Proposal notifications will be sent during the month of May, 2025.
Welcome
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.
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Hotel reservations open in Spring 2025, and the full session list will be released in May. Subscribe to be notified first before they fill up.
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.
This year’s conference theme, Bridging Professional Learning and Student Success, continues a path that started several years ago. The 2023 conference theme, Evidence into Action, spoke to the power of evidence-based practices and how Learning Forward bridges research and implementation to improve results for each student. We examined how we apply what we have learned to best practices in classrooms, teams, buildings, systems, and regions. In 2024, we continued this upward trajectory by taking reimagined possibilities and leveraging them with evidence-based practices to achieve our ultimate goal to Reach New Heights for Students. In 2025, we will again make that explicit connection between educator learning and student success. We know that as educators, we are learners first, and as we continue to grow in our practice, all students will experience great teaching and learning every day.
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.
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!
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?
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.
What others are saying
Grounded in research and the professional learning standards
“Sessions are grounded in research and the professional learning standards, focused on the real issues we are facing right now, and interactive. The entire conference prioritizes the building of community.” […]
Read MoreTop-tier professional development opportunities
“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 […]
Read MoreA great way to dive into professional learning
“This conference always reminds me of the importance of professional learning and ignites my passion to continue that work. It is a great way to dive into professional learning without […]
Read MoreWell-organized. Fun. Focused.
“Well-organized. Fun (good food, good conversations, enough time to think and collaborate during and between sessions). Focused – the attendees are all trying to do the same thing – improve […]
Read MoreMost impactful and engaging
“The amount of options for sessions guarantees you will find something that fits your needs. My pre-conference session was by far the most impactful and engaging session I attended. Jennifer […]
Read MoreGreat variety
“Great variety of sessions, well organized, and lots of different people from far and wide.” Libby Duethman, Principal, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Read MoreFull of great learning
“It’s been difficult in the past 8-ish years for me to find a conference with sessions where I actually learn something. Learning Forward was full of great learning!” Janelle McLaughlin, […]
Read MoreRelevant and engaging
“The sessions were relevant, engaging, and offered tools and strategies I will implement immediately. Allison Whitworth, Instructional Coach, Roseburg, Oregon
Read MoreMeets the needs of people to improve their craft
“The presenters are professional. The choice of sessions readily meet the needs of people to simply improve their craft. You walk away with resources.” Donna Hendricks, Senior Education Leadership Coach, […]
Read MoreEnhances teacher or leadership practices
“I would recommend this conference to colleagues. It provides a space to network and hear from other school districts and a different physical space from the normal building professional learning. […]
Read More