Education conferences give teachers, administrators, and other education professionals a chance to explore new ideas and strategies, network with their peers, and recharge their excitement for teaching. Plus, there’s always a lot of fun free swag! In the 2025–2026 school year, there are conferences for every type of teacher and school professional—the ed-techie, the project-based learning guru, the school counselor, and more. (Tip: Plan ahead and book early to get the best rates.)

Here are our picks for the best education conferences for the 2025–2026 school year. (Note: This list starts in December 2025 and goes through the end of the school year. At the end, we’ve included a list of conferences that take place from August through November 2026, some of which haven’t yet announced 2026 dates at the time this article was published. Check their websites for updates.)

December 2025

Association for Career and Technical Education CareerTech Vision 2025

ACTE’s CareerTech Vision is the essential conference for career and technical education (CTE) professionals. This annual event provides a comprehensive look at high-quality CTE practices applicable in both secondary and post-secondary settings. It showcases emerging trends in the field that are key for educators looking to excel in their careers and expand their industry connections. Vision features an extensive lineup of programming, including numerous networking opportunities, a large expo, and hundreds of concurrent sessions.

• December 9–12, 2025
• Nashville, Tennessee

January 2026

Future of Education Technology Conference

Enhance your expertise in the K-12 landscape and beyond through a dynamic experience where innovation meets inspiration at FETC. Engage with specialized sessions spanning eight unique tracks, each meticulously crafted to advance specific educational roles in the fast-evolving ed-tech domain.

• January 11–14, 2026
• Orlando, Florida

Bett

Bett is the international organization for educational technology. Learn about education tech, collaborate with other teachers and leaders, and get new ideas for how to use ed tech in your classroom at this exclusive educational conference.

• London, England: January 21–23, 2026
• Sao Paolo, Brazil: May 5–8, 2026
• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: September 30 to October 1, 2026

TCEA

The TCEA (Texas Computer Education Association) conference has more than 700 sessions to choose from. Check out their sessions on AI, research-based teaching practices, and more. The exhibition hall has more than 450 exhibitors. Attend for a day or for the entire week to maximize networking and engagement. 

• January 31 to February 4, 2026
• San Antonio, Texas

February 2026

LitCon 2026

LitCon is a literacy instruction conference that will go completely online in 2026. Attendees can attend as many of 75 online sessions as they want and learn about the latest in literacy research and instruction. Classroom teachers, literacy coaches, specialists, Title I teachers, coordinators, and Reading Recovery professionals who attend will find the content particularly beneficial. This event is designed to support these roles with effective strategies and innovative approaches in teaching literacy.

• February 1–28, 2026
• Online

Innovative Schools Summit

The Innovative Schools Summit is a premier K-12 education conference in the United States. This event brings together renowned thought leaders, administrators, teachers, and consultants from around the world for an exclusive educational conference experience. They gather to share cutting-edge practices and research-driven strategies in a stimulating and inspiring setting, making it a must-attend for those committed to transforming education.

• New York, New York: February 25–28, 2026
• Orlando, Florida: March 12–15, 2026
• Las Vegas, Nevada: July 6–10, 2026
• Nashville, Tennessee: July 25–29, 2026
• San Antonio, Texas: December 3–6, 2025

Digital Learning Annual Conference (DLAC)

DLAC is the digital learning conference focused on eliminating the barriers of time and place when it comes to learning. The DLAC conference attracts a variety of participants, from teachers to district leaders, policy advocates, entrepreneurs, and others. Sessions are short and interactive to build conversation and collaboration around enhancing digital learning. 

• February 18, 2026
• Sacramento, California

AASA National Conference on Education

This year’s conference will focus on integrating emerging technologies, with an expected expansion in discussions around artificial intelligence, a trend that has gained tremendous momentum over the last year. Additionally, it will emphasize data-driven decision-making and foster increased partnerships and collaborations, setting a proactive agenda for shaping educational strategies and initiatives.

