional strategies that strengthen collaboration and student engagement.

23. PBLWorks—PBL World 2026

Join PBL World for their signature annual PD event from the nonprofit PBLWorks. The multi-day Project-Based Learning conference brings together Pre-K-12 teachers, instructional coaches, and school and district leaders who want to begin or advance their Project-Based Learning practice and connect with a community of their peers.

• Dates: June 15-18, 2026
• Location: American Canyon High School, Napa Valley, CA
• Audience: Pre-K-12 teachers, instructional coaches, and school and district leaders
• Cost: $1,400 (Tuesday-Thursday) Pre-Conference: $300 (Monday)

Live, Virtual Workshops