Save the date: Dec. 6-9, 2026

Learning Forward's Annual Conference

Unite for Learning

Dallas, TX | #learnfwd26

Interested in virtually scoring proposals for the 2026 Learning Forward Annual Conference in Dallas?

Each December, Learning Forward’s Annual Conference brings together more than 2,700 educators for hands-on learning focused on high-quality professional development. What makes this conference truly unique is its rigorous, multi-step peer review process—ensuring that only the most relevant, high-impact sessions make it into the program.

Why volunteer as a proposal scorer?

Discover rising voices and leading educators in professional learning
Learn about current research and evidence-based practices that demonstrate impact
Gain insight into what makes a successful proposal to strengthen your own future submissions

This is an exciting opportunity to engage in high-quality professional learning while deepening your understanding of the research, theory, policy, and practice behind professional learning for educators.

If you have previously attended a Learning Forward Annual Conference and are interested in volunteering, please complete this form:
https://forms.gle/B1w8hqYDrMvGXwoXA

Virtual scoring will begin on February 23, and all volunteers receive training, a scoring rubric, and supporting resources to support their work.

Thank you for your support. We couldn’t do this important work without our members and conference community!

Many thanks to everyone who submitted a proposal for the 2026 Annual Conference!

The 2026 Call for Proposals is now closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted one or more of the more than 700 proposals we received for the 2026 Annual Conference in December. To check the status of a proposal you submitted, please login to the Conference Proposal System at https://lfp.learningforward.org. Proposal scoring is underway and proposal notifications will be sent in May 2026. For additional information, please contact conferenceinfo@learningforward.org

The theme for the 2026 Annual Conference at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in December, Unite for Learning, celebrates learning professionals that come together to connect educators across systems and around the world. Unite for Learning underscores the value in fostering professional relationships and collaborative networks as we turn isolated efforts into collective success that supports every educator and reaches every student.

Hotel reservations open in the spring, and the full session list will be released in May. Subscribe here to be notified first before they fill up.

We know you are invested in the success of your educators and students, so we invite you to learn more about Learning Forward's Annual Conference -- the only conference focused exclusively on how to plan, implement, and measure high-quality professional learning that changes educator practice and improves results for all students.

Learning Forward brings together thought leaders, experts, researchers, and other practitioners to collaboratively share the latest learnings, knowledge, and techniques. Our conference models deep learning and best practices so you can take them back to lead learning in your schools, districts, or systems.

Read on to find out why we are known as THE conference for learning about professional learning.

group of people with a blue t-shirt with the writing "What is professional learning?"

a man and a woman near two posters: one for the Learning Forward Arizona and one for Learning Forward Minnesota. on those posters there are several strenghts and support written on them

group of people in a round table doing learning exercises and sharing ideas

A focus on deep learning that changes practice

At Learning Forward, we go beyond the usual lectures and anecdotes of typical professional development conferences with in-session engagement strategies that are focused on deep and meaningful learning that is evidence-supported and proven to change practice.

We set the bar high for our presenters. They know they Learning Forward is not the typical conference. They know they are presenting for the organization that wrote the Standards for Professional Learning. They know that our attendees lead professional learning back in their schools and systems, so they cannot waste time with sessions that are not evidence-backed solutions with proven strategies.

Who attends

Central office administrators
Superintendents
Policymakers and decision makers

Teacher leaders/Coaches
School-based teams

Principals/Assistant principals
Technical assistance providers

Learning Forward's conference is different

Aligned to the Standards for Professional Learning

The Standards for Professional Learning offer educators the latest knowledge and insights to design, implement, and sustain high-quality professional learning. Standards lead to environments in which all educators and students have access to powerful learning.

A graphic of the different Standards for Professional Learning

Sessions model best practices

Presenters use engaging learning and facilitation strategies that promote active participation and interaction among attendees.

All voices are heard and valued

This includes creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment where diverse perspectives are respected and considered.

Time for deep learning and constructive interruptions

Presenters build in time for deeper engagement that promotes active learning.

Evidence of impact

Sessions must have evidence of impact that leads to improved student outcomes.

Results for students, not trends and gizmos

Did you know that we do not have an exhibit hall? Our attendees made it clear that they would rather spend their time on deep learning. Instead, we offer a limited number of sponsorship opportunities so that you get more personal access with the top minds of the field.

Attendees are writing about their conference experience!

Yes, a conference can lead to sustained learning. Here’s how.

Curriculum director puts conference learning to work in her district

Make the most of conference learning

See what others are saying about our conference

"High-quality professional learning with engaging presenters. It was wonderful to hear about these topics rooted in research and with a national perspective, and then hear from practitioners in other states. It helped me see how these seemingly intractable issues are being addressed elsewhere and consider how I can provide professional learning locally."

- Mauree Donahue Revier, Director of Education and Innovation
The Dalles, Oregon

Can I use Title II-A funds to pay for the conference?

Are you a teacher, paraprofessional, school-based librarian, school counselor, or school administrator?
Can you show that the content you will gain aligns to or is part of a broader professional learning plan?
Can you show that you will either learn collaboratively while at the conference (because you are part of a team of attendees) or that you will share what you have learned with colleagues when you return to your school?

If you answered yes to these three questions, your district could approve the use of Title II-A funds to support attendance at the conference.

Tired of racing to your next session?

two photos side by side comparing a group of people running in formal clothing versus a group of people sharing ideas in round tables

Learning Forward uses a ticketed system so you can reserve your seat in advance. This way, you are guaranteed a seat in the sessions you want to attend, no matter how far you have to walk! No more standing against a wall, sitting on the floor, or having to leave sessions early just to get your next seat, like at typical professional development conferences. Instead, you can take your time between sessions and focus on the learning.

"The Learning Forward conference offers top-tier professional development opportunities, providing attendees with valuable insights into the latest educational trends, research, and effective teaching strategies. It is a prime platform to connect with other educators, administrators, and experts in the field, fostering collaborations and the exchange of innovative ideas that can positively impact your educational community. The conference focuses on continuous improvement in education, equipping attendees with practical tools and resources to enhance teaching practices, curriculum development, and overall educational outcomes."

- Gigi Geimer, ESE Professional Learning Specialist
Port Charlotte, FL