• February 12–14, 2026
• Nashville, Tennessee

March 2026

FLANC Spring Conference

This conference is designed for K-20 world language and K-12 dual language immersion educators. It focuses on enhancing world language programs, emphasizing strategies to enrich language learners’ proficiency, develop educational programs, and prepare world language educators for future challenges.

• March 19–21, 2026
• Raleigh, North Carolina

SXSW EDU Conference & Festival

This conference is truly a voice for educators as participants play an active role in choosing the final lineup by voting on proposals submitted by their peers. Check out more than 300 sessions and workshops, 15 films and performances, competitions, exhibitions, and more.

• March 9–12, 2026
• Austin, Texas

CEC 2026 Convention & Expo

Every year, the CEC Convention & Expo brings together thousands of special education professionals from across the globe to learn, share insights, and connect with one another. Offering hundreds of sessions covering a wide range of topics in the field, this event stands out as the essential professional development gathering for those dedicated to supporting their students. Attendees gain access to the latest research, practical tips, and effective strategies, making it an invaluable resource for anyone involved in special education.

• March 11–14, 2026
• Salt Lake City, Utah
• Virtual component: April 8 to July 9, 2026

CUE Spring Conference

CUE is an ed-tech organization that focuses on increasing access to technology and using technology to solve problems and improve communities and the world. The CUE conference is an opportunity to gather with other educators and collaborate, network, and learn through hands-on workshops. 

• March 19–21, 2026
• Palm Springs, California

Deeper Learning Conference

Come together with other teachers to engage in joy and learning committed to creating student-centered schools. This innovative, forward-thinking conference is a refreshing change from typical conferences. 

• March 30 to April 1, 2026
• San Diego, California

TESOL 2026 Convention & Expo

The TESOL association conference is for teachers who focus on multilingual learners and teachers who teach students who are learning English. Attend workshops, connect with other teachers, and grow your network of friends who can support your work with multilingual learners.

• March 24–27, 2026
• Salt Lake City, Utah

April 2026

NSTA

This is a beneficial conference whether you’re a pre-service teacher, veteran educator, teacher leader, curriculum specialist, instructional coach, informal educator, or anything in between.

• April 15–18, 2026
• Anaheim, California

June–July 2026

PBL World

If your school uses project-based learning (PBL) or you’re interested in this method of learning, PBL World is a multiday PBL conference put on by PBL Works. Teachers, coaches, and leaders come together to learn about PBL and connect with peers. 

• June 15–18, 2026
• American Canyon, California

2026 Model Schools Conference (formerly ICLE)

Be inspired by renowned speakers and engaging sessions, and learn from Model Schools and Innovative Districts that are making strides in transforming their educational cultures and boosting student achievement. This event offers a unique opportunity to network with peers within a collaborative learning community. You’ll leave with practical, actionable strategies to implement in your school.

• June 28 to July 1, 2026
• Orlando, Florida

ELEVATE Your Classroom

ELEVATE is a key conference for pre-K-to-2nd-grade educators and administrators focused on practical strategies to improve teaching and leadership. Featuring research-backed sessions from experienced educators, the event covers tools, inclusive teaching methods, and solutions to support student learning and outcomes. Whether you want to boost creativity, refine classroom management, or explore new technologies, this conference offers valuable insights to enhance your classroom.

• June 21–23, 2026: Dallas, Texas
• July 8–10, 2026: Las Vegas, Nevada

Online Teaching Conference

The Online Teaching Conference brings together leading educators to explore innovations in online education. It focuses on enhancing curriculum, pedagogy, and technology to improve online instruction and student success. This event provides a valuable platform for faculty, staff, and administrators to network, exchange knowledge, share best practices, and grow professionally.

• June 23–25, 2026
• Anaheim, California

ASCD Annual Conference

Engage, celebrate, and connect at this dynamic event that brings together educational leaders and innovators. Supercharge your teaching and leadership skills to influence the future of education. This year’s theme, “Designing the Future of Learning,” promises to inspire new ideas and inspiration. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this vibrant gathering of educational changemakers.

