Overview and before you start

NASDTEC is pleased to announce its 97th Annual Conference in Indianapolis, IN on June 14-16, 2026. NASDTEC is dedicated to providing leadership and support to those responsible for the preparation, certification or licensure, and continuing professional development of educators.

Relying on feedback from previous conferences, the conference committee strives to utilize the talents of NASDTEC members and partners to present interactive sessions in which speakers share innovative and proven practices, including successes and opportunities for growth.

For the 97th Annual Conference, the conference committee is seeking proposals that engage stakeholders across the educator continuum and are focused on the following topics:

Conference Strand 1: The New Credentialing Frontier: Modernizing & Innovating Licensure for Barrier-Free Entry to the Profession
A. Strategies to remove barriers to entering the profession
B. Modernizations and innovative practices that lead to licensure

Conference Strand 2: Tech, Ethics, & Efficiency: Tech's True Role in Preparation & Certification
A. The use of advanced technologies including platforms, tools, and applications leveraging human-like intelligence to modernize the day-to-day work of credentialing
B. The role of emerging educational tools and technologies embedding artificial intelligence in educator preparation
C. Rethinking technology-related credentials and licensure requirements

Conference Strand 3: Policy, Partnership, and Productive Dialogue: Navigating Tough Topics & Collaborating for Success
A. Effective practices resulting in successes, efficiencies, and positive outcomes
B. Preparation models outside standard practice (e.g., waived policies, residency models, and other temporary credentials)
C. Unexpected partnerships between state entities and higher education, not-for-profits, and K-12 institutions (e.g. districts, charter networks, etc.) for the development of policy, guidelines, and practice
D. Striking the balance of policy adherence and excellent service : How states walk the line of providing the highest quality technical assistance while upholding federal and state rules
E. Policy in action: State licensure changes through cross-sector collaboration (e.g. managing competing priorities, limited access to data, and political scrutiny)

Conference Strand 4: The Exploratory and Emerging Trends in Preparation, Licensure, and Certification
A. Practices and policies that are currently exploratory, on the margins, or just gaining momentum
B. Unconference conference sessions: The exploratory and emerging trends in preparation, licensure, and certification
C. Other promising practices (e.g. competency-based practices, using work-based experience)

Proposals must be submitted by the close of business on November 21, 2025. Concurrent sessions will be announced by early January 2026.
Before you start

Please prepare to provide the following information before you start your proposal.

1. Presenter information
First name
Last name
Company/Organization
Address
City, state, postal code
Email address
Phone number

In addition to yourself as the primary presenter, you may have up to three (3) co-presenters for a total of four (4) people per presentation.

2. Which of the following topics will most closely relate to your presentation?

Conference Strand 1: The New Credentialing Frontier: Modernizing & Innovating Licensure for Barrier-Free Entry to the Profession
Conference Strand 2: Tech, Ethics, & Efficiency: Tech’s True Role in Preparation & Certification
Conference Strand 3: Policy, Partnership, and Productive Dialog: Navigating Tough Topics & Collaboration for Success
Conference Strand 4: The Exploratory and Emerging Trends in Preparation, Licensure, and Certification

3. What format will your presentation have?
Individual presenter
Multiple presenters (up to three total)
Panel discussion

4. Title of presentation

5. Description of presentation

6. Ways you will actively engage the audience

7. Expected outcomes of participants in your session

8. Supporting research, if applicable

Question Title

* 1. Commitment for conference presenters

If your presentation is selected for a conference session, you and your co-presenters will be required to pay for conference registration, travel, hotel, and meals (for any meals not included during the conference). NASDTEC does not compensate or reimburse expenses associated with conference participation.

If my proposal is selected for the NASDTEC 97th Annual Conference, I understand I am responsible for traveling to the location of the event to present in person. I understand I am responsible for all travel and accommodation expenses. I understand that conference registration is not included.

Question Title

* 2. I am prepared with all required information and ready to start my proposal submission.

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