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We’re excited to invite you to a day of collaboration, leadership, and learning focused on advancing special education practices for directors and leaders across Arizona's districts and charters. This Preconference is by invitation only and is designed for site-based leaders, specialists, and administrators who are driving change and supporting students with disabilities.

What to Expect:
  • Engaging Panels & Campfire Talks on FAPE, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), staffing shortages, supporting students with complex needs, and more
  • A Premier Legal Speaker offering insights on compliance from federal level and how that impacts State and Local level teams.
  • An Interactive Networking Reception to connect with colleagues, share expertise, and build new relationships.
  • Opportunities for reflection and real-world problem-solving.
Preconference Schedule – Wednesday, August 20, 2025
  • 12:00 – 1:00 PM | Registration
  • 1:00 – 2:30 PM | Concurrent Session 1
  • 2:45 – 4:15 PM | Concurrent Session 2
  • 4:15 – 5:15 PM | Networking Reception
Each concurrent session will be offered twice to allow attendees to participate in both options.

Who can apply to participate?

We welcome a wide range of professionals who are actively engaged in special education leadership at the district or charter level. This includes individuals who are:

  • Leads, Managers, or Directors overseeing special education programs
  • Specialists and Teachers on Special Assignment (TOSAs) supporting special education services
  • Site-based leaders functioning in administrative or leadership roles within special education—even if they do not hold a formal administrative title
If you are directly employed by a school district or charter and play a leadership role in special education, you are encouraged to apply.

Guidelines and Requirements:
  • Each Public Education Agency (PEA) may register up to two eligible leaders (Capacity is capped and final participation decisions will be made by ADE)
  • Priority is given to school-employed, site-based staff
  • Additional names and on-site-based staff will be placed on a waitlist, and if space allows, they will be invited to register.
Registration:

Registration is a three-part process that includes:
  • Make a seat request (using this form)
  • ADE will review and verify that the participant is directly employed by a school district or charter as a special education leader.
  • Upon approval, submit payment through the Arizona Professional Learning and Development System (APLD) by no later than July 25,2025. Payment instructions will be emailed once we have verified seat availability.
This form will close on July 25, 2025. This is hard and final date; no entries will be accepted after this date.

Registration Fee: $100

Please email the IDEA Conference inbox if you have any questions about this process.

Question Title

* 1. I have read and understand the requirements to participate in the Director Preconference and wish to complete my application and seat request.

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