• June 28 to July 1, 2026
• Orlando, Florida
• ISTE, EdSurge, and ASCD have come together for their conferences this year.

ISTELive 26

For over 40 years, the ISTE conference has stood out as a leading global forum in the field of education. It is renowned for bringing together educators and leaders to participate in practical learning experiences, exchange best practices, and gain insights from some of the most distinguished figures in education and related fields. This gathering is pivotal for those looking to stay at the forefront of educational innovation and development.

• June 28 to July 1, 2026
• Orlando, Florida
• ISTE, EdSurge, and ASCD have come together for their conferences this year.

GYTO (Get Your Teach On) Fest

Need to reignite your passion for teaching? This might be the education conference for you. Spend time with Team Get Your Teach On as they share their enthusiasm for education and share their tips, tricks, best practices, and teacher secrets to building a successful and engaging classroom. You will leave feeling empowered, motivated, and prepared to create dynamic lessons that will challenge your students and leave them hungry for more.

• July 5–8, 2026
• Orlando, Florida

ASCA 

The American School Counselor Association conference is the place where school counselors come together to learn and connect. Learn about best practices, meet other school counselors, and tour the exhibit hall. 

• July 11–14, 2026
• New Orleans, Louisiana

More Conferences To Watch For

Many popular conferences have already taken place for this school year or have not announced dates for next year. Here are conferences that you can consider when planning those important professional development days.

National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE)

The 2025 theme, “Building Our Community,” set the stage for a mix of formal breakout sessions, impactful keynotes, and casual discussions with peers from across the nation. The event features significant involvement from key U.S. Department of Education staff and technical assistance providers, focusing on the dialogue around federal policies and their practical application at state and local levels. Additionally, premier partners contribute valuable resources and products to aid participants’ ongoing work.

• September 28–30, 2026
• San Antonio, Texas

NCTM Annual Meeting & Exposition

If you’re looking for education conferences for math teachers, the NCTM Annual Meeting is the one. This event brings together thousands of mathematics educators from all over the world to collaborate, network, learn, inspire, and much more. With hundreds of education sessions to choose from and attend, you can expect to walk away with more knowledge and inspiration to implement in your classroom.

• October 28–31, 2026
• Denver, Colorado

National Rural Education Association

This conference is aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation among a diverse community of national experts, educators from K–12 to higher education, leading researchers, policymakers, and more. The conference features sessions, interactive learning opportunities, and extensive networking for those involved in rural education across the United States.

• October 19–21, 2026
• San Antonio, Texas

Council of Administrators of Special Education Conference

The focus of the 2025 conference was 50 years of IDEA. CASE highlights the significance of advocacy in special education and encouraged all conference attendees to participate in early voting.

• 2026 dates and location TBA

ILA Global Conference

The ILA’s Global Conference attracts over 1,200 leadership professionals from around the world, encompassing a diverse group that includes distinguished business executives, prominent public figures, innovative authors and researchers, seasoned educators and students, impactful coaches, and organizational development experts.

• October 29 to November 1, 2026
• Toronto, Canada

NCTE Annual Convention

The NCTE Annual Convention is a key event for teachers of English and language arts, standing out as the essential yearly gathering for educators in this field. Learn from leading experts and engage in a variety of sessions that will enrich and invigorate your teaching. It’s a great opportunity to meet fellow educators from across the country, participate in engaging social and cultural activities (such as a book fair and awards ceremony), and exchange stories of challenges and triumphs with a supportive network of English language professionals who are there to help you succeed well into the future.

• November 20–23, 2025
• Denver, Colorado

The Conference on English Leadership (CEL)

A collaborative, dynamic, discussion-based forum for literacy leaders. Details will be added throughout the coming year as they become available.

• November 23–25, 2025
• Denver, Colorado

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Plus, check out the Best Education Grants for Teachers and Schools.