A. This event is small, intimate, and aimed strictly at helping instructional leaders be more effective in the important work that they do. The event price reflects the establishment of a peer network that begins at the event and extends throughout the year to strengthen connections between leaders and provide ongoing guidance.

A. Registration includes access to the 2 ½-day event; two or three hotel nights, with access to resort amenities; a conference playbook with resources for problem mapping and action planning; all meals, beginning with a Friday reception through Sunday lunch; and optional participation in the half-day service project on Monday, January 19. All attendees will also have the opportunity to continue to connect with their personal advisory boards after the event to check in with each other on action plan progress throughout the year.

A. This is a new event with a more focused, actionable, and intimate format. The event is designed specifically for instructional leaders and is uniquely focused on learning and improving the student experience through a problem-of-practice workshop model. There are dedicated tracks for building and system leaders. Other conferences largely offer stand-alone sessions with little continuity between sessions and topics. The Instructional Leaders’ Summit provides an opportunity for extended time in developing action plans, getting feedback and support from facilitators and fellow participants in similar roles, and attending innovative “choice sessions” that highlight meaningful case studies and peer examples to inspire your action planning. Leaders will develop connections with others during event group work and activities, but will also have an opportunity to strengthen those connections throughout the year in subsequent online gatherings and professional development opportunities.

A. This event is for instructional leaders currently serving in specific roles in schools and districts. The unique peer problem-of-practice foundation of this event necessitates that all participants have experience and are currently in instructional leader roles. If you are in a different role that’s not currently listed below or aren’t sure if this event is for you, email us at events@iste-ascd.org and we can help advise or approve an exception. If not, we have other programs and events that we can recommend to meet your needs.

Job roles intended for the Instructional Leaders’ Summit 26:

• Chief Instructional Leader (CAO, Asst. Superintendent of Instruction)
• Superintendent
• Assistant Superintendent (non-instructional focus)
• Principal
• Assistant Principal
• Curriculum Director
• Department Head/Chair
• Instructional Technology Director

A. Your hotel room is included in your registration fee, so you do not need to book it separately. As part of the registration application, you’ll be asked to answer a few questions that provide the necessary details for event organizers to reserve your room on your behalf.

A. Due to the nature of this event, we strongly encourage all attendees to stay at the event hotel to ensure the best possible experience. If you live within 25 miles of the hotel, you may be eligible to commute from home.

A. Every attendee will have opportunities to connect with their personal advisory board following the event and to continue to collaborate with others in their leader-level track. Attendees will also have opportunities to take advantage of continued support for their action plans with guidance from industry experts and facilitators, with additional optional engagement opportunities from our Custom Learning Services team.

A. Event registrants will be hand-selected to connect into peer groups of instructional leaders in a similar role or context, and facing comparable challenges. Throughout the weekend, these groups will collaborate on problem-solving and action planning. But this isn’t just a weekend experience – this network extends beyond the event, offering ongoing support and advice throughout the year.

A. The community project is still being finalized, but will be a half-day of service that’s optional for event attendees. It will be an opportunity for leaders to solidify their connections with fellow leaders as they roll up our sleeves and do something impactful for a local community. Details will be available this summer.

A. For this event, our team is personally curating the program to deliver a focused and cohesive experience tailored to this event’s unique needs. While we won’t be hosting a formal call for proposals this time, we’re always happy to hear your ideas and welcome you to reach out to discuss whether your content is a good match with our vision. Contact us at events@iste-ascd.org.