Do you have a promising practice that is making a difference in your school or district? Don’t keep it to yourself — share it as a presenter at one of ACSA’s professional development conferences.

ACSA has just announced that the call for proposals window is open for its two biggest events: Leadership Summit and the Every Child Counts Symposium.

“When school leaders share what they are passionate about and what they have learned through experience, it strengthens the entire profession,” said Dr. Jacqueline Duncan, planning committee chair for the 2026 Leadership Summit. “It is incredibly rewarding to know that something you have tried might inspire or support another leader.”

Duncan said being a presenter has helped her grow by encouraging her to reflect more deeply on her purpose and what has made a difference for students and staff.

“I have also learned so much from the conversations that happen during and after sessions,” she said. “Often the dialogue and shared experiences in the room become just as meaningful as the presentation itself.”

Leadership Summit is ACSA’s marquee professional development event where all levels of administration share real strategies for transforming schools. This year’s summit is Nov. 4-7 in Chula Vista and will have the theme “You Belong Here: Leadership for Every Student.”

Duncan said the planning committee will be looking for proposals that align with six strands: Leadership & School Culture; Budget/Staffing; Equity; Instruction; Wellness; and Technology.

“In addition to strand-based sessions, we are excited to offer job-alike sessions for administrators in similar roles,” Duncan said. “These sessions may focus on best practices within specific leadership positions or support those aspiring to those roles.”

Held each year in January, ACSA’s Every Child Counts Symposium is the premier statewide forum for professionals in student services and special education to come together and share best practices.

“When you present, you’re bringing real strategies and solutions from your schools and districts,” said Ginese Quann, 2027 Every Child Counts Symposium planning committee chair. “And when we share what’s working, we all learn — so more leaders across California can take those ideas home and use them to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.”

This year’s symposium will be held Jan. 11-13, 2027 at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert with the theme: “Desert Bloom: Leading Systems in Challenging Landscapes.” The planning committee has suggested the following seven strands: California Youth Behavioral Health Initiative; Crucial Conversations; Mental Health/Wellness/SEL; MTSS; Technology/AI; Student Voice; Legal Topics/Navigating Executive Orders.

Quann advises prospective presenters to include clear, measurable learning outcomes, build in interactive elements so participants can practice what they’re learning, and focus on practical strategies that can be applied in districts or schools.

“Use examples, evidence, or data to show that what you are doing is making a difference,” she said. “And if you can, connect your session to this year’s theme.”