Call for Proposals
Call for Proposals Now Open!
On behalf of AASA, The School Superintendents Association, thank you for taking the time to consider submitting a proposal for the 2026 National Conference on Education, February 12-14 in Nashville, TN.
Each year, AASA searches for the "best of the best" presenters to engage attendees in conversations around cutting edge trends, issues and solutions in education.
Participation as a presenter will help attendees increase their leadership skills and professional competence, provide for an exchange of ideas and solutions and help attendees address hot topics facing today’s educators. In doing so, AASA, along with those selected presenters, will create a community of learning that will help America’s public school education leaders improve the quality of education for every child in every community.
Submissions are due by 11:59 pm ET on May 30, 2025. Please ensure you have thoroughly reviewed AASA's submission guidelines below prior to submitting a proposal.
Note: Login credentials for the conference submission portal are separate from your AASA login credentials.
Submission Information & Rules
- The submissions collected from this Call for Proposals will be considered for breakout sessions only.
- Breakout sessions take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and are 60 minutes in length.
- Presenters must be available on any day for which AASA assigns your session.
- Proposal submission does not guarantee participation in the National Conference on Education.
- The National Conference on Education is a noncommercial forum. Under no circumstances may a breakout session be used as a place for direct promotion of a presenter’s product, service or monetary self-interest. Sales pitches disguised as presentations will not be considered.
- All presenters must pay conference registration fees and have a registration badge. Please explain this policy to your co-presenters. There are no presenter registration discounts available. We cannot pay an honorarium or expenses for presenting breakout sessions at the Annual Conference, but hope that the intangible benefits of being a part of our educational programming make the effort worthwhile for presenters.
- Persons presenting at the conference are expected to use material and language that does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, ethnicity, religion, physical ability, and/or sexual orientation.
- AASA does not pay ANY honoraria, speaker fees, or travel expenses to breakout session speakers.
- The Main Presenter is responsible for managing the submission process, as well as providing all required assets should the submission be selected.
- Main presenters may submit a maximum of 1 session. If you need to make an adjustment, you can withdraw an active submission and you’ll then be able to submit another. All adjustments must be made prior to the May 30 submission deadline.
- All National Conference on Education information and correspondence will be sent via email.
- Preference will be given to the sessions that follow the NCE Focus Zones as outlined below.
- Each proposal must have an active superintendent as part of the panel of presenters. We are looking this year for proposals that include teams of school district personnel as part of the presentation panel.
- Breakout rooms will be equipped with an LCD projector, screen, podium mic, laptop & sound patch and head table for three. Any other audiovisual equipment (i.e. flipcharts, etc.) must be requested by January 9, 2026.
- Dedicated internet is NOT provided in breakout rooms.
- Presenters agree to abide by the terms of the copyright release in order to present at the National Conference on Education.
- AASA may record audio and/or video presentations and make them available to members and other professional interested in the topic.
- Presenters agree to permit AASA to provide their contact information to attendees upon request.
- Presenters permit AASA to record their session for NCE attendees.
- Presenters understand that AASA does not provide hardcopy handouts to attendees.
- If your proposal is selected, AASA reserves the right to revise presentation titles, reassign the selected Focus Zone, and/or edit the program summary for promotional and program materials.
- AASA reserves the right to cancel a session based on noncompliance at any point. This includes, but is not limited to failure to fully register, failure to return required documents, presenter changes, etc.
- AASA may consider a submitted proposal for other meetings and/or conferences.
March 27, 2025: 9am ET
Call for Proposals Opens
May 30, 2025: 11:59 pm ET
Call for Proposals Closes
October 1, 2025
Notification of Acceptance or Rejection
December 31, 2025
Deadline for accepted presenters to register (to be included in the conference program book)
January 9, 2026
Deadline for additional audiovisual requests
January 16, 2026
Deadline for presenters to submit electronic handouts to the mobile app
Focus Zones
Presentations should feature at least one superintendent/school district leader and preferably team members from one or more school district(s)
Topics Include:
- Implementing personalized learning plans for diverse student needs
- Integrating technology to enhance individualized instruction
- Promoting student voice and choice in the curriculum
- Developing project-based learning opportunities
- Encouraging social-emotional learning and well-being
Presentations should feature at least one superintendent/school district leader and preferably team members from one or more school district(s)
Topics Include:
- Embedding financial literacy and entrepreneurship in the curriculum
- Teaching digital citizenship and online safety
- Fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability
- Preparing students for careers in STEM fields
- Prepare students for diverse post-graduation pathways, including college, career, and entrepreneurship
- Utilize community partnerships to provide real-world learning experiences
- Incorporating life skills such as communication and collaboration
Presentations should feature at least one superintendent/school district leader and preferably team members from one or more school district(s)
Topics Include:
- Creating a supportive and inclusive work environment
- Offering competitive salaries, benefits, and ongoing professional development opportunities
- Implementing mentorship and coaching programs
- Recognizing and rewarding outstanding performance
- Exploring alternative staffing models and flexible work arrangements
Presentations should feature at least one superintendent/school district leader and preferably team members from one or more school district(s)
Topics Include:
- Establishing regular communication channels with your school board, families, and community members
- Involving parents and community members in school decision-making
- Creating volunteer opportunities for community engagement
- Hosting family education workshops and events
- Partnering with local businesses, school boards, and organizations for resources and support
- Fostering trust and collaboration to enhance student success
Presentations should feature at least one superintendent/school district leader and preferably team members from one or more school district(s)
Topics Include:
- Developing comprehensive assessment systems beyond standardized tests
- Using data to inform instruction and improve student outcomes
- Implementing formative assessments to guide teaching practices
- Evaluating the effectiveness of educational programs and initiatives
- Developing comprehensive graduate profiles, supported by the local community, and defining clear metrics for success
Presentations should feature at least one superintendent/school district leader and preferably team members from one or more school district(s)
Topics Include:
- Enhancing physical security measures and emergency preparedness
- Promoting a positive school climate and culture
- Implementing mental health support and crisis intervention programs
- Training staff and students on safety protocols
- Collaborating with local law enforcement and safety experts
Presentations should feature at least one superintendent/school district leader and preferably team members from one or more school district(s)
Topics Include:
- Maximizing budget efficiency and resource allocation
- Leveraging technology to streamline administrative processes
- Ensuring equitable access to technology for all students
- Implementing sustainable practices and green initiatives
- Planning for future infrastructure and facility needs
Questions?
Contact aasance@aasa.org
Key Dates & Deadlines
March 27, 2025: 9am ET
Call for Proposals Opens
May 30, 2025: 11:59 pm ET
Call for Proposals Closes
October 1, 2025
Notification of Acceptance or Rejection
December 31, 2025
Deadline for accepted presenters to register (to be included in the conference program book)
January 9, 2026
Deadline for additional audiovisual requests
January 16, 2026
Deadline for presenters to submit electronic handouts to the mobile app