Excitement is already building for the Learning Forward 2026 Annual Conference, to be held December 6-9 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center near Dallas, Texas. This year’s conference theme, Unite for Learning, emphasizes collaboration, inclusivity, and shared commitment and invites educators, leaders, and partners to come together around our common goal of professional learning that leads to student success. In a time when unity and purpose are more important than ever, Unite for Learning serves as both an invitation and an inspiration to move forward together.

Learning Forward received more than 700 proposals, reflecting that spirit of commitment and purpose and widespread enthusiasm to share knowledge and practices across roles, districts, and perspectives. From this impressive pool of proposals, 190 concurrent sessions and more than 40 Table Talk sessions will be selected for the conference.

On Thursday, February 20, 2026, more than 70 dedicated volunteers gathered in Richardson, Texas to score proposals. Additional volunteers began virtual scoring the following day. Each proposal is scored a minimum of two times, with some receiving a third score when a tiebreaker is needed. Notifications will be posted and shared with applicants in May.

We are also thrilled to announce two of this year’s keynote speakers. George Couros, author of Forward Together: Moving Schools from Conflict to Community During Contentious Times, will open the conference on Monday morning, and Haesun Moon, author of Coaching A to Z, will take the stage for Tuesday’s keynote.

Stay tuned for more updates as we gear up for what promises to be an inspiring and impactful conference experience. Visit conference.learningforward.org for more information.