If you work in the busy world of K12 Special Education, you’ll know that staying ahead of the latest trends, policies, and best practices is crucial. Attending the right conferences and events provides opportunities to network, learn from experts, and bring back valuable insights to your district.
If you’re looking for must-attend K-12 special education conferences in 2025, here are five of the top events to add to your calendar.
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1. Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Convention & Expo
📅 Date: March 12-15, 2025
📍 Location: Baltimore, MD
🔗 https://cecconvention.org/
The CEC Convention is the one of the largest special education conferences, featuring sessions on evidence-based strategies, policy updates, and innovative teaching practices. Attendees include special education teachers, administrators, researchers, and policymakers focused on improving outcomes for students with disabilities. Expect hands-on workshops, networking with top professionals, and a robust expo with the latest tools in special education.
Why Attend?
✔ Access cutting-edge research and instructional strategies
✔ Learn about policy shifts affecting special education
✔ Connect with educators and industry leaders
2. CASE Conference 2025 (Council of Administrators of Special Education)
📅 Date: November 5-7, 2025
📍 Location: Oklahoma City, OK
🔗 https://www.casecec.org/the-case-conference-2025
The CASE Conference brings together leaders in special education administration to discuss policy changes, funding strategies, and leadership development. This event is ideal for district administrators, special education directors, and coordinators looking to enhance their leadership skills and gain insights into IDEA compliance and funding trends.
Why Attend?
✔ Gain expertise in special education administration and compliance
✔ Network with other special education leaders and decision-makers
✔ Stay informed on legal and policy updates impacting your district
🔹 Interested in how Behavior Advantage can support your district? Attend the CASE Conference to explore best practices and connect with our team!
3. National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (NAESPA) Conference
📅 Date: February 19-21, 2025
📍 Location: Austin, TX
🔗 https://www.eseanetwork.org/
The NAESPA Conference is a must-attend special education conference for education professionals managing federal education programs such as Title I, IDEA, and ESSA compliance. Attendees gain insights on funding opportunities, program implementation strategies, and policy updates affecting special education programs.
Why Attend?
✔ Learn strategies for maximizing federal funding for special education
✔ Get the latest updates on IDEA, ESSA, and other federal policies
✔ Network with state and district education leaders
4. LRP National Institute on Legal Issues of Educating Individuals with Disabilities
📅 Date: April 27 – 30, 2025
📍 Location: Phoenix, AZ
🔗 https://www.lrpinstitute.com/
If you need to stay up to date on special education law, compliance, and litigation trends, this is the conference for you. The LRP National Institute provides a deep dive into legal best practices for special education leaders, offering guidance on IEPs, 504 plans, student discipline, and dispute resolution.
Why Attend?
✔ Gain insights from top legal experts in special education law
✔ Learn best practices for compliance and dispute resolution
✔ Get practical guidance on navigating IDEA, Section 504, and FAPE requirements
5. TASH Conference 2025
📅 Date: December 4-6, 2025
📍 Location: Denver, CO
🔗 https://tash.org/2024tash/
The TASH Conference focuses on inclusive education, equity, and advocacy for students with significant disabilities. Attendees include special education administrators, school psychologists, and professionals committed to advancing policies and practices that support full inclusion.
Why Attend?
✔ Explore innovative approaches to inclusive education
✔ Gain insights on behavior interventions and student support
✔ Connect with professionals advocating for students with significant disabilities
Each of these special education conferences offers unique value depending on your role and focus. Whether you need insights on policy, funding, compliance, or inclusive education, attending these events will equip you with the knowledge and connections to enhance your special education programs.
